Services for maltreated children: variations by maltreatment characteristics.

Mental health services were the most frequently recommended service for maltreated children known to a child protective service agency, but more than one-fourth of the children with serious behavioral problems did not receive referrals for such services. Children with long histories of maltreatment were more likely to be referred for some services, especially out-of-home care. Gaps in services remain, underscoring a need for research focused on the need for interventions targeted to maltreated children involved with child protective service agencies.