A scoping review of child maltreatment reporting by school personnel and police officers concerning Black families.

BACKGROUND

School personnel and police officers are among professionals who are mandated to make reports to child welfare authorities.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to gain an in-depth understanding of the current state of research evidence on child maltreatment reports that come from school personnel and police officers, and to identify and present how the outcome of these reports may differ for Black and White children.

METHODS

The study followed a scoping review methodology. Fourteen peer-reviewed articles met our inclusion criteria.

RESULTS

The included scoping review studies revealed that school personnel are the highest child welfare referral source for Black children as compared to White children. School personnel were more likely to report physical abuse and/or physical discipline and neglect among Black parents. While any parent may be arrested and charged by police during a child welfare investigation for physical discipline, this was more likely to happen to a Black parent. Child welfare cases involving Black families were also more likely to be associated with intimate partner violence and substance use/possession. These cases were usually reported to child welfare after police involvement.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings from this scoping review suggest that school personnel and police officers, as major reporting sources, contribute to the disproportionality and disparity Black children experience in the child welfare system. However, research that includes the perspectives and experiences of police and school personnel is needed to understand reporting in a more in-depth manner in an attempt to address this social issue that involves Black children and families.