...In 2010 I performed my school counseling internship at an urban school and had to report suspected child abuse several times a month. My experience prompted me to research child maltreatment laws in the USA. McLeod &Nelson,(2011), stated that child abuse is considered a major issue and public awareness is on the rise since 1960s. It influenced the passing of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) in 1974. (McLeod &Nelson,2011)Passing of CAPTA by the Congress was a significant event in addressing child abuse, because it provided the minimum standards for each state to follow when identifying and responding to suspicion of child abuse. (Henderson,2013). In addition, CAPTA secured federal funding for the states for prevention, identification, and addressing child maltreatment. In 20 years, each state received between $20-$30 million in federal grants. (Henderson,2013) Child abuse legislature and guidelines for counseling professionals as mandated reporters of child abuse vary from state to state. Even before CAPTA In 1963-1967, all fifty stated and district of Columbia "and "enacted some form of child maltreatment reporting Procedures"(McLeod &Nelson,2011, p.12 .) Mental Health counselors should adhere to their State's guidelines when making a decision to report a possible case of child maltreatment. They can find those guidelines on the U.S. Department of Human Services website (2011) as well each State ‘s Department of Human Services...
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...Child Abuse and its Long Term Effects Franklin Mosley Christian Counseling 301 B02-LUO Abstract Child abuse is present in our society, in the United States and throughout the world. This paper briefly examines various issues surrounding child abuse and its long term effect upon the development of the abused. The goal of this paper is to underscore the fact that child abuse is prevalent and that help and treatment can be administered to both the abused and the abuser to end the crippling cycle of abuse in homes. Child Abuse and its Long Term Effects Child abuse is present in our society, in the United States and throughout the world. This paper briefly examines various issues surrounding child abuse and its long term effect upon the development of the abused. The goal of this paper is to underscore the fact that child abuse is prevalent and that help and treatment can be administered to both the abused and the abuser to end the crippling cycle of abuse in homes. The categorizing of types of abuse varies from country to country and therefore empirical statistics are very hard to establish. Definitions of child abuse also vary greatly, not only world-wide but also between states. The Federal government offers guidelines for states. Federal legislation provides guidance to States by identifying a minimum set of acts or behaviors that define child abuse and neglect. Note that these guidelines are classified as minimum standards. The Department of Health and...
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...Child abuse is a serious matter. No matter what ethnic or social background someone comes from there is the potential for abuse. The Federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA), as amended and reauthorized by the CAPTA Reauthorization Act of 2010, defines child abuse and neglect as, “Any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation; or an act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm.” Abuse is often hidden from view and many times its victims are too young or fearful to speak out. Experts suggest that its true prevalence is possibly much greater than the official data indicate. An estimated 896,000 children across the United States were victims of abuse or neglect in 2002, this is according to national data released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in 2004. Young mothers, single-parent families, and parental alcohol or drug abuse are common in reported cases (Encyclopedia of Children’s Health). Statistics show that more than 90% of abusing parents have neither psychotic nor criminal personalities. But they actually tend to be lonely, unhappy, angry, young, and single parents who do not plan their pregnancies, and/or have little or no knowledge of child development, that results in unrealistic expectations for their child’s behavior. It’s reported that anywhere from 10% -40% of abusive parents were themselves physically...
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...Content The issue of child abuse and neglect is serious, controversial, and is escalating in today’s society. Many people are not aware, but child abuse is rampant in our society. Many child abuse and neglect cases go unreported because a person may not know the signs and symptoms of child abuse and neglect or perhaps the person or person may feel that this is an private issue and needs to be handle with in the home and no outsiders should be involved. Without the proper awareness of child abuse and neglect and the involvement of everyone this issue will continue to raise our eyebrows. In researching this topic, a title came up labeled "It shouldn't hurt to be a child". The title itself speaks volume when it comes to how our little children feel as it happens too often; it is little too late to for that young child who still have so much life ahead of them. Just goggling “child abuse cases” several came up whether it was a news article or a scholar article on child abuse prevention. This type of mistreatment towards our youth does have potential for youth to become juvenile delinquents. The problem is that the youth learns that behavior of child neglect and abuse is okay and acceptable because the one person they believe who loved them unconditional was this way toward them. It’s unfortunately that it may be too late before the youth realize this behavior should not be tolerate or acceptable and it set the child and family up for failure. The child behavior can lead to deviancy...
