Abstract

Children in Out-of-Home Placement: How Far Have They Moved?
Track: Health and Human Services
Authors: Matthew Nalty

Cases in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (TDFPS) may result in removal of a child from the home. How far away do children removed from their home of origin move to an out-of-home placement paid for by TDFPS? This study aims to analyze trends in distance moved for those in placement from 2009 thru 2011. Preliminary state-wide results using great circle distance analysis show that an average of 25% of all children in TDFPS paid placement have traveled greater than 50 miles from their home of origin. However, in rural areas this increases to and average of 60%. In these analyses ArcGIS was used to geolocate removal and placement address. Subsequent analyses will utilize a network-based analysis in order to determine real world distance from home of origin to placement. Results of this study will inform TDFPS outcomes on success of placements, transportation costs, and regional service availability.