Unequal representation? Examining child and case characteristics in child protective services cases involving disabled children.

BACKGROUND

Disabled children are at increased risk of maltreatment and child protective services (CPS) involvement, yet less is known about how child and case characteristics vary across disability types.

OBJECTIVES

This study identified the most frequent child and case characteristics in CPS investigations and substantiations involving disabled children.

PARTICIPANTS AND

SETTING

The sample included 168,551 investigated cases from the 2022 National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System Child File.

METHODS

Descriptive analyses summarized child characteristics (disability type, age, sex, race, living arrangement, prior victim status) and case characteristics (maltreatment type, report source) across disability groups.

RESULTS

Children with 'behavior problems' (57.2%) and emotionally disturbed children (32.4%) accounted for nearly 90% of investigated cases, despite representing less than one-fifth of the national special education population. Substantiation rates were highest among learning disabled children (25.2%) and lowest for intellectually disabled children (21.1%). Neglect was the most common maltreatment type, and multiple forms were frequently reported.

CONCLUSIONS

National data reveal marked disparities in CPS involvement across disability types. Patterns of over and under representation across disability, sex, race, and prior victim status suggest possible bias in reporting and investigation. Findings point to the need for disability informed mandated reporter training and more equitable CPS practices.