Screening decisions for non-abuse concerns reported to child protection agencies- a structural equation model for referral content and decision outcome

Svein Arild Vis,Camilla Lauritzen,John Fluke

doi:10.1016/j.childyouth.2021.106173

Svein Arild Vis, Camilla Lauritzen + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2021.106173

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Abstract

ObjectivesChild protection referrals that contain information about incidents of physical child abuse, sexual abuse, and domestic violence have a high chance of being screened in for investigation. The aim of the current study is to investigate which case factors that affect the decision to screen-in cases with other types of concerns. MethodA sample of referrals (N = 1365) to child protection services in Norway was randomly drawn.Information was collected regarding (i) child and family characteristics, (ii) the content of the referral (iii) the decision to investigate.A structural equation model that describe how case characteristics and the contents of the report influence the screening decision was estimated. ResultsNon abuse-concerns were grouped in three latent variables.The first consisted of referrals that contained concerns about a wide range of problems related to the child’s health and development.The second consisted of referrals that contained concerns about parental conflicts and child safety.The third consisted of concerns related to different types of family and environmental risk factors. Families with immigrant background have an increased chance of being screened-in, irrespective of referral content. Cases with previous referrals have a decreased chance of being screened-in. ConclusionsWhen controlling for other case factors, more complex referrals with multiple concerns have increased chance of being screened in.

Highlights

One of the main tasks of the Child Protection Services (CPS) is to investigate reports of concern about children submitted by professionals or private citizens
The aim of this study is first to identify which types of concerns other than child abuse are reported to the CPS
The relationships between observed case characteristics and screening decision is shown in table 1

Summary

Introduction

One of the main tasks of the Child Protection Services (CPS) is to investigate reports of concern about children submitted by professionals or private citizens. According to the Norwegian child protection act, people or institutions bound by the professional duty of confidentiality are required to report cases of concern to CPS (Lindboe, 2011). There is a large variety in types of services offered by CPS in Norway. This includes parenting programs, general counseling, support for childcare, coordi nation and support for contact with other services, respite care and supported leisure activities for children at risk. The aim of this study is first to identify which types of concerns other than child abuse are reported to the CPS. The second aim is to identify the types of non-abuse referrals that will most likely lead to a CPS investigation

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