Background
Despite the significance of firearm safety, we need additional data to understand the prevalence and context surrounding firearm-related problems within the child welfare system.
Objective
Estimate proportion of cases reporting a firearm-related problem during case initiation and the contexts in which these problems exist.
Sample and Setting
75,809 caseworker-written investigation summaries that represented all substantiated referrals of maltreatment in Michigan from 2015–2017.
Methods
We developed an expert dictionary of firearm-related terms to search investigation summaries. We retrieved summaries that contained any of the terms to confirm whether a firearm was present (construct accurate) and whether it posed a threat to the child. Finally, we coded summaries that contained firearm-related problems to identify contexts in which problems exist.
Results
Of the 75,809 substantiated cases, the dictionary flagged 2,397 cases that used a firearm term (3.2%), with a construct accuracy rate of 96%. Among construct accurate cases, 79% contained a firearm-related problem. The most common intent for a firearm-related problem was violence against a person (45%). The co-occurrence of domestic violence and/or substance use with a firearm-related problem was high (41% and 48%, respectively). 49% of summaries that contained a firearm-related problem did not provide information regarding storage.
Conclusion
When caseworkers document a firearm within investigative summaries, a firearm-related risk to the child likely exists. Improved documentation of firearms and storage practices among investigated families may better identify families needing firearm-related services.