Substantiated Reports of Sexual Abuse among Latinx Children: Multilevel Models of National Data

Abstract

Despite a rapidly growing U.S. Latinx child population and this group’s representation in the child welfare system (CWS), limited research exists on Latinx children reported to the CWS for child sexual abuse (CSA). This study examined how the intersection of race/ethnicity, age, and biological sex impact case substantiation among Latinx, Black, and White children reported for CSA. We analyzed 2012 National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System Child File data using generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) to examine a sample of children reported to the CWS for CSA (n = 179,199). GLMMs indicated that among children reported for CSA, Black (AOR = 1.12) and White (AOR = 1.17) children had significantly higher odds of case substantiation compared to Latinx children, controlling for other factors. Main effects indicate older children (in mean-centered years; OR = 1.09) and female children (OR = 2.52) had higher odds of substantiation. Out of the states included in the post-hoc analysis, 16 (84%) had female to male substantiation ratios that were higher for Latinx children compared to White children. In these same states, only 9 (56%) had ratios for Black children that were higher than the rate for White children. Results indicate it is critical to continue examining how child sex, race/ethnicity, age, and state differences may affect CSA case substantiation rates. These findings underscore the importance of providing accessible culturally and linguistically appropriate CWS services that are also responsive to sex and developmental stage.