A Cluster Analysis of Detected and Substantiated Child Maltreatment Incidents in Rural Colorado.

This study examined temporal-geographic patterns among 830 confirmed incidents of child abuse in 31 rural Colorado counties during 1986-90. Findings suggest that a first incident of abuse or neglect serves as a sentinel event, predicting a period of more frequent receipt and substantiation of maltreatment cases by child protection professionals in the area. (Author/JDD)