Child Abuse

Paper Summary:

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 child protective 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 Child Protective 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."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Besharov, Douglas J. Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse: Protecting Children from Abuse and Neglect. Washington, D.C. University of Maryland's Welfare Reform Academy, 2000.
• Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) of 1974. 23 November 2006http://laws.adoption.com/statutes/child-abuse-prevention-and-treatment-act-capta-of-1974.html.
• Dershowitz, Alan. M. Contrary to Popular Opinion. New York: Pharos Books, 1992.
• Murray, Bridget. Cultural insensitivity leads to unfair penalties. Monitor 30.9, October 1999 http://www.apa.org/monitor/oct99/mv2.html
• Orr, Susan. Child Protection at the Crossroads: Child Abuse, Child Protection, and Recommendations for Reform. UCLA. Policy Study No. 262, 1999.

More papers on Child Abuse:

• Term Paper # 145680 : "Using Communication to Prevent Child Abuse"
• Cause and Effect Essay # 88575 : "Psychological Implications of Child Abuse"
• Term Paper # 134249 : "Child Abuse and Neglect"
• Essay # 72123 : "Child Abuse And Policy"

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