NCJ Number
195018
Date Published
1999
Length
47 pages
Annotation
This paper describes some of the current trends in child abuse prevention and some of the key components of a holistic framework for preventing child maltreatment.
Abstract
The paper devotes specific attention to some of the current innovations in practice, in particular, early intervention and approaches designed to enhance the health and wellbeing of children via the development of healthy communities. The paper discusses three theoretical constructs that underpin the development of a holistic approach to child abuse prevention: ecological theories of child maltreatment causation; the identification of key risk and protective factors that influence children, family, and community vulnerability to child maltreatment and other social ills; and recognition of the importance of the local community and development of the concept of social capital. The paper discusses two programs that have significantly shaped current attitudes and early intervention strategies: the Perry Preschool Project and Head Start. It also describes the Scandinavian national family support programs. Notes, references