Chapter 10 Maltreatment of Children Abuse and Neglect

Facts Concerning Childhood Maltreatment • 5 children die every day from child abuse – 50% are children under 5 years • Approximately 600, 000 confirmed cases of child maltreatment occurred in the U. S. (2011). • The actual incidence of maltreatment is estimated to be three times greater than reported.

Facts Concerning Childhood Maltreatment • 6 cases of abuse every minute to investigate • Witnessing/experiencing violence affects children's brain development. • Brain wires itself for survival instead of learning • Long term abuse: -difficulty w/attention - recall - forming positive social relationships - understanding emotions -changes in DNA will increase risk for illness/chronic disease

What Happens to Children Who are Victimized? • Approximately 230, 000 children are placed in foster care each year. • Victimized children are more likely to: - engage in drug abuse - engage in juvenile crime become pregnant experience depression and other mental health disorders commit suicide as they grow up • They are at greater risk for: - performing poorly in school - repeating at least one grade - requiring special education services

Definition of Maltreatment • Any situation in which a child(individual under 18 years) is not safe in his/her environment because of: – Injury inflicted by caretakers – Exposure to hazardous conditions resulting from inadequate protection – Exploitation(child labor, sexual gratification, pornography) – Withholding medical treatment

The Challenge • Moral and ethical dilemmas – A families' rights versus the law – Discipline vs. Punishment – At what point does discipline turn into punishment & punishment into abuse? – Abusive treatment is often a continuum: discipline abuse

Is Child Maltreatment A New or Contemporary Problem? Historical overview: – Children have always been abused – “Battered child syndrome” 1961 Dr. Kempe – 1974 Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) – 1996: reauthorization included withholding medical treatment in life threatening situations. – 2003: reauthorization included adoption, foster care, abandoned infants, family violence prevention

Categories of Abuse and Neglect • Abuse – Physical • Shaken Baby Syndrome – Sexual – Emotional or Verbal • Neglect – Physical – Emotional

Categories of Abuse and Neglect • Physical abuse – unexplained physical injuries (cuts, burns, welts, fractures, scratches, missing hair); child may appear frightened, aggressive, withdrawn or apprehensive. • Sexual abuse – any sexual act performed for adult pleasure, including inappropriate touching, physical contact or indecent exposure; child may have excessive curiosity or advanced sexual knowledge (for age).

Categories of Abuse and Neglect • Emotional or verbal abuse – excessive and repeated name-calling, belittling, or other negative remarks; child may appear anxious, have persistent fears, sleep disturbances, and behavior problems. • Physical neglect – failure to meet child’s basic needs and protection from harm; child may comment about absent caregiver. • Latch-key children- school aged children who care for themselves before/after school.

Categories of Abuse and Neglect • Emotional/psychological neglect – lack of interest or responsiveness to child’s psychological needs and development; child may appear afraid and distrustful. • Failure to thrive- growth & mental development of an infant is severely slowed. • No kissing, touching, eye contact, conversation, facial expressions= developmental delays & stunted growth. Hardest to detect

Dynamics of Maltreatment Adult predisposition vulnerable child stress = maltreatment • Abuse comes from all levels of socail, economic, educational, ethic, religious, occupational background • Turn to page 276 -277

Characteristics of Adult Perpetrators • Most cases involve someone the child knows and trusts. • 4 out of 5 victims are abused by at least one parent, more often the mother. • May also be other family members or a relative, babysitter, or neighbor.

Adult Perpetrators • Often experience acute or chronic environmental stress: – Poverty, relationship problems, unemployment – Live in social isolation and lack outside support • Lack knowledge about children’s development and raising children • Use or abuse alcohol and/or other substances.

Vulnerable Children • No group of children is immune to abuse/neglect • Boys and girls experience maltreatment in almost equal numbers – Girls 4 x more likely to be sexually abused • Children under 3 -4 yrs. are the most vulnerable. Why? • Children who have disabilities are at high risk.

How Do You Know If A Child Is Being Maltreated? • A combination of behavioral and physical indicators are typically present. • Maltreatment is often a behavioral pattern.

Who Is Required to Report? • Mandated reporters: – Teachers and early childhood personnel – Medical professionals – Social workers – Law enforcement – Any person with reason to suspect a child has been injured by physical, emotional or sexual abuse or neglect

Goal: Prevention and Support • Provide quality care and education in a familyfocused program. • Develop reciprocal relationships with families. • Recognize risks and signs of abuse/neglect. • Build on child and family strengths. • Be informed about professional responsibilities. • Help children develop resilience skills.