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...Child Abuse Adrianna White SOSC 499 DR. TURNER In 1999, an estimated 3,244,000 children were reported to Child Protective Services (CPS) agencies as alleged victims of child maltreatment. Child abuse reports have maintained a steady growth for the past ten years, with the total number of reports nationwide increasing 45% since 1987 (Nation Committee for the Prevention of Child Abuse (NCPCA) 2000 Annual Fifty State Survey). Neglect represents the most common type of reported and substantiated form of maltreatment. In 1996, 25 states provided the following breakdown for reported cases: 62% involved neglect, 25% physical abuse, 7% sexual abuse, 3% emotional maltreatment and 4% other. For substantiated cases, 31 states gave the following breakdowns: 60% neglect, 23% physical, 9% sexual, 4% emotional maltreatment and 5% other (NCPCA's 1996 Annual Fifty State Survey). In 1999, an estimated 1,401 child abuse and neglect related fatalities were confirmed by CPS agencies, nearly 4 every day. Since 1985, the rate of child abuse fatalities has increased by 39%. Based on these numbers, more than three children die each day as a result of child abuse or neglect (NCPCA's 1996 Annual Fifty State Survey). According to information from at least 18 states that were able to report the type of maltreatment which caused the child's death for at least one of the past three years. Approximately 54% of the deaths were due to physical abuse while 43% resulted...
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...Specifically, we will be looking at childhood abuse and the ties to the abused children growing up to be domestic abusers. Understanding the ties between the two topics may give us a better understanding of the chances for children who are abused growing up to commit domestic violence acts. It will also give us a general idea as to how we may be able to help these children when they are younger as to prevent domestic violence in the future. According to "Child Welfare Information Gateway" (2010) The Federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) (42 U.S.C.A. § 5106g), as amended by the CAPTA Reauthorization Act of 2010, defines child abuse and neglect as, at minimum: “Any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker that results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation"; or "An act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm." This definition of child abuse and neglect refers specifically to parents and other caregivers. A "child" under this definition means a person who is younger than age 18 or who is not an emancipated minor (para. 1). The basis for the background to this problem is the fact that there is a common belief in the cycle of violence and child abuse. It is said that there is not enough supporting research to back up the “cycle” theory. The main question that will be addressed is, was the person that was jailed for domestic violence abused as a child? Some issues that may emerge from...
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...Discipline or Abuse: Where is the line drawn? According to childhelp.org, a foundation for the prevention and treatment of child abuse, every year 3.3 million reports of child abuse are made in the United States. And in these 3.3 million reports approximately six million children are harmed every year by one of these malicious acts; and that’s about six million too many. Simply defined, child abuse refers to physical, mental, or sexual harm done to a minor whether it is intentional or unintentional. But, unfortunately, it’s not that simple. Not only are there several different categories for child abuse, but states also have their own laws are regulations defining the acts. Although Congress has enacted several pieces of legislature in response to the continual problem, clearly that is not enough. It was reported by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that in 2011 approximately 5 children were lost every day due to abuse related deaths (childhelp.org). There is an obvious need for reformation in order for this pandemic to be overcome. Although it’s not the most known form of maltreatment, child neglect is the most prevalent form of child abuse in the U.S. today, as reported on childhelp.org by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. They reported that of the 3.3 million cases reported each year, 78.3 percent alone is due to child neglect (childhelp.org). Neglect falls into four basic categories: physical, educational, emotional, and medical. Physical...
