This summary synthesizes findings from a single research study, Family surveillance: Police and the reporting of child abuse and neglect.
What can we learn from this study?
Keeping children safe and preventing maltreatment is a critical public health issue. In 2018, child protection agencies received approximately 4.3 million referrals alleging maltreatment involving 7.8 million children. Eighteen states and Puerto Rico have Universal Mandatory Reporting (UMR) policies, requiring all citizens to report suspected maltreatment. This study examined the efficacy of UMR policies in identifying victims of physical abuse.
Study details
- Population: 204,414 children reported for physical abuse (as the sole allegation), from 43 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico
- Data source: National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System (NCANDS) child file
- Methodology: descriptive statistics, bivariate analyses, and hierarchical logistic regression
- Dates: 2013 fiscal year
Citation: Edwards, F. (2019). Family Surveillance: Police and the Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect. RSF: The Russell Sage Foundation Journal of the Social Sciences, 5(1), 50-70.
What are the critical findings?
Rates of reported and confirmed physical abuse did not differ between states with and without UMR. However, states with UMR had higher rates of unconfirmed physical abuse.
- Overall, the percentage of confirmed physical abuse reports was lower in UMR states (11.9%) than in states without UMR policies (13.9%).
- Although UMR policies may result in a higher number of reports overall, there was no difference in the rate of confirmed physical abuse reports in states with UMR policies compared to those without UMR policies.
- In states with UMR policies, a higher percentage of nonprofessionals were more likely to make reports (19.5% compared to 14.0%). However, controlling for child and caregiver characteristics, the probability of confirming reports of physical abuse by nonprofessionals was lower in states with UMR policies compared to those without (6.6% compared to 12.0%).
Why is this important for our work?
Given the lower rates of confirmed physical abuse victimization among reports made in UMR states, the researchers conclude UMR is not achieving their intended goal of improving the identification of physical abuse in children, and in fact may be diverting resources from children and families and causing them unnecessary additional trauma. Educating the public and providing training around abuse identification, along with investing in prevention, may be a more effective strategy to protect children from physical abuse than legally mandated reporting.
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.
