Current research on child maltreatment epidemiology

An Examination of Past Trends in School Reports to Child Welfare: Considerations for Reported Child Maltreatment

This study examines whether increased interaction and observation of young children by school professionals leads to an increase in school-based reports to child welfare authorities and in the identification of child maltreatment victims. Comparing provincial-level data collected before and after full-day kindergarten implementation in Ontario, a doubling in rates of school-referred investigations involving 4- and 5-year-old children was found. There was no significant difference in the rates of maltreatment substantiation, service referrals made or transfers to ongoing services, but the rate of child functioning concerns noted in these investigations tripled. The findings suggest there are differences in how the school and child welfare systems define and respond to suspected child maltreatment. Implications for practice, policy and research are explored.

Patterns of abuse and effects on psychosocial functioning in Lithuanian adolescents: A latent class analysis approach

BACKGROUND

There is considerable evidence that child abuse and neglect has a significant impact on social relationships and mental health across the lifespan.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to estimate the prevalence of child abuse in Lithuanian adolescents, to identify patterns of abuse experiences using a latent class analysis approach, and to assess psychosocial functioning associated with these patterns of abuse.

PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING

The study was based on a sample of 1299 adolescents from the Lithuanian general population aged 12-16 (M = 14.24, SD = 1.26) years.

METHODS

Lifetime abuse exposure measures included neglect, emotional abuse, physical abuse, online sexual violence, sexual abuse from adult, and sexual abuse from peers. Psychosocial functioning was measured with the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Patterns of abuse were identified by a two-step latent class analysis (LCA).

RESULTS

Around two-thirds of adolescents (71 %) reported at least one type of abuse over their lifetime. The results of the LCA indicated that for each type of abuse two different groups of adolescents can be distinguished in terms of the severity of abuse, and four classes 'less-severe', 'peer sexual', 'adult sexual', and 'severe abuse' were identified. Psychosocial functioning varied significantly between the four classes with higher psychosocial functioning problems associated with high severity and sexual abuse.

CONCLUSIONS

The study revealed a high child abuse prevalence in Lithuania. The results show that the psychosocial functioning of adolescents is associated with severity and types of abuse experiences.