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...The child abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) defines child abuse and neglect as any recent act or failure to act that t resulted in eminent risk or death , or exploitation of a child by parents or care giver who is responsible for the child’s welfare.(Mosby,2009)Child abuse is one of the most significant social problems affecting children, child abuse involves physical, emotional sexual and also neglect. According to National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect. The incidence of child abuse has been on the increase, Emotional abuse is the verbal acts that results in a destruction of self esteem inn a child. Can include rejection or threating to of a child. Emotional neglect is an intentional omission verbal or behavioral actions that are necessary for development of a healthy self-esteem example , social isolation.. Physical abuse is the deliberate infliction of injury on a child. It is suspected when as injury is not consistent with history or development level of the child...physical neglect is the failure to provide for the physical needs of a child ,including food, clothing,, shelter and basic cleanliness(Thompson,1995).Sexual abuse is defined as employment ,use persuation,inducement, enticement,or coercion of any child to engage or assist sexual explicit for the purpose of producing visual depiction such as conduct. The temperament of a child as well as well as parents can be a cause of child abuse. Children...
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...CPS – Hurt Page 1 Child Protection Services (CPS) and How Juveniles Are Affected Jessie Hurt SOC-331 Social Justice & Ethics Instructor Jen Brockel January 14th, 2013 CPS - Hurt Page 2 “Nearly five children die every day in America from abuse and neglect, and in 2010, an estimated 1,560 children died from abuse and neglect in the United States.” (Alliance, 2012) Children who are being abused and taken from their families, put into foster care systems and/or even adopted out to other families, these children are far more likely to turn to the streets and drugs as a result of their circumstances. Although Child Protection Services (CPS) has changed from the early 1800’s one problem still remains in effect and that is trying to prevent juvenile delinquency through this service, because numerous mistreated children make the jump from innocence to delinquency and find themselves in the juvenile justice system, other systems of care, or in extreme cases they find themselves in adult criminal court. “As child abuse and/ or neglect increases the risk of arrest as a juvenile by 55% and the risk of committing a violent crime by 96%.” (Bilchik & Nash, Fall 2008) Child Protection Services (CPS) history in America is divided into 3 eras. The first era was from colonial times until 1875 and was known as being the “era before organized protection” (Myers, 2008) and the...
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...Childhood Sexual Abuse Daniel Green Liberty University August 4, 2012 Abstract Child sexual abuse (CSA) represents a growing crisis that affects children, families, and communities worldwide. Though CSA does not severely damage everyone who has had this experience, a very significant number of individuals experience short and long-term developmental difficulties resulting from the initial abuse. Psychological issues such as depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, and other related anxiety issues are common problems associated with CSA. This paper will discus some of the causes, effects, interventions and treatments of CSA, along with a biblical, Christ-centered perspective that may aid in providing hope for those living through the crisis of CSA. The Crisis of Childhood Sexual Abuse Without a doubt, child sexual abuse (CSA) represents a growing crisis that affects children, families, and communities worldwide. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (2010), as many as one in four children are sexually abused. In the United States alone, 80,000 cases of CSA are reported each year (American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 2008). However, despite national efforts, many cases go unreported because prevalence rates are only accurate to the extent that victims of CSA are willing to disclose. Based on retrospective studies of adult survivors of CSA, it has been estimated that only 1 in 20 cases of sexual abuse is ever reported...
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...Prevention and the Child Protection System Jane Waldfogel The Future of Children, Volume 19, Number 2, Fall 2009, pp. 195-210 (Article) Published by Princeton University DOI: 10.1353/foc.0.0037 For additional information about this article http://muse.jhu.edu/journals/foc/summary/v019/19.2.waldfogel.html Access Provided by Columbia University at 09/11/12 2:47PM GMT Prevention and the Child Protection System Prevention and the Child Protection System Jane Waldfogel Summary The nation’s child protection system (CPS) has historically focused on preventing maltreatment in high-risk families, whose children have already been maltreated. But, as Jane Waldfogel explains, it has also begun developing prevention procedures for children at lower risk—those who are referred to CPS but whose cases do not meet the criteria for ongoing services. Preventive services delivered by CPS to high-risk families, says Waldfogel, typically include case management and supervision. The families may also receive one or more other preventive services, including individual and family counseling, respite care, parenting education, housing assistance, substance abuse treatment, child care, and home visits. Researchers generally find little evidence, however, that these services reduce the risk of subsequent maltreatment, although there is some promising evidence on the role of child care. Many families receive few services beyond periodic visits by usually overburdened caseworkers, and...
