Smith, S. – 2012
An overview of national, California, and Los Angeles County data on young children entering foster care. Presents statistics on the numbers of children entering care, broken into age groups. Notes that while overall numbers are declining, rates of entry remain highest for babies, an age group that experiences higher rates of victimization. A summary of national data shows that babies and toddlers enter foster care primarily for parental neglect and substance abuse. Notes that substance abuse is a major factor in removal of newborns from the home. Neglect is the most common reason for removal of young children in the Los Angeles area. California statewide data shows that 76.6% of child welfare-involved parents have substance abuse issues.