Introduction
The objective of this analysis is to identify, assess the quality and
summarize the findings of peer-reviewed articles that used data from the Canadian
Incidence Study of Reported Child Abuse and Neglect (CIS) published since November
2011 and data from provincial oversamples of the CIS as well as to illustrate evolving uses
of these datasets.
Methods
Articles were identified from the Public Health Agency of Canada’s data
request records tracking access to CIS data and publications produced from that data. At
least two raters independently reviewed and appraised the quality of each article.
Results
A total of 32 articles were included. Common strengths of articles included
clearly stated research aims, appropriate control variables and analyses, sufficient
sample sizes, appropriate conclusions and relevance to practice or policy. Common
problem areas of articles included unclear definitions for variables and inclusion criteria
of cases. Articles frequently measured the associations between maltreatment, child,
caregiver, household and agency/referral characteristics and investigative outcomes such
as opening cases for ongoing services and placement.
Conclusion
Articles using CIS data were rated positively on most quality indicators.
Researchers have recently focussed on inadequately studied categories of maltreatment
(exposure to intimate partner violence [IPV]), neglect and emotional maltreatment) and
examined factors specific to First Nations children. Data from the CIS oversamples have
been underutilized. The use of multivariate analysis techniques has increased.
Utilization of the Canadian Incidence Study of Reported Child Abuse and Neglect in First Nations Child Welfare Agencies in Ontario
