1
2
Adding mandated reporters, centralized intake, and increased staffing had an estimated 32% higher rate of maltreatment reports than had those changes not been made. Adding centralized intake was associated with the largest increase in reports (14% to 16%) but a decline (5% to 6%) in substantiated reports. Adding mandatory reporters and staff each were associated with an 8% to 9% increase in reports, but no change in substantiated reports. Expanding the scope of maltreatment also was associated with an increase in reports (5%), but a decline in substantiations.
Showed a 24% decrease in substantiated reports, with implementation of differential response associated with 11% of that decrease, and raising the standard of proof accounting for the remaining 12% to 13%.
States implementing three of the most common policy changes
States implementing both differential response and higher standards of proof