Child Welfare and Animal Cruelty: A Survey of Child Welfare Workers

SUMMARY Twenty-two percent of the child welfare workers surveyed indicated they have been assigned child maltreatment cases where there is a subsequent disclosure of animal cruelty. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used to understand how the issue of animal cruelty is addressed within the child welfare system. At present there is no standard protocol for inquiring about and addressing the issue of animal cruelty. Some workers have expanded their assessment protocol to include questions about experiences with animal cruelty. Perpetrators include boys, girls, relatives, and caregivers. Challenges for the child welfare system on all system levels are addressed.