This summary synthesizes findings from a single research study, Neighborhood-level social processes and substantiated cases of child maltreatment.
What can we learn from this study?
Considerable research documents child- and family-level risk factors for child maltreatment. Although some research identifies neighborhood-level factors (including crime and poverty), neighborhood characteristics often are overlooked in developing and implementing practices and policies to reduce child maltreatment. This study considers an approach in which children are considered within the context of their community – regardless of their individual and family-level characteristics – to determine whether neighborhood-level characteristics can be modified to reduce or prevent maltreatment.
Study details
- Data source: Neighborhood-level data (maltreatment cases substantiated by Illinois’ child protection system; social processes measured by the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods; U.S. Census data)
- Methodology: Ecological-level repeated cross-sectional design, with random-intercept logit models; sensitivity analysis conducted with spatial models
- Dates: 1995-2005
Citation: Molnar, B. E., Goerge, R. M., Gilsanz, P., Hill, A., Subramanian, S. V., Holton, J. K., Duncan, D. T., Beatriz, E. D., & Beardslee, W. R. (2016). Neighborhood-level social processes and substantiated cases of child maltreatment. Child Abuse & Neglect, 51, 41-53.
What are the critical findings?
Strengthening and improving neighborhood-level social processes may be more effective in reducing child maltreatment than efforts designed to intervene at the child- or family-level alone. After controlling for poverty, unemployment, crime, and other factors, the researchers found that:
- Neighborhoods with more collective efficacy (social cohesion and social control), intergenerational closure (parents know the parents of their children’s friends, and parents know other children and families in the neighborhood), and social networks (physical proximity of close friends and family) had lower rates of substantiated neglect, physical abuse, and sexual abuse.
- Neighborhoods with less physical and social disorder (threatening behavior, including verbal harassment and public intoxication; destruction of public property including graffiti and broken windows) had lower rates of substantiated neglect, physical abuse, and sexual abuse.
- Neighborhoods with more collective efficacy and social networks had lower rates of substance-exposed infants.
Why is this important for our work?
Investment in programs that strengthen and support neighborhoods rather than target individual families – including community-wide anti-poverty and neighborhood improvement programs, as well as violence prevention programs – may be effective in reducing rates of child maltreatment.
Casey Family Programs consults with individuals and teams across the country to compile research, experiences, and insights about approaches that can safely reduce the need for foster care and ensure the well-being of children and families. We share this information broadly to help child welfare leaders and their partners tackle similar issues in their own communities. For questions about this resource, or if you have other child welfare information needs, please email kmresources@casey.org.
