The author reviewed placement patterns in 447 systematically selected case records of abused and neglected children residing with either parents or relatives and under the supervision of children's protective services (CPS). Children of color had more kinship and shelter placements. Despite high levels of care and protection provided by relatives, supervision of children continued because CPS workers were concerned that noncustodial parents might reabuse the children. Workers expressed apprehensions that if they failed to predict and prevent reabuse, they would be blamed by the agency as well ashy the media and public demanding to know why the system failed.
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