NCJ Number
227342
Journal
Child Abuse and Neglect Volume: 33 Issue: 4 Dated: April 2009 Pages: 229-237
Date Published
April 2009
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This study investigated how three disabilities (cerebral palsy, intellectual disabilities, emotional/behavior disabilities) might affect the processes and outcomes of child abuse investigations.
Abstract
Results revealed differences in the responses of child protective services (CPS) caseworkers to suspected child abuse depending on whether or not the alleged victim had a disability. The first research question focused on decisions to investigate alleged abuse. Although the differences were relatively small, a child's disability status affected the decision to investigate an alleged abuse. Cases involving children with cerebral palsy were the least likely to be seen as warranting further investigation. Among the vignettes presented in this study, children with cerebral palsy were described as having uncontrolled jerky movements. Respondents may have interpreted the injuries as resulting from the child's disability-related movements, rather than as signs of abuse. For children with cerebral palsy, bruising and abrasions on the child's arms and missing hair had a lower likelihood of being investigated than welts and bruises on the arms, legs, and back. Arm injuries and missing hair could be interpreted as occurring because of the child's uncontrolled movements. Welts and bruises on the child's back would be much less likely to be self-administered. These findings suggest that the abuse of children with disabilities may be less likely to be investigated when characteristics of the disability can be seen as a plausible explanation for the injury. Data were collected from 75 CPS case workers who were each asked to complete a study survey in response to a series of 8 case study vignettes. Table, figures, and references