Algorithmic-Assisted Decision-Making Tools in Child Welfare Practice: A Systematic Review.

Purpose: Algorithmic-assisted decision-making tools are increasingly used in child welfare services, yet key factors and challenges for successful and ethical implementation remain underexplored. This review centers on fairness, equity, and ethics in their application. Methods: Using PRISMA guidelin...

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Publicado en:Research on Social Work Practice Vol. 36; no. 4; pp. 382 - 398
Autores principales: Yu, Meng-Hsuan, Rose, Roderick A.
Formato: Artículo
Publicado: Sage Publications Inc. May2026
Materias:
Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
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      dt: May2026
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      pub: Sage Publications Inc.
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        atl: Algorithmic-Assisted Decision-Making Tools in Child Welfare Practice: A Systematic Review.
      aug:
        au:
          Yu, Meng-Hsuan
          Rose, Roderick A.
        affil: University of Maryland School of Social Work, Baltimore, MD, USA
      su:
        Child welfare
        Equality
        Social services
        Communication
        Needs assessment
        Access to information
        Decision support systems
        Risk assessment
        Professional practice
        Prediction models
        Grey literature
        Systematic reviews
        MEDLINE
        Prediction algorithms
        Machine learning
        Online information services
        Algorithms
        Psychology information storage & retrieval systems
      sug:
        subj:
          Child welfare
          Equality
          Social services
          Communication
          Needs assessment
          Access to information
          Other Individual and Family Services
          Decision support systems
          Risk assessment
          Professional practice
          Prediction models
          Grey literature
          Systematic reviews
          MEDLINE
          Prediction algorithms
          Machine learning
          Online information services
          Algorithms
          Psychology information storage & retrieval systems
      keyword:
        algorithmic fairness
        algorithmic-assisted decision-making
        child protective service
        child welfare
        machine learning model
        predictive risk modeling
        algorithmic fairness
        algorithmic-assisted decision-making
        child protective service
        child welfare
        machine learning model
        predictive risk modeling
      ab: Purpose: Algorithmic-assisted decision-making tools are increasingly used in child welfare services, yet key factors and challenges for successful and ethical implementation remain underexplored. This review centers on fairness, equity, and ethics in their application. Methods: Using PRISMA guidelines and including gray literature, nine studies were reviewed that described algorithmic tools implementation across various stages of the child welfare system. The review focused on identifying challenges and critical success factors, especially concerning fairness, equity, and ethics. Results: This study used a holistic framework to review critical aspects from tool development to deployment. Additionally, strategies to address fairness and ethical considerations were identified and synthesized. Discussion and Applications to Practice: Algorithmic-assisted tools hold promise for supporting high-stakes decisions in child welfare, but responsible use requires attention to ethical implementation. The review reveals significant methodological and empirical gaps, underscoring the need for future research to ensure equitable and effective deployment in practice.
      pubtype: Academic Journal
      doctype: Article
      src: R
    language: English
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