The sample was taken from the first consecutive 141 families which entered the project. Although this may not influence the results, excluding mothers from that may do so. For example it was not made clear why 31 of those individuals' forms were missing data. Comparisons between the two groups did however seem to indicate that there may be demographic differences between those who finished the study and those who were discounted. This could therefore indicate selection bias in the results. The study indicated that cumulative risk factors were greater predictors of permanent loss of custody than single individual risk factors. This was interesting as it indicates the importance of considering all risk factors together when assessing the family situation. There...

For example although partner violence was evaluated, there was no measure of violence from other sources, for instance older children or other family members. It is also important that the results not be taken out of context, as it would be quite easy to interpret the results of this study as suggesting that mothers with the presence of multiple risk factors as unsuitable for custody of their children.
References

Larrieu, J.A., Heller, S.S., Smyke, a.T. & Zeanah, C.H. (2008) Predictors of permanent loss of custody for mothers of infants and toddlers in foster care. Infant Mental Health Journal, 29(1): 48-60.

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