NCJ Number
195012
Date Published
2001
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the risk and prevention of maltreatment of children with disabilities.
Abstract
The article considers why children with disabilities may be at greater risk of maltreatment than children without disabilities. It also suggests ways to prevent the abuse. No single factor places any child at risk for abuse and neglect. Rather, it is the interaction of factors that seems to be important. General risk factors for all children include parental substance abuse and poor coping skills and impulse control, and a history of violence. Risk factors related to disability include societal attitudes and beliefs that children with disabilities are not as worthy of social, educational, or professional opportunities as children without disabilities. The myth goes further and claims that children with disabilities are not vulnerable to abuse. The article looks briefly at familial risk factors, child-related risk factors, and risk factors for institutional and non-familial abuse and neglect. It also discusses prevention efforts at the societal level, within the family, and programs that focus on the child. Tables, references, notes