Mortality in children registered in the Finnish child welfare registry: population based study

摘要

Studies have shown inverse associations between child-hood social class and mortality, and others have shown higher mortality in children in care. However, to our knowledge, only one study has investigated mortality in children in care with results specific to sex and cause of death. Mortality in that study was higher than expected among boys, although mortality related to age at the time of death was not reported. In Finland, children are cared for within the child protection system up to the age of 18. Our specific interest lies in whether mortality before age 18 in children in care is higher than expected on the basis of figures for the general population, reflecting failure in the child protection system, or whether mortality is increased from age 18, reflecting difficulties in adapting to independent living.