NCJ Number
202205
Date Published
2003
Length
34 pages
Annotation
Based on the findings of recent research combined with prior evidence, this report provides guidelines for State and Federal governments in preventing child abuse and neglect.
Abstract
First, offer coaching in parenting and opportunities to develop parenting skills for all at-risk parents. Research has shown that children whose high-risk mothers were not involved in receiving instruction in parenting by nurses through home visits were five times more likely to be abused or neglected as the children whose mothers received parenting coaching. Second, offer quality pre-kindergarten programs with parent training for at-risk children. The evaluation of the Chicago Child Parent Center preschool program in low-income neighborhoods found that it cut the abuse and neglect of children in the program in half compared to similar children not in the program. Youth left out of the program were 70 percent more likely to have been arrested for a violent crime by age 18 than those enrolled in the program. Third, ensure that pregnant women who are addicted to drugs have access to drug and alcohol treatment programs. Studies have shown that the interaction of neurological damage at birth with deficient parenting greatly increases the risk of criminality as the child matures. Fourth, provide mental health services for depressed or mentally ill parents. Adults who grew up with a household member who was depressed, mentally ill, or who attempted suicide were found to be two times more likely to have been physically abused than those who did not grow up in such a household. In making investments in the aforementioned programs, governments can save billions of dollars, primarily in reducing the crime and violence likely to be committed by children and youth who have been exposed to abusive and neglectful parenting. 107 notes and appended technical notes on estimating the number of violent criminals, murderers, and suicides that will emerge from children abused and neglected in 2001, along with Federal programs that are used to provide funding for child welfare.