maltreatment prevention

Predictive analytics, mathematical equations that forecast where events will likely occur, and the use of data within governmental agencies such as the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) are seen by many as a way to proactively penalize people before they ever do anything wrong.

This column was adapted from oral remarks given by the author, Wendy Smith, an associate dean at the University of Southern California’s School of Social Work, during a Congressional roundtable sponsored by the National Foster Youth Institute and the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth in February.

Of all the social challenges the public sector works to overcome, ensuring the wellbeing of children is undoubtedly among the most important. Consider that in 2014, 702,000 children were abused or neglected in the United States and 1,580 children died as a result.

“Is he crawling? Is he crying? How often does he eat?” These are a few of the questions that Stephanie Mokolo, a public health nurse recently hired by the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), will ask parents about their babies and toddlers when she starts visiting their homes in Compton, Calif.