Are Two Voices Better Than One? Predicting Permanency in Minority Youth Using Multi-informant Mental Health and Strength Data

Among youth in child welfare ages 6–17 years, 40 % meet the criteria for one or more DSM diagnoses. For minority youth in
child welfare, poor mental health is compounded by limited access to care and racial disparity bias, leading to poorer outcomes.
This paper uses data collected and analyzed by an automated behavioral health assessment system for a multiyear study that
focused on ways to improve case planning in child welfare. Youth, their caseworkers, and, in some cases, parents completed
assessments that measured and monitored the youths’ needs and strengths. More than 60 % of youth participating in the study
were African-American; permanency rates after six months of case planning were found to be only one third. Predictive factors
related to better behavioral health and permanency outcomes are identified and discussed, as well as the implications for
improving case planning by incorporating the views of multiple informants, including the youth.