Root, C., MacKay, S., Henderson, J., Del Bove, G., & Warling, D. (2008). The link between maltreatment and juvenile firesetting: Correlates and underlying mechanisms. Child Abuse and Neglect, 32(2), 161-176.
This Toronto-based study looked at a group of juvenile firesetters aged 4-17 years, and their caregivers. Within the group of firesetters (n=205), children with a history of maltreatment were compared to children with no history of maltreatment. Results showed that the presence of maltreatment is a risk factor that contributes to a more severe course of setting fires. The findings suggest that the link between maltreatment and firesetting is not direct but takes place primarily through heightened behavioural and mood difficulties. One limitation of the study is that maltreatment data and data on the characteristics of the children's firesetting were caregiver-reported only.
Black, T., Trocmé, N., Fallon, B., & MacLaurin, B. (2008). The Canadian child welfare system response to exposure to domestic violence investigations. Child Abuse and Neglect, 32(3), 393-404.
The objective of this study was to examine the Canadian child welfare system's response to substantiated child maltreatment investigations involving exposure to domestic violence. Bivariate analyses and binary logistic regressions were carried out using data collected in the 2003 Canadian Incidence Study of Reported Child Abuse and Neglect. Results showed that families investigated for exposure to domestic violence alone were less likely to receive child welfare services than those investigated for exposure to domestic violence that co-occurred with other forms of maltreatment.
Stipanicic, A., Nolin, P., Fortin, G., & Gobeil, M.F. (2008). Comparative study of the cognitive sequelae of school-aged victims of Shaken Baby Syndrome. Child Abuse and Neglect, 32(3), 415-428.
This study, based in Quebec, looked at the long-term cognitive damage caused by Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) experienced in infancy. A group of 11 primary school aged children, diagnosed with SBS in infancy, was compared to a matched group of 11 healthy children of similar age. Results showed that the SBS group had significant weaknesses in intelligence quotient, working memory, mental organization, alternation and inhibition. The deficits had the greatest impact in the verbal sphere of the children's mental functioning.
Friend, C., Shlonsky, A., & Lambert, L. (2008). From evolving discourses to new practice approaches in domestic violence and child protective services. Children and Youth Services Review, 30(6), 689-698.
This article looks at the ways that two different systems, the child welfare system and the domestic violence system, have framed the complexities arising from their overlapping mandates when children are at risk of maltreatment due to domestic violence. The authors review the legislation driving these systems, using examples from both the United States (Minnesota) and Canada (Ontario). They trace the policy and service response when child abuse reporting laws were amended to include children, as well as women, as victims of domestic violence. The child welfare system, viewing children as the primary clients, has often been at odds with the domestic violence system, which focuses on women as primary clients. The crux of the debate has centred around whether or not children's exposure to domestic violence is maltreatment, and if so, whether it warrants placement in foster care.
The article proposes that harm reduction, evidence-based practice, and differential response approaches can bring the two systems together to provide more effective services to families.