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This study aims to compare different approaches to measuring racial/ethnic disparities in mental health (MH) service use among a nationwide representative sample of children referred to the child welfare system and compare the magnitude and direction of potential disparities in MH service use over time. Using data from the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being, six summary measures of disparity were implemented to quantify racial/ethnic disparities in MH service use. This study found that youth of color were less likely than their White counterparts to receive MH services. This racial/ethnic disparity was found to increase over time; however, the magnitude of the increase varied considerably across disparity measures. In addition, the estimated increases in disparity were even greater when the sample was limited to youth in need of MH services. This study shows that the same data may produce different magnitudes of disparity, depending on which metric is implemented and whether MH need is accounted for. A greater understanding of and justification for selection of methods to examine MH disparities among child welfare researchers and policy makers is warranted.

SummaryWhile previous studies have offered insight into evidence-based practices that are effective in promoting safety and well-being, the underlying contextual implementation conditions that influence these outcomes in child welfare agencies are less understood. To address this gap, this study relied on organizational survey data collected from child welfare workers and supervisors during the process of implementing an evidence-based practice—the Positive Parenting Program—and merged those data with data gathered by the Parents' Assessment of Protective Factors survey.FindingsResults showed a significant increase between baseline and termination of services in social connections and overall protective factors index scores. Parents who received services from organizations inclusive of supportive leadership experienced greater increases in social connections. Lower protective factors index scores were associated with workers' perception that evidence-based practices were required; however, scores increased as supportive leadership increased. Parents who identified as African American experienced lower protective factors index scores compared to parents in other racial categories. Parents who were engaged with workers who felt evidence-based practices were appealing were likely to experience greater increases in protective factors index scores.ApplicationsIntended client outcomes are more likely to be achieved when agency leaders (1) provide workers support to learn and use evidence-based practices and (2) rely on methods to increase evidence-based practice appeal rather than mandate implementation. Future research is needed to (1) understand why the implementation contexts or Positive Parenting Program itself are not as effective for African Americans as they are for oteher racial/ethnic groups and (2) validate findings in other agency contexts and with other evidence-based practices.

AbstractLittle is known about what factors predict fatality and near fatality (NF) involving child maltreatment and if predictors differ between them. Analyses of cases in 2017 and 2018 in one Mid‐Atlantic state revealed that prior child welfare history and prevalence of risk factors, such as substance abuse, mental illness, interpersonal violence, chronic abuse, incarceration, sibling injuries, and unstable housing did not differ between fatality and NF cases. Logistic regression revealed fatalities decreased by 78% if victims received Emergency Room treatment. Findings underscore the need to train providers about risk factors and to develop interventions that increase utilisation of medical services.

Research education in social work is becoming increasingly influenced by anti-scientific ideologies. Social work researchers and students now exist in an environment that is moving away from scientific and pedagogical touchstones. These touchstones include the expectation to (a) select research questions, (b) rely upon relevant and applicable methods that are tailored to answer those questions, and (c) engage in a free and open discourse about the selection of methods, even if they are in stark contrast to those that are preferred by personal values or pre-determined ideology. We state our concern that social work research is narrowing, leaving researchers pressured to diverge from general qualitative and quantitative scientific approaches, and risking the stifling of open discourse needed to inform efficacious interventions and/or policies. In addition to the challenges identified by Feldman, this paper suggests an additional challenge—that SW research education may be failing to prepare scholars to follow the scientific standards needed to advance the evidence-based useful to those we serve. We propose alternative approaches.