Children of Immigrants in the Child Welfare System: Characteristics, Risk, and Maltreatment

Children in immigrant families face a number of risks that may lead to involvement with child welfare agencies. Yet, little is known about their involvement in this system. This study analyzes data from the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being to identify the characteristics, risk factors, and incidence of maltreatment among children of immigrants involved with the child welfare system, and compares those factors to children in U.S.-born families. Findings indicate that significant differences are present in the type of maltreatment experienced and in exposure to risk. Increased awareness of these differences can facilitate an understanding of the dynamics of risk and maltreatment in immigrant families, as well as the development of culturally competent assessment, intervention, and prevention activities.