Abstract This paper examines how children are the most vulnerable members of society and how, throughout history, they have been exploited both physically and mentally. It looks at how ChildProtectiveServices (CPS) exists to curtail or prevent children from being abused and how it allows citizens to report the abuse of children. It also examines the history of the relationship between CPS and the public school system, as well as recent history of CPS as it relates to the foster care system.
Outline
Introduction
History of ChildProtectiveServices Recent History: When Children Are Removed from Their Homes
Conclusion
From the Paper "Bridgeland and Duane (1993) explain that those that work at the school are often taken aback by the hostility that they may receive from the parents. Some of the school professionals mentioned in the study feared that parents would file lawsuits (Bridgeland and Duane 1993). The researchers explain that the uneasiness of the school professionals "can divert social-service people from child protection and into attempting some "psychic first-aid" to school staff. As one protective-service respondent suggested, more school districts could, through school in-service, provide legal information and coping strategies (Bridgeland and Duane 1993).""
Abstract This paper reviews the requirements of California Child Support Services program and develops a model Web site for the program. The paper then compares the San Diego County Child Support Services Web site to the model.
Tags:Child, Support, Services, eGovernment, Web, site
Abstract The paper explores the role of the childprotection agencies in protecting our children and questions whether state laws are helping or hindering the process. The paper explains the types of abuse and presents research data that demonstrates the increase in child abuse every year. The paper also reviews the history of child abuse and discusses the challenges that are faced today by the childprotection system and what can be done to improve the childprotectiveservices (CPS).
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
What is Child Abuse and Neglect?
History of Child Abuse
Types of Abuse
What Factors Contribute to Child Abuse?
Understanding the Impact of Historic Policies on Child Maltreatment
Child Abuse and Neglect Laws and State Statutes
The Role of ChildProtectiveServices The Consequences of Child Abuse
Social Intervention Strategies
Conclusion
Recommendations for Policy Changes
From the Paper "According to Tzeng et al (1991) children throughout history have been the victims of child abuse. There have even been some archeological findings that have suggested that child abuse existed as far back as prehistoric times. In many societies corporal punishment was seen as the norm and was used to discipline children. Child abuse has also been used to educate children as it pertains to cultural and religious ideas and morals. The corporal punishment or abuse of children was also utilized to please gods or expel unwanted spirits.
"The author points out that in the rituals of ancient Greeks and Romans children were sacrificially killed. In addition in some civilizations fathers, in accordance with the Patria Protestas of 700 B.C., could legally trade, maim, or kill their children if the so desired. Children were also killed in Ancient Greek Societies when they were found to be deformed or retarded because it was believed that such children would weaken the society. This was allowed because children were believed to be property."
Abstract This paper explains that, although great strides have been made in detecting and preventing child maltreatment, confidentiality and expungement laws are some inadequacies that contribute to the ongoing problems in investigating and convicting perpetrators. The author points out that confidentiality laws mandating silence and expungement laws mandating ignorance leave a system of childprotectiveservices, which cannot monitor its own work, which is insulated from outside scrutiny and which is unable to publicly account for its actions. The paper stresses that a child who is abused today is at risk of becoming an abuser or may continue the abuse pattern themselves throughout their lives; maltreatment as a child can have far-reaching consequences including fear of intimacy and low social integration.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Critical Evaluation
Supporting Arguments
Conclusion
From the Paper "Throughout the history of our nation, child maltreatment has been a part of life. Prior to the 1960's, little was thought about this being a problem. In fact, during the late eighteenth, early nineteenth centuries, there was little focus on sexual and physical abuse. What we consider physical abuse today was actually an acceptable way to discipline your child. And what is now known about sexual abuse, well, it just wasn't talked about. Only the most horrendous abuses were noticed. As in the case of an eight year old adopted child named Mary Ellen who, in 1874 was found chained, beaten, and malnourished. The media attention generated for this little girl led to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children in 1875.Since that time there have been hundreds of organizations established to aid abused children."
