Homicides of abused children prematurely returned home

Five homicides of abused children are reviewed. These children had been removed from the parents because of physical abuse, then later returned to the home where they were subsequently killed. In each case, certain factors were present either during the interval of removal or after the return of the child, which could have alerted individuals, agencies or the court and, if heeded, could have prevented the deaths. Premature return occurred because of administrative inadequacies, including abbreviated investigations, violation of routine procedures because of heavy caseloads, and inadequate or absent psychotherapy of parents or caretakers. Court dates are not extended to compensate for these failings. The factors which operate in the home after the return of the child are essentially the same as those which prompted the removal: physical abuse. In these circumstances, more frequent follow-up visits by the agency or social worker are necessary and for a longer period of time. There should be a heightened awareness that in children who are returned home after removal for physical abuse, further physical abuse is a signal for immediate removal before a fatality occurs.