Graduate Program

Clinical Psychology

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Semester of Degree Completion

2003

Thesis Director

Anu Sharma

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship between child maltreatment recurrence and several predictor variables in 7 rural counties in central Illinois, an under-studied population in the child maltreatment literature. Additionally, factors that contributed to the decision by Illinois Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS) to provide post-investigative services were also examined. Data were obtained from an integrated database maintained by Illinois DCFS. All indicated cases of maltreatment occurring between January 1, 2000 and March 31 of 2001 were examined for a 12-month period following the initial indicated report for child revictimization or perpetrator recidivism. The final sample consisted of 34 7 victims of child maltreatment. Of these initial maltreatment cases, 49 cases were indicated for recurrent abuse or neglect and 51 cases were opened for postinvestigative services. Results indicated that female perpetrators, multiple victims and neglect were associated with recurrent child maltreatment. The findings also suggested that the combination of having multiple victims and a female perpetrator enhanced the risk of reabuse and reneglect. Factors related to the decision to open a case for services were younger female victims, younger perpetrators, female perpetrators, younger female perpetrators, and neglect. Moreover, cases with a combination of multiple perpetrators and female perpetrators enhanced the likelihood that cases would be opened for post-investigative services. A surprising finding was that although cases with multiple victims were at more risk for recurrence, cases with multiple perpetrators were more likely to be opened for post-investigative services. Suggestions for future research as well as further DCFS policy recommendations are discussed.

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