An Exploration of Child Welfare Investigation Disparity Differences Between States

Abstract

This article explores state differences in child welfare investigation disparities using the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System and data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Descriptive statistics and mapped spatial distribution suggest a regional pattern across the country. Bivariate analyses found that investigation disparities were lower in states that were more racially diverse, had more people of any race living in poverty, and responded to more of the community's referrals for investigation. Despite research suggesting that disparities in poverty may contribute to African American disparities in child welfare, this was not a significant correlate in this study.

KEYWORDS:

• racial disparities
• child welfare investigations
• child abuse and neglect
• child maltreatment
• African American disparity

Notes

*p < .05

**p < .01

***p < .001.