Effects of Enhanced Legal Aid in Child Welfare: Evidence from a Randomized Trial of Mi Abogado

Cooper, Ryan; Doyle, Joseph J.; Hojman, Andr茅s

doi:10.1257/aer.20230947

Abstract

Children spend years in foster care, and bureaucratic hurdles can unnecessarily prolong their stay. Mi Abogado program was introduced in Chile to enhance legal aid for foster children to accelerate family reunification. In a novel approach, the Chilean government randomized the introduction of the program for children living in institutions to evaluate effects on child wellbeing. Using registry data, we find that the program significantly reduced the duration of foster care without increasing subsequent maltreatment and placements. The exposure also decreased criminal justice involvement and improved school attendance. Results suggests that strengthening foster care services can cost-effectively improve child well-being.

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