Maltreatment of Children: Abuse and Neglect Chapter 10 Maltreatment of Children: Abuse and Neglect ©2015 Cengage Learning.

Facts Concerning Childhood Maltreatment 5 children die every day from child abuse 50% are children under 5 years Approximately 600,000 confirmed cases of child maltreatment occurred in the U.S. (2011). The actual incidence of maltreatment is estimated to be three times greater than reported. Photo: © Cengage Learning 2

Facts Concerning Childhood Maltreatment 6 cases of abuse every minute to investigate Witnessing/experiencing violence affects children's brain development. Brain wires itself for survival instead of learning Long term abuse: -difficulty w/attention - recall - forming positive social relationships - understanding emotions -changes in DNA will increase risk for illness/chronic disease

What Happens to Children Who are Victimized? Approximately 230,000 children are placed in foster care each year. Victimized children are more likely to: - engage in drug abuse - engage in juvenile crime - become pregnant - experience depression and other mental health disorders - commit suicide as they grow up They are at greater risk for: - performing poorly in school - repeating at least one grade - requiring special education services

Definition of Maltreatment Any situation in which a child(individual under18 years) is not safe in his/her environment because of: Injury inflicted by caretakers Exposure to hazardous conditions resulting from inadequate protection Exploitation(child labor, sexual gratification, pornography) Withholding medical treatment

The Challenge Moral and ethical dilemmas discipline abuse A families' rights versus the law Discipline vs. Punishment At what point does discipline turn into punishment & punishment into abuse? Abusive treatment is often a continuum: discipline abuse

Is Child Maltreatment A New or Contemporary Problem? Historical overview: Children have always been abused “Battered child syndrome” 1961 Dr. Kempe 1974 Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) 1996: reauthorization included withholding medical treatment in life threatening situations. 2003: reauthorization included adoption, foster care, abandoned infants, family violence prevention

Categories of Abuse and Neglect Physical Shaken Baby Syndrome Sexual Emotional or Verbal Neglect Emotional Image: © Cengage Learning 8

Categories of Abuse and Neglect Physical abuse – unexplained physical injuries (cuts, burns, welts, fractures,scratches,missing hair); child may appear frightened,aggressive, withdrawn or apprehensive. Sexual abuse – any sexual act performed for adult pleasure, including inappropriate touching, physical contact or indecent exposure; child may have excessive curiosity or advanced sexual knowledge (for age).

Categories of Abuse and Neglect Emotional or verbal abuse – excessive and repeated name-calling, belittling, or other negative remarks; child may appear anxious, have persistent fears, sleep disturbances, and behavior problems. Physical neglect – failure to meet child’s basic needs and protection from harm; child may comment about absent caregiver. Latch-key children- school aged children who care for themselves before/after school.

Categories of Abuse and Neglect Emotional/psychological neglect – lack of interest or responsiveness to child’s psychological needs and development; child may appear afraid and distrustful. Failure to thrive- growth & mental development of an infant is severely slowed. No kissing, touching, eye contact, conversation, facial expressions= developmental delays & stunted growth. Hardest to detect Photo: © Cengage Learning 11

Dynamics of Maltreatment Adult predisposition  vulnerable child  stress  = maltreatment Abuse comes from all levels of socail, economic, educational,ethic,religious, occupational background Turn to page 276-277

Characteristics of Adult Perpetrators Most cases involve someone the child knows and trusts. 4 out of 5 victims are abused by at least one parent, more often the mother. May also be other family members or a relative, babysitter, or neighbor. Photo: © Cengage Learning 13

Adult Perpetrators Often experience acute or chronic environmental stress: Poverty, relationship problems, unemployment Live in social isolation and lack outside support Lack knowledge about children’s development and raising children Use or abuse alcohol and/or other substances.

Vulnerable Children No group of children is immune to abuse/neglect Boys and girls experience maltreatment in almost equal numbers Girls 4x more likely to be sexually abused Children under 3-4 yrs. are the most vulnerable. Why? Children who have disabilities are at high risk. Photo: © Cengage Learning 15

How Do You Know If A Child Is Being Maltreated? A combination of behavioral and physical indicators are typically present. Maltreatment is often a behavioral pattern. Photo: © Cengage Learning 16

Who Is Required to Report? Mandated reporters: Teachers and early childhood personnel Medical professionals Social workers Law enforcement Any person with reason to suspect a child has been injured by physical, emotional or sexual abuse or neglect

Goal: Prevention and Support Provide quality care and education in a family- focused program. Develop reciprocal relationships with families. Recognize risks and signs of abuse/neglect. Build on child and family strengths. Be informed about professional responsibilities. Help children develop resilience skills. Photo: © Cengage Learning 18