Patterns of child protection service involvement by Aboriginal children associated with a higher risk of self-harm in adolescence: A retrospective population cohort study using linked administrative data

Abstract

BackgroundA history of child maltreatment is known to elevate the risk of self-harm in adolescence. However, this link has not been investigated for Aboriginal children who experience a greater burden of both. ObjectiveIdentify patterns of involvement with child protection services by Aboriginal children associated with a higher risk of self-harm in adolescence. Participants and settingA cohort study was established using linked administrative records of Aboriginal children born in the Northern Territory (NT) of Australia. MethodsSurvival analysis techniques were used to determine the risk of self-harm in adolescence associated with different levels and timing of child protection involvement throughout childhood. ResultThe relative risk of self-harm for children with substantiated maltreatment in both early and middle childhood was nine times higher (aHR: 9.11, 95% CI: 3.39-24.46, p < 0.001) and was six times higher for children who experienced notifications in early childhood and substantiated maltreatment in middle childhood (aHR: 6.72, 95% CI:2.16-20.90, p < 0.001). Other patterns of child protection involvement observed in middle childhood alone also conferred a higher relative risk of self-harm in adolescence. ConclusionThis study confirms a higher risk of self-harm in adolescence is associated with child maltreatment, especially in middle childhood. Addressing the intergenerational trauma in Aboriginal families is crucial to preventing child maltreatment and informing reforms to child protection responses that can better identify and address the culturally-specific unmet needs of Aboriginal families. This would go some way to fostering the healthy growth and development of Aboriginal children and reduce self-harm risk.