Foster Family Characteristics Related to Maltreatment of Children While in Care

• NCJ Number: 112444
• Author(s): P Ryan; E J McFadden; P Wiencek
• Date Published: 1987
• Length: 23 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Health and Human Services
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Paper presented at the Third National Family Violence Research Conference, Durham, New Hampshire, July 6-9, 1987

Annotation

Foster family characteristics were examined in relation to child maltreatment in foster care in data for 164 cases in 5 geographically diverse States.

Abstract

Variables examined included foster parents' age, education, occupation, race, and marital status; number of natural and foster children in the home; and work status of the foster mother. Data were drawn from the complaint petition, the child abuse investigation, the child's file, and the foster family's record. The 164 cases involved 481 mistreatment allegations. With the exception of a relationship between marital status and sexual abuse, no significant relationships were found between family characteristics and either the likelihood of maltreatment or the type of maltreatment. The finding that single foster mothers were less likely to sexually abuse children merely underscores the fact that males are more likely to be reported as sexual abusers. While data on other family variables, including stress, were limited, preliminary analyses suggest that foster families against whom abuse allegations are made are very different from other families who abuse. Results suggest that only consistent monitoring and careful observation can reduce the risk of abuse for children in foster care. 12 tables, 3 exhibits, and 30 references.