Rates of Part C Eligibility for Young Children Investigated by Child Welfare

Abstract

Using data from the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being (NSCAW), this study examined rates of developmental delays and Part C eligibility for 1,997 children younger than 3 years who were investigated for possible maltreatment by child welfare. Developmental delays that make children eligible for Part C early intervention occurred in 47% of this population. The rates of Part C eligibility for children with substantiated abuse or neglect were not different from those whose maltreatment was not substantiated. Similarly, no differences in eligibility were observed for children in out-of-home placement as compared to those living with parents. No statistically significant differences in rates were associated with differing types of maltreatment.