NCJ Number
57097
Date Published
1975
Length
4 pages
Annotation
THE KEY TO THE COORDINATION AND IMPROVEMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES FOR CHILD ABUSE VICTIMS AND THEIR PARENTS IS AN INFORMED CITIZENRY. EDUCATION SHOULD ADDRESS THE DISBELIEF AND AVOIDANCE COMMON IN THE COMMUNITY.
Abstract
WHILE MANY PROFESSIONALS FEEL THAT THE CHILD ABUSE PROBLEM CAN BE MET ONLY BY INCREASING THE AMOUNT SPENT ON PROTECTIVE SERVICES, THE FACT IS THAT CURRENT SERVICES COULD DO MUCH IF THEY WERE EFFICIENTLY COORDINATED AND UTILIZED. CURRENTLY, THE SYSTEM LIMITS THE INVOLVEMENT OF ANY ONE AGENCY OR OF CONCERNED INDIVIDUALS AND THE ABUSED CHILD FREQUENTLY 'FALLS THROUGH THE CRACKS.' PROGRAMS WHICH HELP PARENTS LEARN HOW TO PARENT AND WHICH OFFER SUPPORTING SERVICES TO PARENTS ARE OFTEN NOT SEEN AS PART OF CHILD PROTECTION. WITHOUT STRONG TREATMENT PROGRAMS, THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION OFTEN ARE FORCED TO OVERUSE FOSTER CARE. GENERAL PREVENTION MEASURES ARE SELDOM SEEN AS ESSENTIAL. TO BUILD A BASE OF COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR COORDINATED CHILD PROTECTION SERVICES, PEOPLE MUST BE EDUCATED. INDIVIDUAL CASES HAVE LEAD TO OVERREACTIONS OF OUTRAGE AND HORROR. HOWEVER, THE MORE COMMON REACTION IS DENIAL AND A REFUSAL TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY. A GOOD EDUCATION PROGRAM WILL HELP CITIZENS UNDERSTAND THAT ABUSING PARENTS ARE NOT MONSTERS, THAT THE FAMILY CAN BE HELPED THROUGH APPROPRIATE SERVICES, AND THAT REPORTING ABUSE CAN HELP BOTH PARENTS AND CHILDREN. EFFORTS TO REACH POTENTIALLY ABUSING PARENTS ALSO MUST BE MADE AND IMMEDIATE HELP MUST BE OFFERED WHEN THEY VOLUNTARILY SEEK ADVICE. (GLR)