Factors related to sibling removal after a child maltreatment fatality

Many children who die from abuse or neglect are survived by siblings. However, little data are available about what happens to these siblings after the victim's death, such as whether they are removed from their home. Even less is known about how decisions are made regarding sibling removal following a child fatality. This study examined social-ecological factors related to the likelihood that siblings would be removed from their homes after a child maltreatment fatality.

This study utilized Oklahoma child death review and child welfare data from 1993 to 2003 for 250 families to examine which sibling, caregiver, alleged perpetrator, family, community, and maltreatment characteristics were related to sibling removal following a child maltreatment fatality.

Logistic regression analyses indicated that younger sibling age, more previous family reports to child welfare, and type of maltreatment (i.e., abuse rather than neglect) predicted greater likelihood of sibling removal.

The sibling and family factors found to be related to sibling removal are consistent with literature indicating that these variables are associated with death from child maltreatment. Few caregiver and family variables were predictive of sibling removal, despite evidence that such variables are related to child maltreatment fatalities. Further research that investigates siblings' return to their homes and subsequent CPS referrals would help to clarify whether decisions about sibling removal were useful in protecting siblings from future maltreatment.

It may be important for child welfare workers to consider more caregiver and family factors when making removal decisions after a child maltreatment fatality.