We read one shocking story after another describing the gruesome details of a child abused in foster care. Does there exist data that can help social service agencies decide which foster children might be at greater risk if they are placed in families with certain profiles? The answer is “yes” and using it means a lot of pain, suffering and lawsuits could be avoided. For instance, are certain foster children more likely to be abused by the foster parents’ biological children or other foster children if there is too great of an age gap, or if other characteristics are present?

While car insurance underwriters don’t have crystal balls, they do have actuarial tables. Comprised of pre-analyzed data indicating what type of drivers and cars will more likely become involved in an accident, they provide valuable information. Prior lawsuits and data kept by child welfare departments contain clues regarding what types of foster children were abused or were abusive in specific kinds of placements. Using this knowledge could help ensure safer foster care placements.

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