This study exploring the developmental trajectories of young maltreated children is funded through the Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families. The project will analyze the developmental and behavioral patterns among young children entering Child Welfare Services (CSW) and their developmental trajectories across multiple waves of the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being (NSCAW) data. NSCAW is the first national survey of children and adolescents investigated by Child Welfare Services.
The study will address one overarching issue, namely the early identification of young children (infants, toddlers and preschoolers) who are at higher risk of poor developmental outcomes. Findings from NSCAW baseline data revealed that almost half of children between birth and 6 years of age were at risk for developmental delay, as evidenced by low scores on standardized measures of development. This study will examine changes in developmental status among children maltreated at a very young age, and the child, family, outcome of investigation (substantiated vs. unsubstantiated), placement, and services associated with changes in the child's developmental status and behavioral characteristics from baseline to the most recent data available. Developmental patterns across measures will be examined to determine if there are profiles associated with subgroups of children that will inform the need for specific child-centered services from CWS or early intervention services provided through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
