Prenatal and Infant Reports and Child Protection Involvement: A Longitudinal Cohort Study

Miriam J Maclean; Fernando Lima; Stephanie Taplin; Rhonda Marriott; Jacynta Krakouer; Melissa O'Donnell

doi:10.1177/10775595251381279

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Prenatal and Infant Reports and Child Protection Involvement: A Longitudinal Cohort Study

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Prenatal and Infant Reports and Child Protection Involvement: A Longitudinal Cohort Study

Miriam J Maclean, Fernando Lima, Stephanie Taplin, Rhonda Marriott, Jacynta Krakouer and Melissa O'Donnell

Child maltreatment

2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/10775595251381279

PMID: 40972636

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Abstract

foster care

infants

child protective services

In Australia, infants have the highest rate of child protection involvement. Many jurisdictions in Australia and internationally have introduced policies for prenatal planning and support, however little is known about outcomes of infants reported prenatally. This study is the first to use cross-jurisdictional, individual-record data to examine child protection pathways associated with prenatal and infant reports. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data covering 2012-2018 was used. Cox regression analyses examined factors associated with removal into out-of-home care and reunification. Removals were significantly more likely for children with prenatal reports (HR = 2.29, 95% CI: 2.17-2.41). Earlier-in-pregnancy reports were not associated with reduced removals. There was significant variation across jurisdictions in removals and reunifications. Aboriginal children were significantly more likely to have prenatal reports and removals and less likely to be reunified. Examining the effectiveness and potential improvement of prenatal interventions and support could increase children's opportunity to safely remain at home.

Details

Title: Prenatal and Infant Reports and Child Protection Involvement: A Longitudinal Cohort Study
Authors/Creators: Miriam J Maclean - University of South Australia
Fernando Lima - University of South Australia
Stephanie Taplin - University of Technology Sydney
Rhonda Marriott - Murdoch University
Jacynta Krakouer - University of South Australia
Melissa O'Donnell - The Kids Research Institute Australia
Publication Details: Child maltreatment
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Number of pages: 11
Identifiers: 991005813610907891
Murdoch Affiliation: Ngangk Yira Institute for Change
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration
Citation topics: 6 Social Sciences; 6.24 Psychiatry & Psychology; 6.24.856 Child Welfare
Web Of Science research areas: Family Studies; Social Work
ESI research areas: Social Sciences, general