New Release - Canadian Incidence Study

[Aron Shlonsky <aron.shlonsky@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

CIS-2003 data shows increase in substantiated child maltreatment in Canada

The second Canadian Incidence Study of Reported Child Abuse and Neglect
(CIS-2003), released on October 4, 2005, shows that the rate of substantiated
maltreatment in Canada (excluding Quebec) increased 125%, from 9.64
substantiated cases per thousand children in 1998 to 21.71 in 2003.  This
increase may be explained by improved reporting and investigation procedures,
including changes in case substantiation practices, more systematic
identification of victimized siblings, and greater awareness of emotional
maltreatment and exposure to domestic violence.

Neglect (30%), exposure to domestic violence (28%), and physical abuse (24%)
were the three primary categories of substantiated maltreatment. Emotional
maltreatment accounted for another 15% of cases while sexual abuse cases
represented only 3% of all substantiated investigations.

Many children come to the attention of child welfare authorities for
preventative intervention before they have been severely harmed. Physical harm
was noted in 10% of cases of substantiated maltreatment and was severe enough to
require medical intervention in 3% of these cases.  Emotional harm was noted in
20% of substantiated cases.  

Other highlights
•	Girls were more often victims of sexual abuse and boys were more often victims
of physical abuse.  

•	Physical and sexual abuse is more prevalent among older children, whereas
younger children are more often victims of exposure to domestic violence.

•	Children living in two-parent families represented 52% of substantiated cases. 

•	The most prevalent risk factors for female caregivers were domestic violence
(51%), lack of social supports (40%) and mental health issues (27%). For male
caregivers, lack of social supports (33%), alcohol abuse (30%), and mental
health issues (18%) were the most prevalent risk factors.

•	The police (31%) and school personnel (21%) accounting for more than half of
all referrals. 

•	Sixty-one percent of substantiated investigations involved families known to
have had previous contact with child welfare services. 

•	Following investigation, 44% of substantiated cases were kept open for ongoing
services.  

•	Eight percent of substantiated investigations led to a child being placed in a
foster home, group home or a residential treatment centre. 

Centre of Excellence for Child Welfare (www.cecw-cepb.ca)
CIS-2003 Information Sheets

Physical abuse of children in Canada 

Sexual abuse of children in Canada 

Child neglect in Canada

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

The full CIS report, Canadian Incidence Study of Reported Child Abuse and
Neglect–2003: Major Findings (2005) by Nico Trocmé, Barbara Fallon, Bruce
MacLaurin, Joanne Daciuk, Caroline Felstiner, Tara Black, can be downloaded from
Public Health Agency of Canada
(http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/cm-vee/csca-ecve/index.html)





Aron Shlonsky
Associate Professor
University of Toronto
Faculty of Social Work
246 Bloor St. W.
Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A1
Canada
Phone: (416) 978-6718
Fax: (416) 978-7072
email: aron.shlonsky@utoronto.ca