TY - JOUR PY - 2020// TI - Distinguishing characteristics and disparities in child protective services-investigated maltreatment by fathers JO - Child maltreatment A1 - Kobulsky, Julia M. A1 - Wildfeuer, Rachel A1 - Yoon, Susan A1 - Cage, Jamie SP - ePub EP - ePub VL - ePub IS - ePub N2 - This study examines distinguishing characteristics of father-perpetrated maltreatment and disparities in Child Protective Services (CPS) investigation outcomes based on perpetrator gender and race. A sample of children (N = 2,017) reported to CPS for maltreatment attributed to their mother and/or father was drawn from the second National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-being (NSCAW II). Measures included perpetrator(s) relationship to the child (mother alone, father alone, mother and father) and race (Black, White, Other), caseworker-reported maltreatment characteristics and co-occurring risk factors, and CPS investigation outcomes (services, substantiation, out-of-home placement, criminal investigation, and criminal charges). Bivariate analyses revealed no clear pattern of higher risk for maltreatment involving fathers. In regression, father-alone perpetration predicted less out-of-home placement but more criminal investigations and charges. A significant interaction indicated the greatest risk for criminal charges when a Black father co-perpetrated maltreatment with mother.

FINDINGS imply needs for anti-bias training, specialized services for fathers, and coordinated diversion between child welfare and criminal justice systems.

Language: en

LA - en SN - 1077-5595 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1077559520950828 ID - ref1 ER -