Abstract
This study is a comparative analysis of caretaker marijuana use and the risk of child maltreatment. The design of the study is an exploratory quantitative design that utilizes secondary data from the LONGSCAN consortium of research studies. The original data set collected information on caretaker’s marijuana use through in-person interviews with participants. Child maltreatment data was collected by reviewing Child Protective Services’ records every two years for the 18-year duration of the study of the LONGSCAN study. The LONGSCAN study utilized non-probability sampling method to recruit 1,354 participants across five collection sites across the country. The current study analyzed the data collected specific to caretaker marijuana use and substantiated maltreatment events for all 1,354 participants. Chi-square tests were used to determine the relationship between caretaker marijuana use and substantiated maltreatment events. There were no statistical differences found between current or past caretaker marijuana use and substantiated maltreatment events. There was statistical significance found between frequency of caretaker marijuana use and child maltreatment. However, the data revealed that 95% of participants did not disclose marijuana use or have substantiated maltreatment events. This study demonstrates the need for further research into the subject of caretaker marijuana use and child maltreatment as well as the need for social workers to understand the potential impact of caretaker marijuana use on children in the child welfare system.