Race, Class and Child Maltreatment

Abstract

Data from the National Study of the Incidence and Severity of Child Abuse and Neglect are used to examine ethnic differences within a population of substantiated cases of child maltreatment. The results provide support for socioeconomic and demographic factor differences among Black, Whites, and Hispanics as suggested by previous investigators. In general, Black maltreating families were poorer, more likely to be on public assistance and in father absent households. Physical neglect was the most frequently diagnosed form of maltreatment. Differential patterns for the type of maltreatment and factors associated with maltreatment were observed when income was controlled. Among lower income families, rates of physical abuse were similar, however, Blacks had the highest rates for physical abuse in the higher income categories. Implications for conceptual models and for service delivery programs are discussed.