NCJ Number
145818
Journal
Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 8 Issue: 4 Dated: (December 1993) Pages: 446-467
Date Published
1993
Length
22 pages
Annotation
An evaluation was conducted of the Child at Risk Field (CARF) system for predicting the likelihood of future child maltreatment.
Abstract
The authors compared child abuse and neglect cases open and indicated in a rural New York county between September 1, 1986 and June 30, 1987 (pre-CARF, n=118) and between September 1, 1988 and June 30, 1989 (CARF, n=89). To the extent that it was accurately implemented, CARF may have provided child protection workers--particularly those new to the field--with a systematic guide for decisionmaking on such matters as keeping an indicated case open and providing more services to children at higher risk. These decisions can be crucial, especially in rural areas where resources are usually limited. Decisions with CARF were not necessarily better, but to some degree were consistent with information collected using the CARF system. 3 tables and 32 references