NCJ Number
46663
Date Published
1977
Length
7 pages
Annotation
FINDINGS ARE SUMMARIZED FROM ANALYSES OF THE TOTAL CASELOAD IN EACH SYSTEM OF CHILD ABUSE INTERVENTION, WHICH INCLUDED THE TRACKING OF A SAMPLE OF CHILDREN TO DETERMINE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF INTERVENTION.
Abstract
DATA WERE COLLECTED IN ONE COUNTY IN EACH OF TWO STATES IN THE SOUTHEASTERN UNITED STATES. THE PROTECTIVE SERVICE SYSTEM IN ONE COUNTY WAS AN INNOVATIVE COMPREHENSIVE EMERGENCY SERVICES SYSTEM, WHILE THE OTHER WAS MORE TRADITIONAL. DATA SOURCES INCLUDED THE PROTECTIVE SERVICE UNIT STAFF IN BOTH SITES AND THE TOTAL POPULATION OF FAMILIES IN THE CASE RECORDS WHO WERE REPORTED FOR CHILD ABUSE DURING THE PERIOD OF THE STUDY. THE CRITERIA FOR MEASURING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF SERVICE INTERVENTION INCLUDED RECIDIVISM, LENGTH OF TIME BETWEEN REPORTED INCIDENTS, SEVERITY OF SUBSEQUENT HARM, REHABILITATION OF PERPETRATOR, AND DISPOSITION BY THE AGENCY. BOTH PROGRAMS, AS MEASURED BY THESE CRITERIA, SHOWED A SIGNIFICANT LACK OF EFFECTIVENESS IN THE DELIVERY OF THEIR SERVICES. IT IS CONCLUDED THAT FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THIS APPARENT LACK OF SUCCESS EXIST PRIMARILY IN THE AREAS OF DISPOSITIONAL PROCESSES AND THE CASE HANDLING/SERVICE DELIVERY PROCESS. SEE ALSO MAIN REPORT NCJ-46662 (RCB)