A review of findings from the Canadian Incidence Study of Reported Child Abuse and Neglect (CIS).

OBJECTIVE

This article critically assesses and reviews analyses derived from three cycles of the Canadian Incidence Study of Reported Child Abuse and Neglect (CIS) published between 2001 and October 2011.

METHODS

Articles were retrieved from the Public Health Agency of Canada's data request records, which tracked database access and ensuing publications. The included articles were reviewed and appraised independently by the authors.

SYNTHESIS: Overall, 37 peer-reviewed articles using CIS data were included in the review. These articles revealed an increased likelihood of substantiation or placement if investigations 1) uncovered the presence of emotional or physical harm in a child, 2) involved older children, 3) identified the presence of risk indicators in caregivers, or 4) documented unstable or unsafe housing. A similar proportion of articles used a descriptive or multivariate approach to analyze CIS data, and strengths and limitations were identified.

CONCLUSION

Researchers have analyzed and interpreted the CIS extensively, although several issues are understudied - such as neglect and emotional maltreatment - especially using multivariate approaches. We hope this review will contribute to helping address gaps in the CIS literature.