Abstract The writer of this article defines and discusses the issues and statistics surrounding the issue of child abuse and neglect. In this paper, a definition of child abuse is provided. The writer also discusses the short and long term effects of child abuse.
From the Paper "Child abuse is currently in the news seemingly more now than ever, however it is a problem that has been around throughout the ages. Child abuse is usually self-perpetuating and unlikely to stop unless the causes of the abuse are recognized and a concerted effort made by the community to prevent the cycle of abuse to continue. The social problem of child maltreatment has come to be predominantly defined as physical child abuse. The best definition of child abuse is a general ... "
Tags: child abuse, child neglect, causes of abuse and neglect
Abstract The paper explores the role of the child protection 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 child protection system and what can be done to improve the child protective services (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 Child Protective Services
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 attempts to understand the causes of child abuse, its occurrence, and incidence. It looks at how the four main types of child mistreatment are physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect and how, in many cases, children are victims of more than one type of abuse at a time. Child abusers can be anyone with contact or interaction with the child and can include parents or other family members or caretakers, such as teachers and babysitters. It examines the profiles of the abusers and how sexual abuse seems more likely to be committed by males, whereas females were responsible for the majority of the neglect cases. It also evaluates potential sociological factors and how, in general, the reported cases usually involve poor families with little education, young mothers, single-parent families, and parental alcohol and drug abuse.
From the Paper "A high crime rate in the community has also been shown to have an effect on the likelihood of child abuse. This is possibly a reflection of the atmosphere in the community environment in general. In addition, a community that lacks adequate social services to offer to parents, especially single parents is also open to mistreatment in the families. This is connected to the reports that social isolation can lead to child abuse. It has been found that frequently those who feel isolated from the society struggle with their parenting and the resultant frustration and anxieties can be inflicted on the children. Parents can be isolated because they have poor ties with their own families, or with their neighbors, or have small or non-existent social networks (little or no friends)."
Tags: sexual, emotional, parents, environment, community, single, drugs
Abstract This paper discusses the impact of medical neglect as a form of child abuse or neglect. Statistics are cited and the various measures taken by social workers, and legal and medical professionals to deal with the problem of medical neglect of children are evaluated.
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 Child Protective Services (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 is about the effects of child abuse and discusses various aspects in detail, as well as discussing possible causes. The author looks at how society needs to focus on warning signs, the behavior of abused children, and the special attention that mistreated children need. The paper pays close attention to social, psychological, and physical disorders that affect abused children.
From the Paper "Children from the ages of twelve to seventeen years of age experience more than twice the violent crime as adults in America . Horrifying cases of abuse and neglect have flooded the media, which have caused great concern by public interest groups and politicians. The greatest concerns most have are the effects these terrible crimes have on our youth. David Finkelhor, a sociologist at the University of New Hampshire , believes that we know too little about child abuse and what damage it may cause. He contends that if we better understood the effects of child victimization, we would be more able to identify and prevent it."
Abstract This paper discusses the child abuse laws pertinent to California. The paper examines the Penal Code and the Education Code as they pertain to child abuse. The paper discusses the California codes that relate to child abuse and neglect in general. The paper describes a particular school in San Jose, Athenour School, exploring how it complies with these codes. Finally, the paper offers some conclusions about this very important issue.
From the Paper "Two Codes of California law deal with the abuse and neglect of children as these relate to the responsibilities of teachers: the Penal Code and the Education Code. Interestingly, the Penal Code contains much more detailed and specific information about what teachers and administrators are required to do in a suspected case of child abuse or neglect than does the Education Code. This is perhaps because to include details in both codes would be an unnecessary replication, as school personnel are directed (by the Education Code) to refer to the Penal Code for legal requirements. The Education Code includes such information as requirements for teacher training about issues of abuse and neglect."
Abstract The focus of this research review is the relationship that exists between child abuse and neglect and juvenile delinquency and adult violence or criminality. This work reviews relevant, reliable, and peer-reviewed literature in this subject area and states findings about prevention methods that target early identification and intervention of those who are predisposed to juvenile or adult violence or criminality due to childhood abuse. The review of literature reveals that a community-based effort that is collaborative in nature and that integrates the many levels of the community into a dynamic process of intervention and prevention is one most likely to succeed. Recommendations of this study include the recommendation that further and deeper research effort be applied toward the establishment of a knowledge base that has the potential to contribute to development of appropriate treatment and interventions. This work makes recommendations for a restructuring of the community-based service provisions for families with domestic violence and child abuse issues. This program implementation would be on a community-wide basis with the central heart of the operation being a community transition and transformation services home center that worked in a close and collaborative relationship with all other service agencies in the community in bringing about a community-based transformation in the lives of families and individuals throughout the community.
