HIGH-RISK NEIGHBORHOODS AND HIGH-RISK FAMILIES - REPLICATION RESEARCH RELATED TO THE HUMAN-ECOLOGY OF CHILD MALTREATMENT

Findings reported by Garbarino and Sherman have been widely cited as a justification for the use of social support interventions on behalf of families with children at risk of child maltreatment. The present study attempted to replicate their findings. Child maltreatment reports were mapped on census tracts and interviews with parents were conducted in a high risk and low risk area, matched on family income. Garbarino and Sherman's finding on the relationship between income and child maltreatment risk was supported in the present study but their finding on the relationship between social support and child maltreatment risk was not. An alternative model is suggested for further research and action.