NCJ Number
151426
Journal
Journal of the Child Welfare League of America Volume: 73 Issue: 5 Dated: special issue (September/October 1994) Pages: 405-430
Date Published
1994
Length
26 pages
Annotation
This article reviews what is known about the efficacy of child abuse and neglect prevention; the authors note that most prevention programs offer services to individual parents, families, or children, with the goal of altering behaviors and attitudes that contribute to risk.
Abstract
Child abuse and neglect prevention programs seek to enhance parental capacity, to reduce the vulnerability of children to sexual assault or peer violence, and to target children who are vulnerable to poor developmental outcomes due to inadequate parental supervision or skills. Evaluation data on and program implications of interventions focusing on parent enhancement, child empowerment, and victim services are detailed. The authors conclude that child abuse and neglect prevention programs should become more rigorous in how they assess changes in clients and should report assessment findings to those who fund and provide services. They also contend that enhancing the capacity to prevent child abuse and neglect is an ongoing task that can only be achieved through continued program evaluation. Critical research questions that need to be addressed are identified, including client targeting, cultural competency, service delivery and content, and cost-effectiveness issues. 104 references