NCJ Number
62552
Date Published
1977
Length
17 pages
Annotation
THE NATIONAL SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO CHILDREN PRESENTS 1977 INFORMATION ON ITS PROGRAM, STAFF, AND FINANCES; SELECTED CASE STUDIES; AND STATISTICS ON ABUSED CHILDREN IN ENGLAND, WALES, AND NORTHERN IRELAND.
Abstract
A MAJOR PROBLEM FOR THE SOCIETY HAS BEEN DETECTING CASES OF CHILD ABUSE BECAUSE POTENTIAL INFORMANTS FEAR LEGAL ACTION. THUS, THE HOUSE OF LORDS RULING THAT THE SOCIETY CANNOT BE FORCED TO BREAK ITS PLEDGE OF SECRECY FOR PEOPLE WHO REPORT INCIDENTS WAS RECEIVED WITH GREAT RELIEF. HOWEVER, THE SOCIETY'S SURVEY OF 10 PERCENT OF THE CHILD POPULATION OF ENGLAND AND WALES IN 1977 REVEALED AN ESTIMATED 8,000 CHILDREN WHO RECEIVE NONACCIDENTAL INJURIES EVERY YEAR; CENTRAL REGISTERS CAN AID IN THE DETECTION OF NONACCIDENTAL INJURY AND IN MONITORING THE SAFETY OF THESE ABUSED CHILDREN. THE SOCIETY'S NATIONAL ADVISORY CENTER ON THE BATTERED CHILD OFFERS CONSULTIVE AND EDUCATIONAL SERVICES TO INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANIZATIONS. IT MAINTAINS A 24-HOUR SERVICE IN THE LONDON AREA AND OPERATES A RESIDENTIAL FACILITY FOR BATTERED CHILDREN. AN ONGOING STAFF DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM IS PROVIDED FOR ALL WORKERS. THERAPEUTIC PLAYGROUPS FOR DEPRIVED PRESCHOOL CHILDREN HAVE BEEN ORGANIZED TO NEEDY FAMILIES IN THE FORM OF THE CLOTHING, FURNITURE, AND OUTINGS FOR CHILDREN. FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES INCLUDE RESALE SHOPS RUN BY VOLUNTEERS AND GREETING CARD SALES. IN 1977 THE SOCIETY REPORTED AN OVERALL DEFICIT AND HAD TO DRAW ON ITS CAPITAL RESERVES; IT IS TRYING TO DEVELOP NEW FUNDRAISING METHODS AND IS NEGOTIATING FOR SUPPORT FROM LOCAL AUTHORITIES. (MJM)