NCJ Number
168012
Journal
Child Abuse and Neglect Volume: 21 Issue: 4 Dated: (April 1997) Pages: 379-389
Date Published
1997
Length
11 pages
Annotation
Data from 409 substantiated cases of child abuse and neglect were studied to determine whether previously determined risk indicators of further abuse or neglect would be predictive in a predominantly Hispanic population.
Abstract
The earlier research was conducted by the National Council on Crime and Delinquency (NCCD). The data in the current study were collected from the files of the Department of Protective and Regulatory Services of El Paso, Tex. The research recorded potential indicators of further abuse from the time of substantiation and collected followup data to determine whether further abuse or neglect occurred in the 2-year followup period. Results revealed that 67 percent of the cases involved Hispanic caretakers. Seven of the 19 NCCD indicators correctly predicted both allegations and substantiations of further abuse and neglect. An additional five items predicted subsequent allegations but not substantiations. Four items appeared clearly invalid. The remaining three items were questionable. When item scored were summed, the total risk scores significantly predicted further abuse or neglect. Findings indicated that a substantial number of NCCD risk indicators can validly predict further abuse or neglect in predominantly Hispanic populations in the United States. Tables and 27 references (Author abstract modified)