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Leaving them: Child abuse, neglect, and danger in child care settings
Abstract
This quantitative study supported by qualitative data focused on all identified substantiated and unsubstantiated reports containing allegations of neglect, physical abuse, danger, and sexual abuse in regulated and nonregulated child care settings, excluding foster and residential care, for two and one-half years. Seven Nebraska communities formed the non-randomized sample population. The purpose of the study was to (1) analyze report handling by three government systems--Early Childhood Licensing, Child Protective Services, and law enforcement agencies, and (2) determine characteristics of reported victims and perpetrators. Gaps between law and system practices were found. Shortfalls included inconsistent cross-reporting, arbitrary redefinition of CPS role, and refusal to investigate. Substantiation rates were muddied by communication breakdowns, screening practices, and faulty investigations. Neglect, most frequently reported, was least likely to result in court action (1 to 156), while sexual abuse, least frequently reported, was most likely to be pursued (8 of 48). A higher proportion of centers was reported even though more home-based facilities were reported overall. Caregivers reported more than once often continued to provide child care. Female caregivers were most frequently reported for neglect and physical abuse, but sexual abuse allegations overwhelmingly involved male household members. Girl victims were most reported for neglect at one-year-old or younger, physical abuse at two-years-old, and sexual abuse at three-years-old. Substantiation rates improved when girls were four years and older. Boys were most frequently reported for neglect and physical abuse at three-years-old and sexual abuse at four-years-old. Substantiation was more likely for physical abuse and neglect when boys were younger than four-years-old. In contrast to government systems staff, parents did not have access to the confidential records to help them make informed child care choices.
Subject Area
Welfare|Preschool education|Criminology
Recommended Citation
Flanery, Gail Linden Denman, "Leaving them: Child abuse, neglect, and danger in child care settings" (1991). ETD collection for University of Nebraska-Lincoln. AAI9211467.
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/dissertations/AAI9211467