Abuse type and substantiation status varying by recurrence

This study examined the extent that abuse type and substantiation recur as the same type or different type of abuse; as well as the factors that differentiate the risk of each type of recurrence. The sample was drawn from all the records of Child Protective Services (CPS) in ten Florida counties covering 5.4 years, resulting in a study population of 25,504 families with one or more child abuse and neglect report. This study employed bivariate analyses using Chi-square tests and multivariate survival analyses, specifically, non-proportional Cox regression models to examine rates and correlates of abuse type and substantiation varying by recurrence. Study findings show that a majority of neglect reports recurred as neglect. Sexual abuse was least likely to be re-reported to CPS agencies. Recurrence of sexual abuse was more significantly associated with child and family characteristics, while recurrences of neglect and physical abuse were more likely to be affected by the CPS system. However, there were no significant differences in the risk factors between substantiated recurrence and unsubstantiated recurrence. Study results will serve to provide a knowledge base to interventions and preventions for child maltreatment recurrence.