2012 (1) To identify and compare rates of body mass index (BMI) ≥ 85% (overweight/obesity) and BMI ≥ 95% (obesity) in maltreated versus comparison young adolescents; (2) to determine whether demographic/psychological characteristics are related to high BMI; (3) to determine whether type of maltreatment is related to high BMI in maltreated young adolescents.

2011 To describe health-related problems across placement types (unrelated foster, kin foster, in-home with birth parent); to examine the association of placement and demographic/child welfare variables (child gender, age, race/ethnicity; caregiver language; type of maltreatment, and length of time receiving services from child welfare) with health-related problems.

2010 This study's purpose was to identify differences in pediatric health care barriers and utilization among children in child welfare by caregiver type (birth parents, kin, and unrelated foster). Surveys were administered to 237 caregivers in the waiting room of an outpatient pediatric clinic in Los Angeles, California. Least-square means of access-to-care barriers derived from general linear models were compared across three types of caregivers. Multiple logistic regression models were employed to compare odds of good health status, availability of regular physician, and up-to-date vaccination across caregiver types. In the multivariate analysis, birth parents with children in child welfare were more likely to rate transportation as an access barrier (p = 0.05) and unrelated caregivers were less likely to rate clinic hours inconvenient (p = 0.03) than other caregivers. Children with unrelated foster caregivers were less up-to-date on their vaccinations. All caregivers rated “difficulty understanding doctor's explanation”, “wait too long to see a doctor”, and “clinic hours inconvenient” as the most difficult access barriers. Children who remain at home with their birth parents and receive child welfare services have similar pediatric health access barriers as children in foster care and should be included in policy initiatives about improving health care for children in child welfare.

2008 Caregivers in the child welfare system are an important element in ensuring that mental and pediatric health services for their children are utilized appropriately. The high prevalence of mental and physical health problems of children in the child welfare system along with the inadequate utilization of health services make the role of caregivers essential for improving health outcomes. This article explores the barriers to meeting the health needs of this vulnerable population of children and how different types of caregivers (unrelated foster, kinship foster, and birth parents) utilize mental and pediatric health services. Child welfare caseworkers need to increase their communication with caregivers, assess adherence to health care recommendations, and help alleviate barriers to care.

2007 Children in foster care exhibit physical health problems at alarming rates. Moreover, these problems are frequently undiagnosed before entry into foster and too often go untreated while in foster care. To address the inadequate system of health care for foster children, a multidisciplinary summit was held in Los Angeles, California. In addition to synthesizing the literature related to health care for foster children, this article analyzes information collected at the summit, including information on health needs of foster children, barriers to health services and recommendations for improving health services to foster youth.