NCJ Number
74701
Date Published
1979
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This paper presents both policy and research recommendations concerning the reduction of child abuse and neglect, specifically in the areas of definitions, incidence, causes, consequences, and prevention and treatment.
Abstract
Current child abuse policies are directed toward preventing abuse and intervening on behalf of battered children. However, many State laws are unclear about the range and scope of abuse and about the perpetrators of abuse. The report recommends that State and local statutes be reviewed and appropriately amended with consideration for types of abuse and neglect, severity, frequency, and age of victims. Also central registries for abuse and neglect should be implemented in States and communities where they do not exist, and preschool programs, daycare centers, and public school systems should develop policies concerning intervention, reporting, and possible treatment of abused and neglected youth. Research in the field should be systematic; have a clear theoretical base and use sound research designs; describe the characteristics of the samples used and of the populations from which they were drawn; develop, use, and make explicit conceptual and operational definitions of abuse, neglect, and other key concepts; and use appropriate outcome criteria. Specific policy and research recommendations outlined are designed to enhance definitional clarity, narrow estimates of incidence, develop an empirically validated causal model for abuse and neglect, explore the less obvious effects of child abuse, and develop programs aimed at preventing abuse before it ocurs or intervening in those populations identified as being at risk of abusing their children. A note and 45 references are included.