Scholarlink

<p>The COVID-19 pandemic may have substantially impacted child protection systems. Previous research points to decreased reports to child protection services (CPS) during the pandemic, but generalizability across countries, sectors, and time periods remains unclear. This systematic review synthesizes publications utilizing administrative data to examine changes in system responses to child maltreatment (CM) during the pandemic and explores factors underlying observed trends. Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search of ten databases identified studies published between January 2020 and July 2025. Eligible studies analyzed pandemic-related changes in outcomes reflecting child protection system responses, including detection, reporting, and interventions across child welfare, health, justice, and helpline sectors. We synthesized study designs, quality, and periods and examined trends across world regions. The 121 included studies spanned 29 countries, with the majority conducted in North America (59%) and Europe (22%). Of 165 outcomes, 57% declined, 20% increased, and 10% remained unchanged during pandemic-related periods. Declines were particularly pronounced in CPS responses (89%) and criminal justice data (71%), whereas medical outcomes showed mixed trends (43% decreases, 25% increases), and helpline data indicated increased demand (44%). Most studies focused on data from 2020–2021, with fewer examining later pandemic phases. This review identifies sector- and context-specific trends in responses to CM. Findings highlight shifts in reporting sources, case severity, and substantiation rates, providing nuanced evidence of underreporting and potential real reductions in certain maltreatment types. Longitudinal research is needed to confirm these dynamics, assess longer-term impacts, and inform child protection policy and practice.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Child Protection Systems through the Lens of Administrative Data: A Systematic Review

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2026年7月20日

查看全文
  • Nicole Eicher,
  • Kaj Flurina Affolter,
  • Dragan Stoll,
  • David Lätsch,
  • Tim Tausendfreund

摘要

The COVID-19 pandemic may have substantially impacted child protection systems. Previous research points to decreased reports to child protection services (CPS) during the pandemic, but generalizability across countries, sectors, and time periods remains unclear. This systematic review synthesizes publications utilizing administrative data to examine changes in system responses to child maltreatment (CM) during the pandemic and explores factors underlying observed trends. Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search of ten databases identified studies published between January 2020 and July 2025. Eligible studies analyzed pandemic-related changes in outcomes reflecting child protection system responses, including detection, reporting, and interventions across child welfare, health, justice, and helpline sectors. We synthesized study designs, quality, and periods and examined trends across world regions. The 121 included studies spanned 29 countries, with the majority conducted in North America (59%) and Europe (22%). Of 165 outcomes, 57% declined, 20% increased, and 10% remained unchanged during pandemic-related periods. Declines were particularly pronounced in CPS responses (89%) and criminal justice data (71%), whereas medical outcomes showed mixed trends (43% decreases, 25% increases), and helpline data indicated increased demand (44%). Most studies focused on data from 2020–2021, with fewer examining later pandemic phases. This review identifies sector- and context-specific trends in responses to CM. Findings highlight shifts in reporting sources, case severity, and substantiation rates, providing nuanced evidence of underreporting and potential real reductions in certain maltreatment types. Longitudinal research is needed to confirm these dynamics, assess longer-term impacts, and inform child protection policy and practice.