NCJ Number
154468
Journal
Child Abuse and Neglect Volume: 19 Issue: 3 Dated: (March 1995) Pages: 325-334
Date Published
1995
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This article reports on the incidence of child maltreatment in the U.S. Air Force by presenting descriptive data on over 19,587 substantiated cases of child abuse and neglect that occurred over a 6-year period; it also describes the U.S. Air Force's programs for military personnel and their families.
Abstract
Annual percentage changes in State child maltreatment reports show a steady growth in child abuse reports throughout the United States between 1985 and 1990. Information collected from 45 States further shows that States averaged a 4-percent increase in reports between 1989 and 1990; annual civilian increases in child abuse reports have averaged approximately 5 percent over the 5-year period 1985-90 (Daro and McCurdy, 1991). During the 1987-92 fiscal years, the Air Force has experienced a similar increase in child abuse reports; Air Force data show an overall increase of 4.1 percent in reports of child maltreatment. During the last 6 years the Air Force's substantiation rates have remained consistently in the 46-51 percent range, which is higher than the States' estimated average, but falls well within their range. The Air Force is substantially involved in the assessment and treatment of child abuse and neglect as well as in the evaluation of its services. Preliminary data show that families have evaluated the services positively and have reported significant benefits from having received services. As quantitative data obtained at the pretreatment, posttreatment, and follow-up assessments become available, Family Advocacy in the Air Force can assess the effects of its programs and identify services that effect client change. 6 tables and 26 references