NCJ Number
129534
Journal
Children's Legal Rights Journal Volume: 12 Issue: 1 Dated: (Winter 1991) Pages: 19-24
Date Published
1991
Length
6 pages
Annotation
When the protection of children is a major issue, it often appears as though the needs of children and parents are in competition with each other.
Abstract
Sometimes, the child protection issue involves legal matters of such significance that they take precedence over any consideration of emotional needs. For example, in a private adoption case, the birth mother argued successfully that she had not been properly represented when she surrendered her parental rights. One of the most demanding dilemmas in child protection is the decision to reunite a child and the abusing or neglecting parent. Children are capable of a great deal of self-blame and guilt, even if significant adults in their lives make strong efforts to avoid inflicting such experiences on them. In addition, as a child adjusts to life experiences over time, there is a tendency for the distortion process to take a particular slant. Children's memories of parents whom they have not seen in years will often emphasize positive attributes and blur the negative. Child protection issues are examined in severe abuse and visitation and adoption case examples. In the case of visitation, consideration should be given to whether a confession should be required, whether child or parental needs are paramount, and often or how long visitation should be. Both psychological and legal issues are involved in any final decision to reunite children and parents. 5 endnotes and 4 references