The presence of IPV in foster care cases: Examining referrals for services, reunification goals, and system responsibility

The co-occurrence of child maltreatment and intimate partner violence (IPV) is estimated to range from 30 to 60% and IPV can negatively affect reunification for children in foster care. The purpose of this descriptive study is to assess the co-occurrence, reunification goals, and referrals for services related to IPV by foster care case managers. The study relies on survey data from 165 case managers in three geographic areas of one Midwestern state. Data from focus groups of case managers and supervisors (n = 64) are also used to uncover any barriers related to IPV services and reunification. The results indicate that overall, few referrals for IPV services are made by foster care case managers for children and adult perpetrators, although more referrals are made for adult victims and perpetrators when reunification is the goal. Focus group results reveal that a lack of available, affordable, and beneficial services were among the barriers cited for the low number of referrals for IPV services. Building resources and IPV services that are viewed as necessary and beneficial to children and families is essential to increasing a family's safety and improving the well-being of all members.