NCJ Number
218959
Journal
Child Abuse & Neglect Volume: 31 Issue: 5 Dated: May 2007 Pages: 573-588
Date Published
May 2007
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This study assessed the child, family, and case characteristics that impacted rates of re-referral to Child Protective Services (CPS) in Rhode Island between 2001 and 2004.
Abstract
Results indicated that children from families having multiple stressors, such as parental substance abuse, low socioeconomic status, and child disability, were at highest risk of re-referral to CPS. Family poverty emerged as the most significant predictor of re-referral. Other findings revealed that, consistent with previous research, risk for re-referral was greatest during the initial 6-month period following case disposition. Approximately 13 percent of cases were re-referred during the initial 6-month period following CPS case disposition and another 14 percent of cases were re-referred after a 12-month period. The findings suggest that the families facing multiple stressors may benefit from the development of preventative services that begin immediately following the CPS case closings. Data were drawn from the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System (NCANDS) for the period from 2001 to 2004, which comprises all completed CPS investigations during the study period. Data include information on alleged maltreatment, case disposition, support services provided, and any special problems identified for the child, caretaker, or family. Prior to analysis, a longitudinal dataset was created of all referrals to CPS using State submissions to the NCANDS. Children whose initial CPS investigation resulted in removal from the home were excluded. Data were analyzed using Cox proportional hazards model to examine the factors influencing the likelihood of re-referral. Limitations of the study are discussed and include the use of NCANDS information, which may not provide enough details for analyses. Tables, figure, references