NCJ Number
214669
Journal
Child Abuse & Neglect Volume: 30 Issue: 5 Dated: May 2006 Pages: 467-480
Date Published
May 2006
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This study explored the factors predicting child abuse recidivism among families with physically abusive fathers.
Abstract
Results indicated that factors related to the reabuse of children in families with physically abusive fathers included father employment, younger children, father not the biological father of all children in the household, father not taking responsibility for his behavior, serious child injury, and past maltreatment of a child. These factors, along with mother’s criminal history, correctly predicted child abuse recidivism for 83 percent of the families. If these findings are replicated in subsequent studies, they should be incorporated into new and existing assessment systems. It is also recommended that less emphasis be placed on the mother’s mental health and protective behaviors, as these were not shown to be predictive of recidivism in families with abusive fathers. Participants were 141 families that included a father who was substantiated for child abuse during the study period. Data were drawn from the investigative reports, which were analyzed by two coders who noted the seriousness of child physical abuse, father’s understanding of the problem, mother’s protective behaviors, and father and mother’s capacity to parent. Data analysis techniques included the use of stepwise logistic regression and chi-square tests. Future research should continue to focus on fathers who maltreat their children. Tables, references