Child Maltreatment Among Immigrant Vietnamese Families: Characteristics and Implications for Practice

This study examined the characteristics and patterns of child maltreatment among 124 Vietnamese refugee families served by the Asian Pacific Unit of the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). The data were presented with descriptive statistics, bivariate comparisons among selected variables, and logistic regression analysis that examined the odds of the selection of two types of placement by DCFS (in-home or out-of-home placement). The most prevalent type of maltreatment was physical abuse, followed by substantial risk for abuse, and neglect. The perpetrators were more likely to be middle-aged, undereducated parents who have resided in the US for a short period of time. This study suggests the importance of further research on the prevalence of and factors associated with child abuse in this population, effective child abuse prevention strategies, and culturally responsive interventions with this population.