Newborn risk check aims to stop child abuse before it starts

NCT ID NCT04438161

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested a program that screens newborns for risk of child maltreatment using birth record data. Families identified as higher risk were randomly offered personalized guidance to connect them with community support services like home visits and parenting education. Researchers tracked whether families used these services and whether official reports of child abuse or neglect occurred by the time the child was 18 months old.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Personalized Education Regarding Clinical and Community Supports (PERCCS) - a behavioral intervention linking families to community resources

What this could lead to

If successful, this approach could help prevent child abuse and neglect by identifying at-risk newborns and connecting families with tailored support services early on.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-stage study with 399 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The intervention relies on families actively engaging with services, which may not always happen.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Washington University

    St Louis, Missouri, 63108, United States