Understanding Chronically Reported Families

Date

2010

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Child Maltreatment

Abstract

Although a strong literature on child maltreatment re-reporting exists, much of that literature stops at the first re-report. The literature on chronic re-reporting, meaning reports beyond the second report, is scant. The authors follow Loman’s lead in focusing on reports beyond the first two to determine what factors predict these “downstream” report stages. Cross-sector, longitudinal administrative data are used. The authors analyze predictors at each of the first four recurrences (first to second report, second to third report, third to fourth report, and fourth to fifth report). Findings demonstrate that some factors (e.g., tract poverty) which predict initial recurrence lose their predictive value at later stages, whereas others (e.g., aid to families with dependent children history) remain predictive across stages. In-home child welfare services and mental health treatment emerged as consistent predictors of reduced recurrence. (Author Abstract)

Description

Keywords

child abuse, child welfare services, child protection, risk assessment, services utilization, longitudinal research

Citation

Jonson-Reid, M., Emery, C. R., Drake, B., & Stahlschmidt, M. J. (2010). Understanding chronically reported families. Child maltreatment, 15(4), 271-281.

DOI