A Review of Screened-Out Families and Child Protective Services Involvement: A Missed Opportunity to Prevent Future Maltreatment With Community-Based Services. (November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Simon, James D.; Gandarilla Ocampo, María; Drake, Brett; Jonson-Reid, Melissa
• Is Part Of: Child maltreatment. Volume 27:Number 4(2022)
• Page Start: 693
• Page End: 706
• Publication Date: 2022-11
• Subjects: screened-out AKA evaluated-out referrals -- child protective services screening and intake -- child welfare services -- differential response/alternative response -- community response model -- child maltreatment prevention; Child abuse -- Periodicals; Abused children -- Periodicals; 362.76
• DOI: 10.1177/10775595211033597
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1077-5595

Abstract

The objective of this article is to frame, understand, and draw implications from existing research on families screened out by child protective services (CPS) after a referral alleging child maltreatment. We review descriptive and outcome data together with emerging intervention research amidst a developing consensus that the current reactive role of CPS should be supplemented by supportive and preventative services that primarily address poverty. State-level data indicate that screened-out families are at high risk of re-referral and similar to higher-risk families reported to CPS. Intervention research is scant and mixed, but there is indication that providing community-based services may reduce future CPS involvement. Considering that screened-out referrals present an opportunity to prevent future maltreatment, CPS should identify and collaboratively engage screened-out families in community-based services. More research on the outcomes of these community responses is needed to identify best practices related to engagement and service provision.