Improving Responses to Allegations of Severe Child Abuse: Results from the Instant Response Team Program

• NCJ Number: 208192
• Author(s): Timothy Ross; Francesca Levy; Robert Hope
• Date Published: August 2004
• Length: 88 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: New York City Admin for Children's Services
• Corporate Author: Vera Institute of Justice
• Sale Source: Vera Institute of Justice; New York City Admin for Children's Services
• Publication Format: Document (Online)
• Publication Type: Program/Project Evaluation
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Downloaded December 22, 2004.

Annotation

This report presents the findings of an operational and outcome evaluation of New York City's Administration for Children's Services (ACS) Instant Response Team (IRT) program, which provides a coordinated approach to investigations of severe child abuse and neglect.

Abstract

The investigation of severe child abuse and neglect allegations requires careful coordination among the various agencies involved, yet few jurisdictions formally coordinate such a response. In 1998, New York City launched the IRT program to reduce the trauma of the investigation process to children who have experienced severe abuse and neglect. The IRT program brings together child protective workers, police, and prosecutors to respond to reports of severe abuse within 2 hours and to conduct joint interviews in a child-friendly setting. The program has been formalized with a written protocol, a memorandum of understanding, and dedicated positions within child welfare to manage the program. In order to assess the operations and outcomes of the IRT program, program data were matched with State Central Registry data, which contain all allegations of child maltreatment in the State of New York. Interviews were conducted with 39 program staff and with child protective staff from 9 other large American cities. Additionally, observations were made of the IRT response to one case. Evaluation results indicated that the IRT program effectively identified and served its target population; 99 percent of IRT cases met their minimum criteria. Strong support for the program was voiced by program staff and information sharing was considered efficient and effective. Outcome results were also positive, with reductions noted in the incidences of multiple exams and interviews. The main challenge facing the IRT program is managing growth. The IRT program has the potential to serve as a national model for the coordinated, multi-disciplinary response to allegations of severe child abuse and neglect. Tables, figures, bibliography, appendixes