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Text mining and the examination of language used to report child maltreatment: How language impacts child welfare intake reports

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  • Goodwin, Brian
  • Wilson, Elisabeth S.
  • Oware, Matthew M.
  • Kestian, Heather H.
  • Stigdon, Terry J.
  • Miller, Eric A.

Abstract

Child welfare involvement begins with unscripted or semi-scripted narratives reported to intake specialists by professional and nonprofessional reporters. These narratives determine how to respond to reports of child abuse and neglect. Child welfare reporting varies drastically based on geographic region and is known to have a disproportionate impact on children of color. This paper explores how textual analysis can be used to study language differences between urban and rural jurisdictions, report source, and how language use differs according to the child’s race.

Suggested Citation

  • Goodwin, Brian & Wilson, Elisabeth S. & Oware, Matthew M. & Kestian, Heather H. & Stigdon, Terry J. & Miller, Eric A., 2022. "Text mining and the examination of language used to report child maltreatment: How language impacts child welfare intake reports," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 133(C).
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:133:y:2022:i:c:s0190740921004205
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2021.106344
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Fluke, John D. & Yuan, Ying-Ying T. & Hedderson, John & Curtis, Patrick A., 2003. "Disproportionate representation of race and ethnicity in child maltreatment: investigation and victimization," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 25(5-6), pages 359-373.
    2. Putnam-Hornstein, Emily & Needell, Barbara, 2011. "Predictors of child protective service contact between birth and age five: An examination of California's 2002 birth cohort," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 33(8), pages 1337-1344, August.
    3. Putnam-Hornstein, Emily & Needell, Barbara, 2011. "Predictors of child protective service contact between birth and age five: An examination of California's 2002 birth cohort," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 33(11), pages 2400-2407.
    4. Day, Angelique & Riebschleger, Joanne & Dworsky, Amy & Damashek, Amy & Fogarty, Kieran, 2012. "Maximizing educational opportunities for youth aging out of foster care by engaging youth voices in a partnership for social change," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 34(5), pages 1007-1014.
    5. Whitt-Woosley, Adrienne & Sprang, Ginny & Gustman, Brian D., 2014. "Lives at risk: Uncovering factors associated with fatal child maltreatment," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 47(P3), pages 307-313.
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