Organizational Configurations Of American Child Maltreatment Reporting Systems

This study was conducted to identify the organizational characteristics of American child maltreatment reporting systems. Specifically, the investigation focused on the mission, public/private status, and centralization/decentralization of the organizations that compose American child maltreatment reporting systems. Data from each state were gathered through online document review and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results indicated both similarities and differences across states. All states used a public social service-oriented system to field child maltreatment reports. However, states varied in the degree of centralization of reporting systems. While centralized statewide child maltreatment reporting systems were utilized in 21 states, 19 states used decentralized systems that relied on local organizations to receive reports. In the remaining states, a hybrid system was in place, with reports being received at both the state and local levels. © 2011 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC