Factors That Influence the Decision Not To Substantiate a Child Protective Services Referral

Project Title:	Factors That Influence the Decision Not To Substantiate a Child Protective Services Referral
Grant/Contract Number:	90CA1590
Type of Project:	Research
Funding Agency:	Office on Child Abuse and Neglect
Agency Contact Person:	John Gaudiosi (202) 205-8625
Principal Investigator:	Diana J. English
Mailing Address:	14th and Jefferson P.O. Box 45701 Olympia, WA 98504
Total Project Duration:	09/29/00
FY 98 Total Costs:	$200,000
Total Project Budget:	$564,322
Child Maltreatment Focus:	Primary
Type of Abuse:	Physical, Emotional, Sexual, Neglect; Differentiated
Sample Size:	Not specified
Age of Subjects:	Birth-18 years old
Child Abuse and Neglect Focus of This Project:	Policy
Summary

The Department of Social and Health Services of the State of Washington will examine the characteristics of child protective services (CPS) referrals that are more likely to be unsubstantiated compared to referrals classified as inconclusive (indicated) or substantiated. The objectives of the study are to: (1) identify the factors that influence the decision not to substantiate a CPS referral; (2) identify the characteristics of CPS referrals that are more likely to be unsubstantiated or inconclusive compared to those that will be substantiated; and (3) determine if families reported to CPS but unsubstantiated differ significantly in their potential for abuse, subsequent re-referral, and perceptions of the impact of CPS investigations from families reported and found indicated or unsubstantiated. The study will include analysis of administrative data, as well as interviews with a sample of 200 CPS caseworkers and 300 families that have been referred to CPS.