NCJ Number
48963
Date Published
1975
Length
4 pages
Annotation
THIS PAPER RELAYS THE VIEWS OF A HEALTH VISITOR WHO DEALS WITH CHILD ABUSE IN ENGLAND. THE HEALTH VISITOR VISITS THE HOMES OF ALL CHILDREN UNDER 5 YEARS OF AGE AND CONTINUES TO VISIT WHENEVER SUPPORT IS NEEDED.
Abstract
THE HEALTH VISITOR IS IN A UNIQUE POSITION TO DETECT EARLY SIGNS OF INJURY OR CONDITIONS THAT COULD LEAD TO ABUSE. UNDER A NORMAL VISITING ROUTINE, HE OR SHE CAN OBSERVE THE HOME SITUATION WITHOUT NEIGHBORS OR RELATIVES FEELING THAT SOMETHING IS AMISS. THE AUTHOR WORKS AS A HEALTH VISITOR IN A COUNTY HAVING A CENTRAL LIAISON COMMITTEE AND LOCAL LIAISON COMMITTEES WITH MEMBERS REPRESENTING POLICE, HOSPITAL SOCIAL WORKERS, HEALTH VISITORS, PEDIATRICIANS, AND PROBATION OFFICERS. THE LOCAL COMMITTEE MEETS WHENEVER NECESSARY AND KEEPS A REGISTER OF CHILDREN AT RISK OF ABUSE. THE POLICE NEVER TAKE LEGAL ACTION WITHOUT CONSULTING THE LOCAL COMMITTEE. IT IS THE HEALTH VISITOR'S VIEW THAT THE CHILD SHOULD BE REMOVED TO A PLACE OF SAFETY WHILE INVESTIGATIONS ARE MADE AND THAT NO ONE HEALTH VISITOR OR SOCIAL WORKER SHOULD ATTEMPT TO CARRY THE RESPONSIBILITY OF INVESTIGATION ALONE. THE CHILD SHOULD ATTEMPT TO CARRY THE RESPONSIBILITY OF INVESTIGATION ALONE. THE CHILD SHOULD NOT BE RETURNED TO ITS HOME UNLESS OR UNTIL THERE IS NO DANGER OF FURTHER INJURY. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE MANAGEMENT AND PREVENTION ARE OFFERED. AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF HEALTH VISITORS IS RECOMMENDED IN ORDER TO ATTAIN A RATIO WHICH WOULD ENABLE MORE SUPPORTIVE HELP. THE HEALTH VISITOR RECOMMENDS DETAILED PRENATAL AND POSTNATAL SUPERVISION TO INCLUDE THE MEDICAL AND SOCIAL HISTORIES OF THE PARENTS. TEAMWORK BETWEEN HEALTH VISITORS AND MIDWIVES (DOMICILIARY OR HOSPITAL) IS ENCOURAGED. RECOMMENDATIONS ALSO INCLUDE BETTER PREPARATION FOR PARENTHOOD THROUGH PARENTING INSTRUCTION, NURSERY AND PLAYGROUP PLACES FOR CHILDREN, AND PROVISION OF FAMILY AIDS WHERE SUPPORT IS NEEDED. IT IS SUGGESTED THAT THE HEALTH VISITOR BE NOTIFIED OF ALL HOME ACCIDENTS TO CHILDREN IN THE AREA. IT IS ALSO SUGGESTED THAT LIAISONS BETWEEN HOSPITAL AND COMMUNITY STAFFS BE ENCOURAGED AND EXTENDED. SPECIAL ATTENTION SHOULD BE PAID TO THE PLACEMENT OF A CHILD AFTER BATTERING. IT IS NOTED THAT THERE IS A NEED FOR FAMILY PLANNING FACILITIES; A NEED FOR AN AWARENESS OF YOUNG PARENTS WITH DRUG ADDICTIONS; AND A SPECIAL NEED FOR IMMEDIATE, CONSTANT, AND EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE WORKERS THEMSELVES. (RBS)