Children and youth at risk in Israel: Findings and recommendations to improve their well-being

The article and the findings in it are based on a learning process implemented by a national committee in Israel, which examined the status of children at risk. The findings relate to the share of government expenditures for prevention and treatment programs, as well as findings on the relationship between expenditures for children in out-of-home placement and expenditures for children in community-based settings. Data on the distribution of expenditures for children by age group reveal that expenditures for early childhood programs are lowest. The proposed conceptual framework integrates the need for the government to articulate its commitment to children at risk. Accordingly, it is recommended to create binding arrangements between the government and local authorities, in order to ensure the flow of resources to children at risk. Furthermore, it is recommended to create mechanisms for continuity of care which ensure maximal coverage of the children. Toward this end, it is necessary to develop advanced information systems and systems for managing knowledge, as well as advanced systems of supervision and control, which are adapted to different ethnic groups.