NCJ Number
201280
Date Published
2002
Length
131 pages
Annotation
Based on a literature review and a peer review to identify effective child abuse prevention programs through a nomination process held from June through August 2002, this report presents the features of effective and innovative child maltreatment prevention programs.
Abstract
An overview of the incidence, impact, and existing models of prevention for child maltreatment first outlines the nature and scope of child maltreatment in the United States, followed by a discussion of factors that influence children's risk for maltreatment, the consequences and costs of child maltreatment, the nature and importance of prevention, and the kinds of prevention programs that currently exist. The latter include public awareness activities, skill-based curricula for children, parent education programs and support groups, home visitation programs, respite and crisis care programs, and family resource centers. The report then presents the results of the nomination process, which focused on identifying effective and innovative child maltreatment prevention programs throughout the country. This section presents prevention programs classified as "effective" programs and "innovative" programs. The "effective" program review presents programs that have focused on evaluation and have conclusive or preliminary positive outcomes. The diversity of these programs is reflected in their services, which range from parent education to family support services to emergency services. These programs have led to improved parenting skills and efficacy, better relationships between the caregiver and the child, and reduced stressors. The "innovative" program review presents programs that feature a new strategy in prevention, have overcome barriers to success, or have dealt creatively with a particular issue. Innovative aspects of these programs include combining a parent education curriculum with an alternative treatment protocol for stress and anxiety; the development of service tailored to underserved, high-risk populations; the strengthening of relationships between incarcerated fathers and their children; using a low-cost, multi-layered process for recruiting and retaining high-risk youth; and implementing creative solutions for common problems. The report concludes with a discussion of the limits of existing knowledge about the effectiveness of prevention, the need to expand efforts to understand the performance and impact of prevention programs, and observations about this process and recommendations for next steps. 110 references and appended emerging practices in child abuse and neglect prevention and information on resource organizations