This study sought to determine if indicators identified on the prenatal risk assessment for low income women in California are predictive of child maltreatment of infants under age two. Birth records for 1,129 women who received prenatal care through the Medi-Cal comprehensive perinatal services program were matched against the statewide database of reported child abuse and neglect. Prenatal records were examined for risk or protective factors related to child maltreatment that were identified through the prenatal risk assessment. Indicators include economic and environmental stresses, history of family violence and current concerns about personal safety, evidence of support after the baby comes home, depression, substance use and levels of coping skills. Data about birth weight and adequacy of prenatal care are also included. Findings from multiple discriminant function analyses of indicators most predictive of child maltreatment will be presented. Implications from these findings may carry over to the nearly 550,000 babies born each year in California to low income women receiving Medi-Cal supported prenatal care services. Research about the developmental consequences of child maltreatment suggest that prevention efforts should be targeted at families with very young children to intervene at the earliest time possible.
Learning Objectives: Identify five prenatal indicators that are predictive of child maltreatment in the first two years of life
Keywords: Family Violence, Screening Instruments
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.