Severe child maltreatment in ecological perspective: The case of the western energy boom

Social workers and other human service professionals who practice in the energy–development “boomtowns’ of the western United States report dramatic increases in the abuseand neglect of children. The comparative research to–date however has given little attention to the ecological processes that precede these increases. This study uses a pooled cross-sectional time-series design to estimate the effects of various aspects of energy development on changes in the rate of severe maltreatment of children in Utah, a state with traditional socialinstitutions expressing strong values of family, church and community cohesion. The findings showimmediate, substantial effects of energy development in this setting. Implications for intervention strategies are discussed.