This study examined childhood and family factors (e.g., family type, frequency of moves, corporal punishment, mental health history) in relation to the risk of mortality using data from the Woodlawn  (Chicago) project.  The project tracked an entire first grade class (n=1242) of low-income, African-American children attending 12 schools. Data collection occurred at ages 6 (through interviews with mothers and teachers), 16-17 and 32-34 years (through direct interviews or records).

Within the group, 3.5% (n= 44) had died by age 32 years; 39% of deaths were due to homicide, suicide or drug overdose. The risk of mortality was greater for those living in foster care (calculated odds ratio of 16.8) or in a single-mother family (odds ratio of 1.8).  Males were at higher risk than females. The number (n= 23) living in foster care at age six was too small for further analysis but records indicated none of their biological mothers was reported deceased, suggesting family adversity affected the child’s household situation. The authors recommend further study of children in foster care and ways to mitigate the impact of instability.

(Juon H-S, Ensminger M and Feehan M. Am J Public Health 2003;93:2044-2045)

Comment: Children in foster care can be readily identified and should be considered vulnerable. --J.O.