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Understanding Child-to-Child Harm: A National Analysis of Child Protection Responses
Eunhye Ahn1, Keunhye Park2, Andrea Lane Eastman3
1Washington University in St. Louis, MO, USA.
Journal of Interpersonal Violence
|March 28, 2026
Summary
Child-initiated harm (CHOC) cases are distinct from adult-perpetrated abuse, presenting unique challenges. Findings reveal significant policy variations and distinct characteristics requiring tailored interventions for child perpetrators and victims.
Area of Science:
- Child Welfare Research
- Criminology
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Child-initiated harm (CHOC) poses developmental risks and challenges legal frameworks.
- Current systems often fail to recognize minors as perpetrators of harm.
- Understanding CHOC requires examining legal definitions and reporting patterns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze patterns in substantiated reports of children who harmed other children (CHOC).
- To compare CHOC cases with adult-perpetrated child abuse and neglect.
- To investigate the impact of state policies and sexual abuse allegations on CHOC cases.
Main Methods:
- Utilized National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System (NCANDS) data (2018-2019).
- Examined state statutory and policy variations regarding minor perpetrators.
- Employed descriptive statistics to compare CHOC and adult-perpetrated cases.
Main Results:
- CHOC comprised 2.4% of substantiated reports, with significant state-level variation (0.2%-9.7%).
- CHOC cases differed from adult cases: older victims, parent/mental health reporting, less foster care.
- Adult co-perpetrators in CHOC cases had higher sexual abuse rates; CHOC committed more sexual abuse.
Conclusions:
- Substantial cross-state policy variations necessitate targeted interventions for CHOC.
- Distinct characteristics of CHOC reports require developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed approaches.
- Family-centered interventions are crucial for addressing the needs of CHOC and victims.
Keywords:
child protective serviceschild-to-child harmchildren who harmed other childrenproblematic sexual behaviorsibling abuseMore Related Videos
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