MEETING THE ENVIRONMENTAL NEEDS OF ABUSED AND NEGLECTED CHILDREN - IMPLICATIONS FROM A STATEWIDE SURVEY OF SUPPORTIVE SERVICES

The authors present results of a statewide case record review of suppo rtive services for abused and neglected children. Data were gathered f rom a random sample of 500 child welfare cases to determine supportive service needs and gaps in services. The findings underscore environme ntal stress factors affecting abused and neglected children. Three suc h factors were parental substance abuse, economic difficulties, and po or living conditions. Service needs relating to environmental stressor s were less frequently addressed in case plans than problems related t o child maltreatment. In addition, significant differences existed in service delivery between minority and nonminority children, indicating the problems child welfare agencies face in responding appropriately to the service needs of families of color. The authors discuss implica tions for child welfare practice and training.