Child abuse incidence and reporting by hospitals: significance of severity, class, and race.

Abstract

Estimates from the National Study of the Incidence and Severity of Child Abuse and Neglect suggest that hospitals recognized over 77

The identification and reporting of physical abuse by physicians: A review and implications for research

“…As noted in the NCCAN (1988) study, the incidence of abuse is positively correlated with age and gender, with younger and female children more likely to be abused. Hampton and Newberger (1985) found that cases of physical abuse and/or neglect involving younger children and younger parents were more likely to be reported by hospitals than cases involving older children. Seventy-two percent of the suspected cases involving children less than 5 years old were reported, compared to 43% of the cases involving 13-17-year-olds (Hampton & Newberger, 1985).…”

“…Hampton and Newberger (1985) found that cases of physical abuse and/or neglect involving younger children and younger parents were more likely to be reported by hospitals than cases involving older children. Seventy-two percent of the suspected cases involving children less than 5 years old were reported, compared to 43% of the cases involving 13-17-year-olds (Hampton & Newberger, 1985). It may also be that younger children receive more severe, life-threatening injuries and are more likely to come to the attention of hospital staff and be reported.…”

“…Examination of hospital reporting data indicates that African-American and Hispanic families have a higher probability of being reported for abuse than white families (Hampton & Newberger, 1985). In addition, lower income families have a higher probability of being reported than families with incomes of $25,000 or more (Hampton & Newberger, 1985).…”

“…Analysis of statewide child abuse reporting data in Virginia, for example, revealed that physicians reported 8% of the total number of cases reported to CPS between the year 1979 and 1983, and 53% of these cases were validated, the highest validation rate from any reporting source in the state (Saulsbury & Hayden, 1986). Hampton and Newberger (1985), in a review of hospital reporting data, also noted that CPS agencies were most likely to substantiate cases reported by medical professionals, regardless of the severity of the case. These data suggest that reports fi led by physicians function as strong cues for CPS to investigate the case and validate abuse.…”

“…Although physical abuse is the focus of this discussion, it is important to note that the type of maltreatment is a case variable that affects identifi cation and reporting. Cases of suspected physical abuse are more likely to be reported by medical professionals than cases of physical neglect (Hampton & Newberger, 1985;Saulsbury & Campbell, 1985), whereas suspected cases of sexual abuse are more likely to be reported than cases of physical abuse (Saulsbury & Campbell, 1985). With regard to physical abuse, the type and severity of injury are two case variables related to identifi cation and reporting.…”