NCJ Number
200510
Date Published
2002
Length
48 pages
Annotation
This chapter discusses the processes and procedures for handling child abuse and neglect cases.
Abstract
Child abuse and neglect cases are different from those that originate under a delinquency petition. Child Protective Services (CPS) investigates claims of neglect or abuse within 24 hours of receiving such a report, and CPS workers typically determine that child abuse and neglect reports are either founded, unfounded, or unfounded with reason to suspect. The author presents details from the Supreme Court case Meyer V. the State of Nebraska in order to illustrate due process in family law concerning child abuse. Turning to a discussion of physical child abuse and neglect, the author discusses the historical development of the term “battered child,” and presents CPS case studies illustrating the determination of child abuse. Addressing sexual child abuse, the author presents a brief history of this form of abuse and discusses various types of rape, sexual abuse reporting, and risk assessment. Discussing family dynamics, sexual activity, biopsychosocial factors, healthy families, dysfunctional families, alcoholic families, and incestual families, the author details factors contributing to child abuse, neglect, and ritualistic abuse. Following a brief discussion of juvenile psychological maltreatment, the author describes psychiatric, sociological, and social situational child abuse intervention measures designed to promote healthy families. References, appendix