Support Versus Intervention in Cases of Child Maltreatment: An Efficient System That Works (From National Conference on Child Abuse, P 69-80, 1987, Ron Snashall, ed. -- See NCJ-106579)

• NCJ Number: 106583
• Author(s): T Donald
• Date Published: 1987
• Length: 12 pages
• Sale Source: Australian Institute of Criminology
• Publication Type: Program/Project Description
• Language: English
• Country: Australia

Annotation

A process of early assessment and management of cases of child abuse has been developed in Tasmania, Australia.

Abstract

The Child Protection Assessment Board has had statutory responsibility for child maltreatment services since 1974. In recent years, the philosophy underlying services has shifted from one focusing solely on intervention to one that recognizes the role of supportive counseling. The early focus on physical abuse has also broadened to an awareness of the problem of emotional maltreatment and the need for a careful assessment to determine the extent of maltreatment. Problems in the existing assessment system were addressed by changing the methods and composition of the assessment team. An ecological model requiring consideration of a wide range of factors replaced the medical model. Assessment focused on determining the level of parenting disturbance or maladaptation. The severity of the disturbance determines the decision to make the response supportive counseling or legal intervention. Initial gathering of information on a case is followed by an individual assessment of the child's physical and emotional status and the child's perception and interpretation of the alleged maltreatment. Parents and family are assessed also, and a management plan is formulated. Data tables and list of distinctive features of the assessment process.