Abstract The paper examines Japan, Germany and Switzerland and compares and contrasts their different childprotection policies in relation to their standards of living. The paper shows how the economic situation of a country is not essential for the well being of its children, as illustrated by Switzerland, one of the richest countries in the world but one that fails to ensure a proper support for the homeless or abused children. The paper therefore concludes that the policy one implements in a country and the means used to do this is more important than the economic situation of the country.
Outline:
Introduction
Comparison of Current Status of three States Standards of Living
Comparison of Current Status of 3 States ChildProtectionServices Investigation of Public Policy
Interpretation of Findings
From the Paper "According to a UN report from 2006, Japan ranked the country with the highest standard of living from the three countries, on the seventh position, with Switzerland on nine, and Germany on the twenty first position (Yahoo Asia News, 2006). The top takes into account various indicators related to the status of the economy such as the "average life expectancy, education, literacy, the gross domestic product per capita and other factors, to calculate the Human Development Index" (Yahoo Asia News, 2006). It can be said from this perspective that the ranking represents a rather comprehensive blueprint of the actual situation in all these countries. Therefore, as Japan and Switzerland enjoy top ten positions, Germany is immediately below the twenty mark."
Abstract This ten page paper warns that child abuse is a problem of tragic proportions in the United States, for each year approximately three million innocent children are physically and psychologically abused, according to childprotectiveservice agencies in the United States. The paper suggests that child abuse in America is much worse than statistics indicate, for child abuse incidents are concealed much more often than they are detected and adjudicated.
From the Paper "This shocking evidence compels policymakers at every level of government to confront the reality that child abuse has reached epidemic proportions in America, primarily because of the criminal negligence of local, state, and federal authorities and policy makers, who have consistently failed to acknowledge the scope and severity of child abuse."
A case study analysis of David Pelzer's life, as described in his book, "A Child Called "It"" and a discussion of the laws regarding the reporting of child abuse by teachers.
Abstract This paper discusses the role that teachers should play in the reporting of suspected child abuse. It describes the law regarding the reporting of child abuse in the United States and provides a case example from David Pelzer's life, as described in his book, "A Child Called "It"." The writer suggests that David only lived because a teacher reported his abuse and concludes that if she is ever am in a situation where I am faced with the question to report or not to report-my answer is very clear.
From the Paper "In contemplating those examples one can see that it is not as easy as it sounds to "do the right thing." Sometimes we cannot be sure what is ultimately best for the child and that is what everyone is trying to accomplish. For 3 elementary school teachers in Atlanta the choice was not theirs to make. The 3 instructors were arrested in connection with failure to report suspicions of child abuse. The worst part of this story is that none of the teachers had even suspected abuse and further investigations by the Fulton County Department of Family and Children Services have failed to substantiate the allegations of child abuse and no charges have been filed (Carmody, 1989). Ultimately, there are 3 school teachers that did not suspect abuse, were arrested for not reporting it and then find out that the child was probably not abused in the first place. To revert back to my earlier statement, there could have been a history of abuse there and it was overlooked, now that they have investigated and found nothing, that child could be in for even more abuse and no one to turn to for help."
Abstract This paper explains that, in the 1960s, in response to findings of the National Council of Jewish Women that child care services for the poor were inadequate, new quality child care initiatives, such as "Head Start" sponsored by the government for children living in poverty, began. The author points out that the child care provider, staffing, environment, safety services and relationships between the parents and care provider are important for child care to have a positive impact on the development of children. The paper relates that "comprehensive services", such as healthy nutrition, preventative health care, monitoring of child development, provision for sick children, consultation with outside specialists for individual and family needs, advocacy; services to children with disabilities and parent involvement programs, are valued in quality child care programs.
From the Paper "In order to ensure that children grow up in healthy environments we also need to address the emotional and psychological needs of the parent. "Children are far more likely to be deprived of their basic needs by parents who are depressed, who feel helpless and hopeless, than by parents who are depraved." Regardless of the focus of the media, the depression of the primary caregiver has a greater impact than whether two parents live in the home. Stress and depression play a greater role in neglect and abuse, than does poverty or single parenthood. A depressed parent is more apt to neglect the basic needs of the child in ways that are subtler."
