Primary Care Interventions to Prevent Child Maltreatment

Abstract

ImportanceChild maltreatment, which includes child abuse and neglect, can have profound effects on health, development, survival, and well-being throughout childhood and adulthood. The prevalence of child maltreatment in the US is uncertain and likely underestimated. In 2021, an estimated 600 000 children were identified by Child Protective Services as experiencing abuse or neglect and an estimated 1820 children died of abuse and neglect.ObjectiveThe US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) commissioned a systematic review to evaluate benefits and harms of primary care–feasible or referable behavioral counseling interventions to prevent child maltreatment in children and adolescents younger than 18 years without signs or symptoms of maltreatment.PopulationChildren and adolescents younger than 18 years who do not have signs or symptoms of or known exposure to maltreatment.Evidence AssessmentThe USPSTF concludes that the evidence is insufficient to determine the balance of benefits and harms of primary care interventions to prevent child maltreatment in children and adolescents younger than 18 years without signs or symptoms of or known exposure to maltreatment.RecommendationThe USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of primary care interventions to prevent child maltreatment. (I statement)