Assessment and Management of Youth Involved With the Child Welfare System

Publication Date: June 1, 2015
Last Updated: March 14, 2022

PRINCIPLES

Clinicians should understand the child welfare process and how youth and family may interface with the child welfare system.
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Clinicians should be familiar with child welfare system core values and principles.
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Clinicians should be aware of a referred child’s current legal status, including who has the authority to give consent for evaluation and treatment.
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Before accepting a referral, the clinician should clarify the circumstances and goals of the referral and the limits of which services can and cannot be provided.
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Clinicians should communicate with the referral source and the child welfare worker to obtain the information needed to proceed with the evaluation.
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Clinicians should involve biological and foster family members in assessment and/or treatment.
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Clinicians should be aware of special considerations in the evaluation and management of youth involved with the child welfare system.
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Clinicians should maintain high standards of record keeping with due attention to youth outcomes and confidentiality.
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Clinicians should be familiar with common problems presenting in youth involved with the child welfare system.
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Clinicians should be knowledgeable about evidence-based psychosocial interventions for youth involved with the child welfare system.
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Clinicians should be familiar with regulations and procedures for prescribing psychiatric medications to youth involved with the child welfare system and should follow evidence-based and best prescribing practices.
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Recommendation Grading

Overview

Title

Assessment and Management of Youth Involved With the Child Welfare System

Authoring Organization

American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Publication Month/Year

June 1, 2015

Last Updated Month/Year

June 27, 2023

Document Type

Guideline

External Publication Status

Published

Country of Publication

US

Inclusion Criteria

Male, Female, Adolescent, Child, Infant

Health Care Settings

Ambulatory, Childcare center, School

Intended Users

Nurse, nurse practitioner, physician, physician assistant, psychologist, social worker

Scope

Management

Diseases/Conditions (MeSH)

D002669 - Child Welfare

Keywords

foster care, child welfare