@article{ref1,
title="Prevalence and context of firearms-related problems in child protective service investigations",
journal="Child abuse and neglect",
year="2020",
author="Sokol, Rebeccah L. and Victor, Bryan G. and Piellusch, Emily K. and Nielsen, Sophia B. and Ryan, Joseph P. and Perron, Brian E.",
volume="107",
number="",
pages="e104572-e104572",
abstract="BACKGROUND: Despite the significance of firearm safety, we need additional data to understand the prevalence and context surrounding firearm-related problems within the child welfare system.  OBJECTIVE: Estimate proportion of cases reporting a firearm-related problem during case initiation and the contexts in which these problems exist.  SAMPLE AND SETTING: 75,809 caseworker-written investigation summaries that represented all substantiated referrals of maltreatment in Michigan from 2015 to 2017.   METHODS: We developed an expert dictionary of firearm-related terms to search investigation summaries. We retrieved summaries that contained any of the terms to confirm whether a firearm was present (construct accurate) and whether it posed a threat to the child. Finally, we coded summaries that contained firearm-related problems to identify contexts in which problems exist.   RESULTS: Of the 75,809 substantiated cases, the dictionary flagged 2397 cases that used a firearm term (3.2 %), with a construct accuracy rate of 96 %. Among construct accurate cases, 79 % contained a firearm-related problem. The most common intent for a firearm-related problem was violence against a person (45 %). The co-occurrence of domestic violence and/or substance use with a firearm-related problem was high (41 % and 48 %, respectively). 49 % of summaries that contained a firearm-related problem did not provide information regarding storage.   CONCLUSION: When caseworkers document a firearm within investigative summaries, a firearm-related risk to the child likely exists. Improved documentation of firearms and storage practices among investigated families may better identify families needing firearm-related services.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0145-2134",
doi="10.1016/j.chiabu.2020.104572",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2020.104572"
}