Child abuse and neglect investigations in Ontario: Comparing 1998 and 2003 data

The 1998 and the 2003 Ontario Incidence Studies of Reported Child Abuse and Neglect (OIS-1998 and OIS-2003) are province-wide studies that examine the incidence of reported child maltreatment and the characteristics of the children and families investigated by Ontario child welfare services. In the fall of 1998, the OIS-1998 tracked 3,053 child maltreatment investigations in a representative sample of 13 child welfare service areas across Ontario and in the fall of 2003, the OIS-2003 tracked 7,172 investigations in a representative sample of 16 child welfare service areas. Child welfare workers completed a threepage standardized data collection form. Weighted provincial annual estimates were derived based on these investigations.