Risk predictors for re-abuse or re-neglect in a predominantly Hispanic population.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether risk indicators of re-abuse/re-neglect, identified in earlier research by the National Council on Crime and Delinquency (NCCD), would be predictive in a predominantly Hispanic population.


METHODS
Data for 409 substantiated abuse/neglect cases, 67% involving Hispanic caretakers, were gathered from the files of the EI Paso Department of Protective and Regulatory Services. Potential indicators of re-abuse were recorded from the time of substantiation, and follow-up data were collected to determine whether re-abuse or re-neglect occurred during the 2 years following the index substantiation.


RESULTS
Of 19 NCCD indicators, seven (37%) correctly predicted both allegations and substantiations of re-abuse/re-neglect during 2-year follow-up. An additional five items (26%) predicted subsequent allegations but not substantiations. Four items (21%) appeared clearly invalid. The remaining three items (16%) were questionable. When item scores were summed, total risk scores significantly predicted re-abuse/re-neglect.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings indicate that a substantial number of NCCD risk indicators can validly predict re-abuse/re-neglect in predominantly Hispanic populations in the United States.
Wood
J M
JM
Department of Psychology, University of Texas at El Paso, USA.
D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002649:Child Abuse / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015588:Observer Variation; D010290:Parents; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012008:Recurrence