Child maltreatment among immigrant Chinese families: characteristics and patterns of placement

This study examined the characteristics of child abuse among immigrant Chinese families in Los Angeles. The study also identified some of the critical variables contributing to the selection of one of two types of placement (in home or out of home) by the child protective services system. Data were obtained from 221 active Chinese case files maintained by the Asian Pacific Unit of the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services. The extracted data were presented with logistic regression analysis to examine the odds of children being removed from the home. The most prevalent type of maltreatment experienced by the Chinese victims was physical abuse, and the rate of physical abuse was higher than in the general child welfare population. Chinese children are less likely to be removed from their homes than are non-Chinese children. Implications for practice include the need for focusing services on Chinese parent education and family preservation.