Engaging Law Enforcement Personnel in Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention

• In Event: Roundtable: Teaching about Crime & Justice

Abstract

Child maltreatment is a continuing major public health concern. In 2023, estimates indicate that 7.4 children in every 1,000 experienced abuse and neglect2. Law enforcement’s role in child maltreatment prevention must be recognized as occurring throughout the continuum of the prevention spectrum (primary, secondary, tertiary). To date, the focus of training for law enforcement related to child maltreatment prevention has been on child abuse investigations, trauma-informed response training, diversity training, community engagement, and assessing, managing, and mitigating threats of violence. However, none of these trainings fall under the realm of child maltreatment prevention. This knowledge informed the purpose of this research: to better understand the availability and content of current child abuse and neglect prevention training for law enforcement through focus group data analysis. Specifically, we highlight how, by using the socioecological model, law enforcement can be engaged in child maltreatment prevention at multiple levels. This session topic will discuss how to best engage with law enforcement personnel when conducting research related to child abuse and neglect prevention. Discussants will share methods of engagement with partners and lessons learned from recent qualitative research done at the TRANSFORM Research Center at the University of Rochester, to engage in potential partnerships.

Authors

• Rachel Missell-Gray, University of Rochester

• Kirsten Buscetto, University of Rochester

• Corey Nichols-Hadeed, University of Rochester

• Kirsten Quinlan, Education Development Center

• Catherine Cerulli, University of Rochester