NCJ Number
208595
Journal
First Peoples Child & Family Review Volume: 1 Issue: 1 Dated: September 2004 Pages: 73-82
Date Published
September 2004
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This study explored mainstream attitudes toward the neglect of American Indian children.
Abstract
American Indian families have endured much injustice at the hands of European settlers. As late as 1974, between 25 to 35 percent of American Indian children were being removed from their homes of origin for various reasons, including the finding of child neglect. However, perceptions of abuse and neglect have been found to vary depending on the observer. Researchers have suggested that untrained child protective workers are making judgments regarding child abuse and neglect in American Indian families on the basis of their own cultural values, with little understanding of other cultural norms and expectations. The current analysis drew on data from 17,000 cases of neglect found by mainstream child protective workers between 1995 and 1999 in order to explore their attitudes toward the neglect of American Indian children. Data were drawn from the largest abuse and neglect database in the United States: the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System (NCANDS). Results confirm the charges of stereotypical assignations of neglect to American Indian families. The neglect of American Indian children was more often associated with foster care placement, juvenile court petition, family violence, and family receipt of public assistance. The neglect of White children was associated with family preservation services and inadequate housing. The findings suggest the need for direct participation of sovereign Indian nations in child protective investigations. Tables, references