Most adolescents referred to child protective services (CPS) for parental neglect experience behavioral or mental health concerns, with nearly one in 10 referrals concerning acute suicidality, according to a study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health.Why It’s Relevant
Despite the long-term negative outcomes associated with child neglect, adolescents who experience this form of child maltreatment are less likely to be referred to CPS because they require less supervision and engagement than younger children, so it’s more difficult to meet statutory criteria for neglect. Understanding the concerns that may lead to allegations of neglect is critical to enhance CPS responses and support for this population.
By the Numbers
- The researchers looked at data from 993 adolescents ages 13 to 17 who were referred to the CPS system in California for neglect between 2017 and 2019.
- More than half of the referrals (56%) included concerns about adolescent behavior (44%) and/or mental health (30%).
- Among the child behavior concerns, 33% were related to child alcohol or drug use, 24% were related to truancy, and 21% were related to delinquent behaviors.
- Among the referrals citing adolescent mental health concerns, 31% noted suicidality, 22% noted mood disorders, and 15% noted trauma symptoms.
- About a quarter of the referrals included allegations of both neglect and abuse.
- Other common concerns in the referrals were caregiver’s lack of protection (36%), parental alcohol and drug use (29%), lack of supervision (22%), unmet material needs (19%), and domestic violence (12%).
The Other Side
The study didn’t include data on adolescent medical histories and what services they received, if any. It’s unclear if the neglect referrals were related to a shortage of mental health or behavioral treatment or a failure to connect adolescents to those services.
Takeaway Message
“[A]s adolescents continue to come to the attention of CPS for alleged neglect, it is critical to recognize the limited resources that CPS agencies have to address their needs,” the researchers wrote. “Addressing the mental health provider shortage, particularly providers able and willing to care for patients on Medicaid with more serious health challenges, may alleviate some of the strain on CPS to fund and facilitate services.”
Related Information
Source
Lindsay Palmer, et al. A call for help? adolescent neglect reports as indicators of mental and behavioral health struggles. Journal of Adolescent Health. Published February 10, 2026. doi: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2025.11.025
(Image: Getty Images/iStock/max-kegfire)
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