NCJ Number
129332
Journal
Child Abuse and Neglect Volume: 15 Issue: 3 Dated: (1991) Pages: 249-260
Date Published
1991
Length
12 pages
Annotation
Selected characteristics of 290 reports of physical abuse, neglect, and sexual abuse reported in Colorado foster homes, groups homes, residential treatment centers, and institutions are described. In each type of setting, physical abuse reports were most prominent and reports of neglect least common.
Abstract
According to qualitative and quantitative analysis, a significant percentage of confirmed reports are of a serious nature. Sexual abuse reports were most likely to be confirmed, while injuries occurred most frequently as a result of physical abuse. Twenty-seven percent of the reports indicated prior allegations of abuse against the perpetrators. The abuse and neglect may be traced to the interaction of multiple causal factors in family foster care including low pay, shortages in foster homes, large caseloads borne by foster care workers, stress factors within the foster family, and a tendency by some county agencies to view abuse or neglect by foster parents more leniently than committed by natural parents. The Colorado state-level institutional review team has heightened the awareness of this type of child abuse and neglect, assisted in the identification of the problem, and encouraged the reassessment of procedures within various responsible agencies. 9 tables and 19 references (Author abstract modified)