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Identifying substance abusing delivering women: consequences for child maltreatment reports
1University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Greenspun College of Urban Affairs, School of Social Work, 89154-5032, USA.
Child Abuse & Neglect
|March 1, 2000
Summary
The study examined SB2669
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Child Welfare Policy
- Substance Abuse Research
Background:
- SB2669 aimed to identify substance-abusing mothers.
- Child maltreatment is a significant public health concern linked to substance abuse.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the impact of SB2669 on child abuse and neglect reports.
- To analyze how SB2669 affected child maltreatment reporting in California counties.
Main Methods:
- A monthly time-series model (April 1988-December 1995) was used.
- Seven high-prevalence California counties were included.
- Demographic, social, and economic factors were controlled.
Main Results:
- SB2669 showed mixed effects on child maltreatment reports.
- Two counties experienced a decrease in reports post-SB2669 implementation.
- Lack of enforcement and varied implementation strategies contributed to mixed results.
Conclusions:
- SB2669's impact was limited due to non-enforcement and inconsistent implementation.
- Legislation needs clearer goals, tools, and enforcement mechanisms.
- Addressing county and hospital-level variability is crucial for effective policy.