Evaluating a Community Response Program for High-Risk Families Diverted From CPS After a Child Abuse Investigation: A Propensity Score Analysis of Re-Reports and Substantiations

James David Simon, Caitlin Lau, Todd Franke, School of Social Work, California State University, Los Angeles, College of Social Work, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Luskin School of Public Affairs, University of California, Los Angeles

Child Maltreatment

Published online on February 25, 2026

Abstract

Child Maltreatment, Ahead of Print.
Each year, child protective services (CPS) agencies in the U.S. investigate millions of maltreatment allegations, and roughly 80% are diverted from CPS—either screened out after an initial call or closed following an investigation. Some diverted families ...