Examining missingness among children in out-of-home care placement in Nebraska

Abstract

BackgroundLittle is known regarding the prevalence and context of missingness (i.e., being reported as a missing person) among children in out-of-home (OOH) care. ObjectiveThe present research examines the relationship between missingness and OOH care placements as well as predictors and case contexts of children missing from OOH care. MethodsPoint-in-time count data of reported missing persons in Nebraska and administrative records on children's OOH placements are used. Bivariate significance tests examine group differences; case contexts are explored through content analysis of OOH case reviews. ResultsAbout 30 % of Nebraska's missing children are in OOH care. Bivariate tests show that children missing from OOH care are older and are more likely to be Black and less likely to have their race listed as “unknown” than children missing from their families of origin. Children in OOH who are missing are also more likely to be in group care, on probation, and have greater placement instability compared to children in OOH care who are not missing. Case contexts of missingness include unmet substance use and mental health challenges, experiences with violence and victimization, and few bonds to school. ConclusionsScreening and interventions for high-need children in OOH care and their caregivers are necessary to prevent children from going missing from placements.