RACIAL ETHNIC DIFFERENCES IN COURT REFERRED PATHWAYS TO MENTAL-HEALTH-SERVICES FOR CHILDREN IN FOSTER-CARE/

Racial/Ethnic disparity in placement patterns and service utilization among children in foster care has been documented in a variety of stud ies. This study examined the role of the court process in referring ch ildren in foster care to mental health services and tested for racial/ ethnic differences in the patterns of referral and service use. Court records for 142 children ages 2-16, representing Caucasian, African Am erican, and Hispanic racial/ethnic groups were reviewed. Results indic ate that the court process does play a significant role in referring c hildren to services. Significant differences by race and ethnicity in mental health service utilization prior to the child's protective plac ement, as well as service orders, and post-placement service use were identified. Caucasian youth were more likely to receive orders for psy chotherapy and to have documented use of psychotherapy than were Afric an American and Hispanic youth, even when the possible confounding eff ects of age and type of maltreatment were controlled. Implications for the effective delivery of supportive services to those children most in need are discussed.