NEW JERSEY
F. Kelly Dailey
Manager of Information Processing
New Jersey Division of Youth and
Family Services
50 East State Street, CN717
Trenton, NJ 08625
(609) 984-1607 (609) 292-4672 Fax
Sources of Data and Data Collection Methods
Data for the NCANDS are produced using the State Service Information System.
Level of Evidence Used
To Substantiate a Report
Preponderance of evidence.
Comments on Specific Items
Items 1 and 2: The numbers reflect 28,924 child abuse reports and 34,760 family problems referrals. Cases in which parents are not providing appropriate supervision or lack the knowledge of necessary skills to adequately parent are classified as a family problem referral. The unduplicated number of children who were referred for investigation is 60,758; the duplicated number is 63,684.
Items 4 and 6:From 1994, data are different from those in previous years because the Division of Youth and Family Services began an agency-wide staff retraining effort known as the Case Practice Initiative in 1993. One core element of the training addressed the criteria used for more carefully classifying incoming referrals as "child abuse and neglect" or as a "family problem." The families classified as having "family problems" are not believed to have committed child abuse or neglect, according to New Jersey statute. The types of situations that may lead to a case classification as a family problem include homelessness; domestic violence; unresolved, child-related medical, emotional, or substance-abuse problems; and children with disabilities needing assistance. Also included are unresolved and parent-related medical, emotional, and substance-abuse problems that affect the ability of parents to provide basic care for their children. Cases in which parents are not providing appropriate supervision or lack the necessary skills to adequately parent are also classified as a "family problem referral." Under "other dispositions" (E) "family problems" (10,577) and "family at risk" (24,183) are counted.
Item 7: The "other" category (F) includes multiple types of maltreatment.
Items 7-14: Children who have been counted as substantiated victims of child abuse or neglect are reported in these items. Family problem cases are not reported.