Tags: head-start, relationships, stress, poverty, government
Abstract This paper takes you step by step through the childprotection procedure, examining the various legislation the social worker would be expected to know and use when working with vulnerable children. The paper also examines the processes the social worker has to go through in determining whether the children are children in need and therefore in need of support or if they are children at risk where possible removal of the children would be considered.
From the Paper "Both children and their parents are known to social services as both Stephen and Stephanie have been accommodated into the foster care system on several previous occasions due to their parent's long standing drug dependence, which has remained unchanged. At this point in my enquiries it would be imperative of me to attain any previous reading material that had been composed in relation to this families case in order to establish background knowledge regarding their history within the system, what contacts they have had and if they are currently receiving any support from social services or other agencies whom I may have to confer with to aid my enquiries.
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Abstract This paper discusses the importance of assessment and framework in social work particularly in the context of childprotectionservices. The paper discusses the uses and benefits of assessment in social work and how, with regard to childprotectionservices, it provides therapeutic benefits for clients and training for professionals, in addition to extended protection for children.
Table of Contents:
A Literature Review
Introduction
The Importance Of Assessment And Framework On The Field Of Social Work
The Importance Of Assessment And Framework In ChildProtection Recommendations and Conclusions
From the Paper "Despite these benefits of assessments, scholarship has suggested that further study must be used in order to evaluate and improve assessments as society changes. Scholarship has also suggested that methods of evaluating and reconfiguring assessment using new technologies, like computers, do exist. As social conditions continue to change and technology improves that can better interpret them, scholars and students should also continue to update assessments, ensuring that they are still relevant. Because of this, recommendations for further research include a framework for evaluating assessments in a timely manner and further scholarship related to testing the assessments, in addition to the development and application of new technologies to assessment upgrades."
Abstract This paper looks at the issue of child abuse, describing the different kinds of abuse that occur and citing various cases of abuse that have been taken to court. The paper also points out that the first step in helping abused or neglected children is learning to recognize the signs of child abuse and neglect. In addition, the paper reminds us that when someone suspects that any child is being harmed, she should report her concerns to the appropriate authorities, such as ChildProtectiveServices (CPS), in the State where the child resides.
From the Paper "The child welfare system is a group of services designed to promote the well-being of children by ensuring safety, achieving permanency, and strengthening families to successfully care for their children. Child welfare systems are complex and their specific procedures vary widely by State. However in each state the physical and emotional welfare of children is of primary importance in each state's child welfare system."
Abstract This paper uses references to several landmark cases in child abuse prosecution to discuss the topic of child abuse. The paper takes an even-handed approach to discussing the topic in the sense that it acknowledges society's obligation to protect children, and contrasts this against the rights of the accused.
The paper refers to the following court cases as examples : McDonald v. State, Landeros v. Flood, Arkansas Dept of Human Services v. Caldwell, Korunka v. Dept. of Children Services, Cavarretta v. Dept. of Children and Family Services, Arkansas Dept. of Human Services v. Heath.
From the Paper "The child welfare system is a group of services designed to promote the well-being of children by ensuring safety, achieving permanency and strengthening families to successfully care for their children. Child welfare systems are complex and their specific procedures vary widely by State. However, in each state the physical and emotional welfare of children is of primary importance in each state's child welfare system. There are different types of child abuse. One is neglect. Neglect involves failure to provide for a child's basic needs..."
Tags: Education, child abuse, reporting, false reports, famous or landmark cases
Abstract This paper explains that problems, such as false reporting and accusations, cultural misunderstandings, racial bias, unnecessary harsh sentences and overall judicial inconsistencies, exist in the child abuse reporting system. The author points out that the large percentage of inappropriate reporting also places an unnecessary burden on the already overwhelmed childprotective agencies and threatens to undermine public support for their efforts. The paper suggests that, with time and experience, it will be possible to standardize the approach toward sentencing so individuals will receive accurate judgments of incarceration, probation, education or acquittal based on the true circumstances. This paper includes several long quotations.
