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Exploring the dynamics and outcomes of family engagement in child welfare services: A structural equation modeling approach

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  • Lai, Jianchao
  • Graef, Michelle
  • Franke, Todd

Abstract

Engaging families effectively in child welfare services remains a persistent challenge, shaped by complex interactions between agency practices and family circumstances. While existing research has explored this issue, it has predominantly relied on data from agency and caseworker perspectives, often overlooking the crucial viewpoint of the families.

Suggested Citation

  • Lai, Jianchao & Graef, Michelle & Franke, Todd, 2025. "Exploring the dynamics and outcomes of family engagement in child welfare services: A structural equation modeling approach," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 171(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:171:y:2025:i:c:s0190740925000556
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2025.108172
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lai, Jianchao & Graef, Michelle & Franke, Todd & Burnham, Toby, 2023. "Contextual determinants of re-reporting for families receiving alternative response: A survival analysis in a Midwestern State," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 155(C).
    2. Gladstone, James & Dumbrill, Gary & Leslie, Bruce & Koster, Andrew & Young, Michelle & Ismaila, Afisi, 2014. "Understanding worker–parent engagement in child protection casework," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 44(C), pages 56-64.
    3. Shipe, Stacey L. & Uretsky, Mathew C. & Shaw, Terry V., 2022. "Family outcomes in alternative response: A multilevel analysis of recurrence," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 132(C).
    4. Toros, Karmen & DiNitto, Diana Maria & Tiko, Anne, 2018. "Family engagement in the child welfare system: A scoping review," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 88(C), pages 598-607.
    5. Kemp, Susan P. & Marcenko, Maureen O. & Lyons, Sandra J. & Kruzich, Jean M., 2014. "Strength-based practice and parental engagement in child welfare services: An empirical examination," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 47(P1), pages 27-35.
    6. Lawrence, C. Nicole & Rosanbalm, Katie D. & Dodge, Kenneth A., 2011. "Multiple Response System: Evaluation of Policy Change in North Carolina's Child Welfare System," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 33(11), pages 2355-2365.
    7. Rostad, Whitney L. & Rogers, Tia McGill & Chaffin, Mark J., 2017. "The influence of concrete support on child welfare program engagement, progress, and recurrence," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 72(C), pages 26-33.
    8. Lawson, Jennifer, 2019. "Domestic violence as child maltreatment: Differential risks and outcomes among cases referred to child welfare agencies for domestic violence exposure," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 98(C), pages 32-41.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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