Fourth National Incidence Study of Child Abuse and Neglect (NIS–4)

Figure 8–5 shows that CPS investigation rates changed since the NIS–2 forchildren whose most serious harm from Harm Standard maltreatment was at the moderatelevel or whose harm could be inferred from the severity of their maltreatment events.The investigation rate for children whose harm from maltreatment could be inferred rosesignificantly from 48% in the NIS–3 to 69% in the NIS–4. The NIS–4 investigation ratefor children with inferred harm does not differ from the NIS–2 investigation rate for thiscategory.Figure 8–5.Changes in Investigation Rates for Children by the Severity ofTheir Most Serious Harm from Harm Standard MaltreatmentAcross NIS CyclesThe CPS investigation of children who suffered moderate harm due to theirHarm Standard maltreatment showed no change since its level during the NIS–3, but theNIS–4 rate (29%) is marginally lower than the rate observed at the time of the NIS–2(40%).CPS Investigation Rates by the Source Recognizing Harm StandardMaltreatment.Figure 8–6 shows the investigation rates for children who experienced HarmStandard maltreatment according to their recognition source.8–9