1. ©2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. Chapter 10 Maltreatment of Children: Abuse and Neglect

2. ©2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. Definition of Maltreatment Any situation in which a child is not safe in his/her environment because of: –Injury inflicted by caretakers –Exposure to hazardous conditions resulting from inadequate protection –Exploitation –Withholding medical treatment

3. ©2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. Facts Concerning Childhood Maltreatment 4 children die every day from child abuse –75% are children under 4 years Child protective services confirmed approximately 800,000 cases of child maltreatment (2008) The actual incidence of maltreatment is estimated to be three times greater than reported.

4. ©2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. What Happens to Children Who are Victimized? Approximately 850,000 are placed in foster care each year. As children grow up, they are more likely to engage in drug abuse, juvenile crime, become pregnant, experience a range of mental health conditions including depression, and commit suicide. They typically perform poorly in school, repeat at least one grade, and require special education services.

5. ©2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. The Challenge……… Moral and ethical dilemmas –A families' rights versus the law –Abusive treatment is often a continuum: discipline abuse

6. ©2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. Is child abuse a new or contemporary problem? Historical overview: –Fairy tales –“Battered child syndrome” –1974 Child Abuse and Prevention Act (CAPTA) –1996 Reauthorization of CAPTA

7. ©2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. Categories of Abuse and Neglect Abuse –Physical Shaken Baby Syndrome –Sexual –Emotional or Verbal Neglect –Physical –Emotional

8. ©2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. Categories of Abuse and Neglect Physical abuse – unexplained physical injuries; child may appear frightened, aggressive, withdrawn or apprehensive. Sexual abuse – any sexual act performed for the pleasure of an adult, including inappropriate touching, physical contact or indecent exposure; child may have excessive curiosity or advanced sexual knowledge (for age).

9. ©2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. 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.

10. ©2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. Categories of Abuse and Neglect Emotional neglect – lack of interest or responsiveness to child’s psychological needs and development; child may appear afraid and distrustful.

11. ©2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. Dynamics of Abuse/Neglect Adult predisposition  child  stress  = maltreatment

12. ©2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. Perpetrators of Maltreatment 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.

13. ©2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. Adult Characteristics Often experience acute or chronic environmental stress: –Poverty –Relationship difficulties Live in social isolation and lack outside support Lack knowledge about child development and raising children Use or abuse alcohol and/or substances.

14. ©2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. Adult Characteristics (continued) Many adults have mental health problems. May have a child with challenging behavior, a developmental disability, or chronic illness May, themselves, have been raised in dysfunctional family

15. ©2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. Potential Victims… No group of children is immune to abuse/neglect Boys and girls experience maltreatment in almost equal numbers –Girls 4x more likely to be sexually abused Children under 3-4 yrs. are the most vulnerable. Why? Children who have disabilities are at high risk

16. ©2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. How do you know if a child is being abused? There will usually be a combination of several behavioral and physical indicators. Incidences and physical indicators are often a pattern.

17. ©2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. 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

18. ©2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. Goal: Prevention and Support Provide quality care and education in a family- focused program. Develop reciprocal relationships with families. Recognize risks and sign of abuse/neglect. Build on child and family strengths. Be informed about professional responsibilities.