Multiple child maltreatment recurrence relative to single recurrence and no recurrence

This study investigated the patterns and risk factors of multiple child maltreatment recurrence compared to single recurrence and no recurrence. The sample was drawn from all the records of Child Protective Services (CPS) in seven Florida counties covering 5.4 years, resulting in a study population of 32,163 families with one or more substantiated child abuse and neglect report. Among the sample families, 27,865 families (86.6%) had no recurrence, 3419 families (10.6%) had only one recurrence, and 879 families (2.7%) had two or more recurrences. This study employed bivariate analyses and multinomial logit analyses to examine risk factors of multiple child maltreatment recurrence. Study findings show that younger age of child victim, single mother or stepparent, and large family significantly predicted the likelihood of multiple child maltreatment recurrence relative to single recurrence as well as no recurrence. Also reporter type, contacts by CPS workers, intensity of investigation level, and service type were significantly associated with the likelihood of multiple recurrences being identified. Study results will serve to provide a knowledge base to interventions and preventions for child maltreatment recurrence.