Using the CBCL to determine the clinical status of children in state custody

This manuscript reviews information on past use of the CBCL to describe the clinical status of children in state custody and the results of a recent s tudy of a representative statewide sample. The sample included a random sam ple of children in state custody, including those in foster care, kinship c are, group residential facilities, and state institutions. One third (34%) of the children in state custody were reported as having significant behavi or problems. The narrow band scales reflecting greatest difficulties includ ed Aggressive, Delinquent, and Withdrawn behavior. The youngest teenage gro up was significantly more likely to have Internalizing problems in the clin ical level, and those living in family homes were more likely to have score s in the non-clinical range than those in foster homes or group placements. There were no effects of gender, race, adjudication status, or length of t ime in custody. Implications for policy makers, caseworkers, and researcher s are discussed.