NCJ Number
184033
Date Published
1999
Length
446 pages
Annotation
This overview text is designed to prepare future and current professionals for effective intervention and treatment of abused and neglected children as well as families at risk.
Abstract
The first chapter provides a framework for the discussion of abuse and neglect by tracing the history of child maltreatment from biblical times to the present, followed by a chapter that considers the responsibilities of families and the rights society accords families and children. Maltreatment and the developing child is the focus of the next chapter, which examines the effects of abusive and neglectful behavior on children's development. Six chapters discuss the symptoms of neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, and emotional/psychological abuse; the needs and motivations of abusive and neglectful parents are also examined. A chapter then examines in more detail the incidence of incest or sexual abuse within the family setting, followed by a chapter that considers abuse outside the family, with attention to child pornography, prostitution, and sex rings. Three chapters focus on how to combat child abuse; two of these chapters follow the intervention process, from the report through the investigation. The court system and how it might be called upon to address abuse, neglect, and sexual abuse is considered in another chapter, as it distinguishes between intervention through the juvenile court process and prosecution through the criminal court system. Two chapters outline the models of treatment available for abused and neglected children and their families; therapy approaches for each type of maltreatment are considered separately. Another chapter discusses foster care as a therapeutic tool. A typical day for a protective social worker is described in one chapter, and another chapter discusses the experiences of adults who, as children, never reported being abused. The treatment available for these survivors is discussed. Prevention efforts and reform are discussed in the final two chapters. This fourth edition has added emphasis on cultural sensitivity as a vital ingredient for working in protective services, and more attention is given to the impact of violence within the family and its effect on children and overall family functioning. Questions and suggestions for learning activities accompany each chapter. Chapter suggested readings and references and a subject index