Outline:
Introduction Definition of Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act
Spanking versus Serious Physical Abuse
Study by Baumrind: Most Parents Spank without Ill Impact on Children
Statistical Reporting of Child Abuse Numbers
Numbers of Reporting Increased 20 Times
Large number of "Unfounded" Reports
Inappropriate Reporting Places Unnecessary Burden on ChildProtective Agencies
Better Reporting on What to/Not to Report
Disagreement of Over/Under-Reporting of Child Abuse Claims
Investigative/Tool Inconsistencies
Racial/Cultural Misrepresentations
American Psychology Association Recommendations
Learn about the Culture
Examine Discrepancies between Accepted Cultural Practices and the Behavior
Look at the Continuum of Cultural Behaviors, Determining Relationship Socioeconomic Issues such as Poverty and Substance Abuse
Is Alleged Abusive Behavior is Truly Harmful to others?
Person's Level of Acculturation to U.S. Culture
Reporting Bias
Suggested Actions
Narrow the Scope of Child Abuse and Neglect Definitions.
Place the Investigatory Powers with the Police
Re-Criminalize Child Abuse and Neglect.
Repeal Mandatory Reporting Laws Effect in all the States.
Make Child and Family Services Voluntary
From the Paper "As with any law that is passed, it is necessary to clearly define terms so that certain persons or groups of persons are not being treated differently in terms of that law and the punishment fits the crime. In cases of child abuse, there are numerous cases, especially with severe physical, psychological or sexual violations, where an individual should receive a strict penalty. However, there are also a large number of others cases where the abuse is minimal, questionable (spanking, for example), cultural, or even misinformed. In these latter situations, it may be better to find alternate ways to help these individuals and the victims."
Abstract This paper discusses how poverty leads to more poverty. The writer describes how neglect leads to more neglect. The writer discusses child neglect and explains who is at the highest risk. The writer examines how can children be protected without violating the rights of the parents. Further, the writer examines the likely psychological makeup of neglectful parents.
From the Paper "There are different types of child abuse. One type of child abuse involves neglect. Neglect involves failure to provide for a child's basic needs. Michael Reiff writes in 'Journal of Development Behavioral Pediatrics' that neglect is determined by the extent to which a child feels protected by his or her family. Reiff also explains that neglect can be physical or emotional. Physical abuse is inflicting a non-accidental physical injury of a child. This may include burning, hitting, punching, shaking, kicking, beating or otherwise harming a child. "
Tags: Neglect, abuse, child abuse, abandonment, mandatory reporting, child welfare services, mental illness and drug or substance abuse.
Abstract This paper discusses the problem of child abuse and focuses in particular on cases that have occurred within Charlotte, North Carolina and the surrounding Mecklenberg County. The paper includes a comprehensive literature review as well as details of services in place to help detect, prevent and subsequently treat victims of such abuse.
Outline:
Introduction
Literature Review
Interventions
From the Paper "Within Charlotte, North Carolina and surrounding Mecklenberg County, there were 1,771 substantiated cases of child abuse and neglect, at a rate of approximately 9.1 per 1,000 children compared to the state rate of 16.3 per 1,000 in the fiscal year of 2002-2003 (North Carolina Child Protection Services, 2003). Of these substantiated cases, 7.2% are cases of abuse; 91.4% are cases of neglect (North Carolina Child Protection Services, 2003). According to Action for Children North Carolina (2006a), the county rate decreased to 3.0 per 1,000, with a corresponding state rate drop to 9.8 in 2005. From 2000 to 2006, there was a 44% decrease in the percentage of children who experienced another incidence of maltreatment within 6 months (from 7.2% to 4.0% of substantiated cases) (Action for Children North Carolina & North Carolina Institute of Medicine, 2006). While these figures may seem like progress, deaths with abuse as an attributable cause is still unacceptably high and has even increased during the aforementioned 6-year period (from 29 to 37 or a 28% increase) (Action for Children North Carolina & North Carolina Institute of Medicine, 2006)."
