Latino Child Welfare: Parents' Weil-Being at the Time of Entry

Abstract

This study examines community environment, social support networks, and other factors that impact the physical and mental health of Latino parents involved with the public child welfare system. Secondary data analyses were completed using data from the National Survey on Child and Adolescent Well-Being. The results reveal differences in parents' social support structure (i.e., number of individuals providing support) and perceptions of community environment safety by immigration status. There were differences in satisfaction with social support by Latino origin. Regression analyses indicate that household income, age, and social support structure predict parents' health. Implications for social work practice, policy, and future research are discussed.