NCJ Number
54473
Journal
JOURNAL OF EXTENSION Volume: 16 Dated: (SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 1978) Pages: 24-28
Date Published
1978
Length
5 pages
Annotation
A MODEL AND PLAN OF ACTION IS SUGGESTED TO COMBAT CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT, WITH SUGGESTIONS FOR EXTENSION TO PROVIDE THE COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP.
Abstract
THE MODEL PROPOSED IS BASED ON THE DIMENSIONS OF SERVICE, EDUCATION, AND ADVOCACY IMPLEMENTED BY AN OVERALL COORDINATING STRUCTURE. SOCIAL SERVICE AGENCIES ARE NOT ABLE TO HANDLE THE REQUIRED SERVICES TO CHILD-ABUSING FAMILIES, PARTICULARLY IN AREAS WHERE MANDATORY REPORTING HAS INCREASED THE IDENTIFIED NEED. IT IS SUGGESTED THAT NONAGENCY AS WELL AS AGENCY SERVICES MUST BE COORDINATED TO COVER ALL THE NEEDS OF IDENTIFIED FAMILIES. EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS WOULD BE DIRECTED TOWARD PARTICULAR TARGET AUDIENCES WITH THE AIM OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE ABUSIVE BEHAVIOR BY HIGH-RISK PARENTS. THE ADVOCACY ASPECT OF THE ACTION MODEL INVOLVES INFLUENCING APPROPRIATE POLITICAL BODIES AND INFLUENTIAL INDIVIDUALS TO TAKE ACTION ON ISSUES RELATED TO CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT. IT IS BELIEVED THAT EXTENSION, A NATIONWIDE COUNTY-ORIENTED ORGANIZATION CONCERNED WITH THE FAMILY, COMMUNITY RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT, AND 4-H, IS UNIQUE IN ITS POTENTIAL TO ORGANIZE THE TOTAL COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM NEEDED. EXTENSION HOME ECONOMICS IS SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY'S NEED FOR GOOD PARENTING, WHILE THE COMMUNITY RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT STAFF UNDERSTANDS COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP, STRUCTURE, PROCESSES, AND POLITICS. THE 4-H PROGRAM INCLUDES MEMBERS AND LEADERS WHO ARE THE CHILDREN AND PARENTS OF THE COMMUNITY. WAYS IN WHICH THESE ORGANIZATIONS WITHIN EXTENSION CAN INITIATE AND SUPPORT THE SERVICE, EDUCATIONAL, AND ADVOCACY ASPECTS OF THE ACTION MODEL ARE DISCUSSED. (RCB)