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

2. 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.
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3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. Categories of Abuse and Neglect
Physical
Shaken Baby Syndrome
Sexual
Emotional or Verbal
Neglect
Emotional
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9. 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).

10. 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.

11. 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
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12. Dynamics of Maltreatment
Adult predisposition  vulnerable child  stress  = maltreatment
Abuse comes from all levels of socail, economic, educational,ethic,religious,
occupational background
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13. 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.
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14. 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.

15. 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.
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16. 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.
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17. 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

18. 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.
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