Outline:
Abstract
Objective
Introduction
Significance of the Study
Methodology
Literature Review
Summary of the Literature Reviewed
Findings of the Study
Recommendations for Future Research
From the Paper "The woman who has been beaten may withdraw from the family, which often results in child neglect, and the stress associated with domestic violence may cause women who are at risk for violence to resort to violence. It is also held by researchers that some abused women, in an effort to protect them from the batterer punish the children too harshly. Children who have not experienced physical abuse may still become traumatized over having witnessed domestic violence. Furthermore, children often imitate the behavior they observe and victimize other children while alternatively they may adopt the role of the victim and become withdrawn. Finally the child witnessing domestic abuse or being abused, neglected or victimized may developmentally fail to acquire the ability to control their temper or expression themselves emotionally."
Abstract This paper examines how child abuse can assume varied forms including physical, psychological, emotional, sexual, and emotional abuse. It also looks at how one of the most common forms of abuse is neglect and how child abuse results in numerous long-term effects on the victim's later functioning and those later effects are demonstrated in low self-esteem and maladaptive behavior. The paper focuses especially on the problem of child sexual abuse within the context of the family.
From the Paper "Child abuse can assume varied forms including physical, psychological, emotional, sexual, and emotional abuse. One of the most common forms of abuse is neglect. Child abuse results in numerous long-term effects on the victim's later functioning and those later effects are demonstrated in low self-esteem and maladaptive behavior. The paper will focus especially on the problem of child sexual abuse within the context of the family. With the advent of the Internet, abuse has taken the new form of exploitation, whereby the parent knowingly allows the child to be used as a subject in child pornography. "
Abstract This paper discusses the incidence and type of elder abuse common in the United States. The paper reviews literature and describes its importance to social work. The paper also identifies outside issues relevant to the problem .
From the Paper "The purpose of this research paper is to identify issues relevant to the problem of elder neglect and abuse in the United States. This is a problem according to Tatara which impacts upon approximately ...."
Tags: elder abuse, elder neglect, social work, public policy
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 presents a blueprint for a group that involves teenagers that have been abused or neglected. The paper relates that abuse and neglect often serve as later trigger points for inappropriate and angry responses from the teens that endured the neglect. The paper designs a group setting in a private school for the teenagers to learn how to work through the past abuse and to learn to trust again. The paper explains how using humanistic approaches combined with Irvin Yalom's specific approaches will allow group members to learn appropriate responses to anger triggers, while at the same time learn to recognize future abuse situations and to react with a healthy and proactive approach.
From the Paper "The group will be comprised of teenagers whose primary issue is the past abuse and neglect that they have endured at the hands of either a family member or another caretaker. Each adolescent or teenager in the group has had an encounter with juvenile authorities and has had to be taken into juvenile court for delinquent behavior. The individuals have not committed the same offenses. The only criteria for entrance is that they have had to be seen in a juvenile court for anger related offenses. These can include assault, non compliance at school, defiance of parents or other caretaker's desires, refusal to comply with curfew or altercations with law enforcement issues."
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 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."
Abstract This paper explores four types of child abuse: physical, emotional, sexual, and neglect. It includes definitions, descriptions, and case studies, as well as the cyclical nature of abuse. The paper explores how child abuse can be prevented and how to get help for those who have already been affected by child abuse. The paper concludes with the author's personal reaction to child abuse.
From the Paper "According to statistics from 1998, 78% of all child abuse in the United States is committed by birth parents. Physical abuse is carried out relatively equally by mothers and fathers. Sexual abuse, in 90% of the cases, is perpetrated by a man, but most often the man is not the father but an adult who has an ongoing relationship with and access to the child. In 87% of neglect, the mother is the neglectful parent (Morales, 1998). A study done in North Carolina from 1985-1994, found that most perpetrators of child abuse are biological parents (almost equal between the mother and father). Other people who are likely to commit the child abuse are relatives, friends, baby-sitters, mother's boyfriends, and stepfathers (Herman-Giddens, 1999)."
Abstract The paper explains that the formation of emotion, motivation and long-term memory happens in the limbic system and is performed primarily by the hippocampus. The paper relates that at age 6 or 7, memories consolidate and beyond this time, new memories are usually not processed. The paper shows how, therefore, if a person was abused or neglected as a child, painful or unbearable memory is preserved for a lifetime. This causes damage to the hippocampus and the powers of recall, making a healthy, normal life of open communication extremely difficult or impossible. The paper stresses how this is a consistent condition among survivors of severe childhood abuse whose subsequent interpersonal relations in later life are seriously compromised.
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Methods
Conclusion
From the Paper "Psychologists and neuroscientists generally agree that the hippocampus plays an essential role in the formation of new memories about experienced events and as part of a larger medial temporal lobe memory system for facts and episodes (Wikipedia 2006). These memories last a lifetime but the role of the hippocampus ceases after a period of consolidation of the memories. Damage to it renders the formation of new memories or anterograde amnesia very difficult and impedes access to stored memories before the damage or retrograde amnesia. It is believed that older memories are transferred out of the hippocampus to other parts of the brain as a result."
Tags: limbic, memories, neglect, damage, communication
