NCJ Number
90179
Date Published
1981
Length
55 pages
Annotation
This evaluation considers whether the child abuse unit met its goal of centralized disposition of all child abuse cases, the effects of diversion versus prosecution on abuser recidivism, whether second-year objectives were met, and the effects of the unit on outcomes of child abuse cases compared to a regular juvenile unit handling similar cases.
Abstract
In 1976, the San Diego Police Department created a child abuse team to respond to abuse victims in the central city area. The unit provides an interdisciplinary approach to child abuse victims and their families so as to give access to appropriate social services. The project has successfully centralized the disposition of all child abuse cases. Diversion was found to be an effective means of reducing repeat offenses in less serious cases, but prosecution may be required in more severe incidents. During the third grant year, the project analyst should further examine recidivism factors; subsequent findings could have significant implications for intervention strategies. The second-year objectives related to increases in the cases investigated, social service referrals, and reduction in recidivism were achieved. The objective of reducing court referrals in abuse and neglect cases was not met. Research strongly supports the value of intervention strategies that incorporate the functions of police and social service personnel. Traditional approaches focus on arrest and prosecution, which may not be in the best interests of child-abusing families. Continuation of the team after the expiration of Federal funding is recommended. The child abuse unit stat sheet and tabular data are appended, and seven references are provided. (Author summary modified)