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

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

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

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Prioritizing recommended responses to referrals. <strong>Child</strong>ren whoexperienced Harm St<strong>and</strong>ard physical abuse were investigated significantly more <strong>of</strong>ten inthe jurisdiction <strong>of</strong> CPS agencies that did not prioritize responses to referrals (75%) thanin jurisdictions where CPS did prioritize responses (55%). Educationally neglectedchildren were more likely to receive CPS investigation in jurisdictions <strong>of</strong> agencies thatdid not prioritize responses (23%) than in jurisdictions where CPS did prioritizeresponses (8%), a statistically marginal difference.Agency characteristics not related to CPS investigation rates. Analysesfound no significant relationship between investigation rates <strong>and</strong> several agencycharacteristics or practices, including whether or not the agency• Maintained a record <strong>of</strong> all calls;• Had sole responsibility for screening;• Had a m<strong>and</strong>ated limit on caseload size;• Covered calls during <strong>of</strong>f-hours (nights <strong>and</strong> weekends); <strong>and</strong>• Had a dedicated investigation unit or investigation workers. 1138.5Sentinels’ Reporting to CPSThe foregoing sections <strong>of</strong> this chapter indicated that substantial percentages<strong>of</strong> maltreated children do not receive CPS investigation <strong>and</strong> explored how investigationrates relate to CPS agencies’ screening policies, structure <strong>and</strong> practices. This sectionconsiders how sentinels’ non-reporting may contribute to the sector <strong>of</strong> maltreatedchildren who did not receive a CPS investigation <strong>of</strong> their maltreatment.As Chapter 2 described, sentinels in the main NIS also participated in theSentinel Definitions Survey (SDS) (McPherson <strong>and</strong> Sedlak, 2010). The first section <strong>of</strong> theSDS asked sentinels about their training on m<strong>and</strong>ated reporting, their specific agency’spolicies governing CPS reporting, <strong>and</strong> their personal experiences in reporting to CPS.The second section <strong>of</strong> the SDS presented a series <strong>of</strong> vignettes representing the113This last characteristic marginally related to the rate <strong>of</strong> investigation <strong>of</strong> Harm St<strong>and</strong>ard abuse, with theinvestigation rate higher in jurisdictions with no dedicated investigation unit/workers.8–38

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