Prenatal and Infant Reports and Child Protection Involvement: A Longitudinal Cohort Study

In Australia, infants have the highest rate of child protection involvement. Many jurisdictions in Australia and internationally have introduced policies for prenatal planning and support, however little is known about outcomes of infants reported prenatally. This study is the first to use cross-jurisdictional, individual-record data to examine child protection pathways associated with prenatal and infant reports. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data covering 2012-2018 was used. Cox regression analyses examined factors associated with removal into out-of-home care and reunification. Removals were significantly more likely for children with prenatal reports (HR = 2.29, 95% CI: 2.17-2.41). Earlier-in-pregnancy reports were not associated with reduced removals. There was significant variation across jurisdictions in removals and reunifications. Aboriginal children were significantly more likely to have prenatal reports and removals and less likely to be reunified. Examining the effectiveness and potential improvement of prenatal interventions and support could increase children's opportunity to safely remain at home.