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School-Based Early Intervention and Later Child Maltreatment in the Chicago Longitudinal Study
By Arthur J Reynolds, Dylan L Robertson
Child Development, 74, 1; January-February 2003, p.3-23

Summary: This study examined the effects of participation in Title I Child-Parent Centers (CPC) on substantiated reports of child maltreatment for 1,408 children (93% African American) in the Chicago Longitudinal Study. CPCs provide child education and family support services in high-poverty areas. After adjusting for preprogram maltreatment and background factors, 913 preschool participants had significantly lower rates of court petitions of maltreatment by Age 17 than 495 control children (52% reduction). Participation for 4 to 6 years was significantly associated with lower rates of maltreatment (48% reduction). Several hypotheses are described through which program participation leads to beneficial outcomes: family support behavior, school support, and cognitive advantage. Preschool length, family risk, and lower school poverty are associated with lower rates of maltreatment. The family support hypothesis, as measured through parental involvement in children’s schooling, mediated the effects of CPC preschool and extended program participation. Program-related reductions in school mobility also contributed to the explanation of effects. A flowchart of study sites and participants in the Chicago Longitudinal Study is appended. Contains 76 references.

Index Terms: Child Abuse, Early Childhood Intervention, Family Support, Parent Education, School Linked Services, Child Neglect, Outcomes, Parent Involvement, Poverty, Child Parent Centers

Publication Type: Journal Articles

Pages: 23 pages
Language: English

 
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