NCJ Number
242107
Journal
Child Abuse & Neglect Volume: 37 Issue: 2-3 Dated: February/March 2013 Pages: 139-149
Date Published
March 2013
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This study examined suicide-related behaviors among children and youth.
Abstract
This study found several factors associated with repeat visits to emergency departments (EDs) for suicide-related behaviors (SRBs) among children and youth who have been victims of child maltreatment. After controlling for social, demographic, and clinical factors, the findings indicate that children and youth who were under the care of child welfare agencies as a result of child maltreatment were two times more likely to have repeat visits to EDs for SIBs compared to their peers. The study also found that while several factors were associated with repeat visits to EDs, no single factor was identified as being more strongly related to repetition. These findings have several implications for the development of policies and practices for working with victims of child maltreatment. Data for the study were obtained from a sample of youth in Ontario, Canada, who presented to the ED between January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2008, for a first occurrence of SIB. The children had been removed from their homes and placed in the custody of child welfare agencies due to the severity of the maltreatment. Using linked administrative data, the children were compared to their peers in order to identify factors that could be associated with repeated trips to the ED for SIB. Study limitations are discussed. Tables, figures, appendix, and references