Closure, covert warnings, and escalating child abuse

Research into prevention of child abuse deaths is notoriously difficult, both clinically and methodologically. Korbin (1989) supports the conclusions of Fontana and Alfaro (1987) that it may not be possible to predict which child maltreatment case might result in a fatality. Our study was retrospective, concerned a selected group of cases and was unable to compare cases in which closure or approaches to professionals did not culminate in a child's death. Nonetheless, it points to particular patterns that occur which may help alert practitioners in the field. It is our hope that clinical research based on these observations will enhance the practice of child protection in the future.