A population-based case control study of suicide among youth reported for abuse and neglect

Abstract

Background: Research has indicated an association between child abuse and adolescent suicide. Little population-based information exists, however, about the nature of maltreatment experiences or interactions with the child protection system (CPS).

Objective: To examine child maltreatment characteristics and system-level responses associated with risk of adolescent suicide.

Participants and setting: Linked vital death records and CPS records were used to identify the population of adolescents who died by suicide in California between 2010 and 2017 and who had a history of at least one report to CPS prior to death.

Method: A case control design was used, with cases defined as a suicide of an adolescent with a history of CPS involvement. Using CPS records, living controls were then matched to cases based on year of birth, sex, race and ethnicity, and age of first child maltreatment allegation. A conditional logistic regression model was used to estimate the adjusted odds of adolescent suicide across various CPS and maltreatment characteristics.

Results: Recent CPS involvement, allegations of physical abuse, and allegations of sexual abuse emerged as significant risk factors for death by suicide. No differences in suicide risk were observed between youth with unsubstantiated or substantiated allegations.

Conclusions: Suicide risk appears to be more closely tied to specific maltreatment experiences than to substantiation or placement into foster care. As adolescent suicide rates rise, better a understanding of risk factors among already vulnerable populations of youth is critical.

Keywords: Adolescent suicide; Child maltreatment; Child protective services.