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Risk factors for recurrence of maltreatment: a systematic review
N Hindley1, P G Ramchandani, D P H Jones
1Child and Adolescent Forensic Mental Health Service, Oxford, UK. nick.hindley@obmh.nhs.uk
Archives of Disease in Childhood
|July 15, 2006
Summary
Children previously maltreated face a sixfold higher risk of recurrent maltreatment. Key predictors include prior maltreatment episodes, neglect, parental conflict, and parental mental health issues.
Area of Science:
- Child welfare research
- Risk assessment in child protection
Background:
- Children experiencing maltreatment are at elevated risk for subsequent harm.
- Accurate identification of high-risk children is crucial for effective child protection.
- Assessing risk for recurrent maltreatment presents significant challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review existing research on predictors of recurrent child maltreatment.
- Identify factors associated with an increased risk of future maltreatment in children.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of cohort studies.
- Analysis of factors linked to substantiated maltreatment recurrence in children.
Main Results:
- Sixteen studies were included, showing heterogeneity in maltreatment types.
- Consistent predictors of recurrent maltreatment: prior episodes, neglect, parental conflict, parental mental health.
- Children with prior maltreatment were ~6 times more likely to experience recurrence.
- Recurrence risk was highest within 30 days of the initial maltreatment episode.
Conclusions:
- Specific factors are clearly associated with increased risk of recurrent maltreatment.
- These factors should inform professional risk assessments for maltreated children.
- A comprehensive risk assessment approach offers greater child protection.
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