Factors Predicting Child Maltreatment Fatalities: A Competing Risk Model

Abstract

This study examined different types of child maltreatment fatalities and factors associated with child death in Florida. The study design consisted of a two-group comparison: children who died as a result of abuse and those who died as a result of neglect. Predictors for abuse- versus neglect-related death were analyzed using competing-risks survival analysis. Findings revealed a unique trend associated with maltreatment fatalities: While child's enrollment in daycare or school served as a protective factor, being seen by a child protection agency at the time of the incident predicted the earlier fatal outcome. Implications of the findings were discussed.

Keywords:

• child maltreatment
• fatalities
• competing-risk model