Foster care and future risk of maltreatment

Previous studies of future risk of maltreatment for children exiting foster care have been limited to studies of re-entry into foster or group care. The present study adds significantly to the literature by expanding the inquiry into the risk of future maltreatment following foster care to include any re-report or a substantiated re-report of maltreatment in addition to re-entry into care within 4.5 years of exiting a first spell. These forms of recidivism were examined according to all reasons for exiting care (excluding death, emancipation, and movement out-of-state). The group of children who experienced a subsequent maltreatment report was over two times larger than the group who later re-entered care. Children with shorter lengths of stay (under 3 months) were more likely to experience a recidivism event at each level measured. Placement with relatives was associated with longer stays in care and a lower risk of recidivism. The provision of in-home services prior to foster care was associated with longer stays in care, but in-home services following foster care did not moderate later recidivism. Prior AFDC history, multiple placements in the first spell, and the type of maltreatment reported prior to the first spell were associated with re-entry into care.