RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Before and after out-of-home placement
JF Journal of Human Resources
JO J Hum Resour
FD University of Wisconsin Press
SP 1122-12630R5
DO 10.3368/jhr.1122-12630R5
A1 Cavalca, Petra Gram
A1 Ejrnæs, Mette
A1 Gørtz, Mette
YR 2026
UL http://jhr.uwpress.org/content/early/2026/07/02/jhr.1122-12630R5.abstract
AB We investigate the short-term impact of the first placement in out-of-home care on child health, schooling and crime. Using administrative data and an event study, we document the development in outcomes for the average child in care. We find that primary health care utilization rises temporarily when entering care before returning to pre-intervention levels. School absenteeism and criminal charges decline markedly after placement and remain lower than preplacement levels within two years of placement. Using monthly data, we infer that the decision to place a child in care may be triggered by acute events such as hospitalization or criminality.