Examining Child Maltreatment-Related Investigations of Children from Newcomer and non-Newcomer Households in Ontario, Canada

Emmaline Houston,Barbara Fallon,Tara Black,Anika Ganness

doi:10.7202/1082070ar

Emmaline Houston, Barbara Fallon + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.7202/1082070ar

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Abstract

Objectives: The study aims to further the understanding of child welfare involvement with Newcomer families in Ontario, Canada in 2018. This study examines a) the rate and characteristics of child maltreatment-related investigations involving Newcomer families and b) differences in child maltreatment-related investigations between Newcomer and non-Newcomer families.Methods: This study is a secondary data analysis of the Ontario Incidence Study of Reported Child Abuse and Neglect-2018 (OIS-2018). Using Statistics Canada Census Data, the Population-based Disparity Index (PDI) was calculated for Newcomer and non-Newcomer families. Descriptive and bivariate chi-square analyses were conducted to determine characteristics of investigations involving Newcomer and non-Newcomer households.Results: The PDI of the incidence of maltreatment-related investigations involving children under the age of 15 from Newcomer households versus non-Newcomer households in Ontario in 2018 is 2.48.Implications: The findings suggest that a child maltreatment-related investigation is more than twice as likely to occur if the investigation involves a child from a Newcomer household, when compared a non-Newcomer household in Ontario. This study demonstrates a need for further collaboration with Newcomer communities and their social service providers to better understand risk factors of child welfare involvement, and to increase protective factors for children from Newcomer families.

Highlights

In Ontario, Canada, child protection agencies are mandated to “promote the best interests, protection and well-being of children” (CYFSA, 2017)
The Population-based Disparity Index (PDI) calculations indicated that child maltreatment-related investigations for children from Newcomer households are approximately 2.48 times more likely to occur when compared to investigations for children from non-Newcomer households
There are significant differences in the referral source, identified maltreatment-related concerns, and caregiver risk factors for Newcomer households compared to non-Newcomer households

Summary

Introduction

In Ontario, Canada, child protection agencies are mandated to “promote the best interests, protection and well-being of children” (CYFSA, 2017). Child protection professionals have a duty to respect the diversity of the children and families they serve, including their race, ethnicity, culture, place of origin, religion, gender, and sexuality (Human Rights Code, 1990; OACAS, 2020). Ontario is home to almost 40% of Canada’s immigrants (Statistics Canada, 2017a). To better understand and meet the needs of children and families who are new to Canada and investigated by the Ontario child welfare system, data specific to the Ontario immigrant population is needed. The rate and characteristics of child maltreatment-related investigations involving children and their families who are new to Canada, and differences in investigations between Newcomer and non-Newcomer families are examined

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