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...cause of child abuse deaths in the United States. Babies (newborn to 4 months) are at greatest risk of injury from shaking. Inconsolable crying is a primary trigger for shaking a baby. Physical signs of abuse do not always occur with shaken baby syndrome. However, an X-ray or eye examination by a doctor may show signs of trauma. A doctor may detect rib fractures or notice bleeding behind a baby’s eyes. If symptoms do appear with shaken baby syndrome, they may include: difficulty staying awake, body tremors, breathing difficulties, poor eating habits, vomiting, discolored skin, and seizures. Neglect is another form of abuse seen in this age group. Federal officials define neglect as a failure to meet a child's basic needs, including housing, clothing, feeding and access to medical care. It's not primarily infants being hit, but parents showing signs of not being able to really care for their infants and abandonment and newborn drug addiction also qualifies as neglect. Physical abuse such as punching, beating, kicking, biting, throwing, stabbing, choking, hitting (with a hand, stick, strap, or other object), and burning occurs in this age group also. Ways to recognize abuse in infants, they may display changes in appetite, a total loss of interest in food, unexplained gagging and vomiting, and other symptoms related to emotional stress. The Federal Child Abuse Prevention Treatment Act (CAPTA) states that doctors, nurses and teachers must report suspected child abuse. Skin Scraping...
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...CHILD ABUSE Miami Dade College Professor Grooms PSY2012 April 14th, 2012 At least every ten seconds a report of child abuse is reported across the United States. Child Abuse is a topic that can put fear in the heart of any parent, grandparent or guardian. Child abuse is a very delicate yet important issue in the world. Why is child abuse such a bug problem? Because Child abuse is also the type of problem where any child can fall prey especially, because child abuse does not seem to discriminate against age, sex, race, religion, or economic backgrounds. Parents, grandparents or guardians run the high risk of knowing their child’s abuser. Children of all ages are vulnerable to abuse. More than five children die every day as a result of child abuse. (U.S. Government Accountability Office, 2011) Child abuse in most cases starts mostly with an individual whom was abused as a child therefore, repeating the cycle, users of drugs, and/or alcohol. Child Abuse has come to be known as a silent problem because someone they know and trust people like teachers, relative, family friend or even a caretaker will abuse almost all of these children and yet feel the fear to never say anything to anyone. More than 90% of juvenile sexual abuse victims know their perpetrator in some way. (Synder, July) During recent years, the public eye has become more informed on child abuse. There are many components to child abuse but specifically there are four general categories of child neglect...
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...Child Sexual Abuse – Past, Present and Future Donna Hurst University of the Cumberlands HSOL 331 April 13, 2013 ABSTRACT This paper explores the issue of child sexual abuse. Sexual abuse of a child has become a major social issue in not only the United States but the entire world. It is imperative that society learns all they can about this issue. As a whole, society needs to discover the indicators of sexual abuse, the appropriate ways to report suspected abuse and how to help those that have been abused so they are not continually victimized by their past. This paper will explore child abuse and child sexual abuse in six parts. The first part will begin with the earliest references of child abuse as a whole. The second part will continue on to the emergence of the issue of child abuse on the social and political scene. The third part of this paper will show when and how sexual abuse first became recognized as part of the child abuse issue. The fourth part of this paper will move into the effects of child sexual abuse. The fifth part will cover child sexual abuse intervention methods and the sixth part will focus on the treatments available to help victims in the present as well as the future. PART ONE: CHILD ABUSE’S PAST In the ancient world, infanticide was common practice in nearly all cultures. Children were killed at birth if they did not seem fit. Fathers were permitted to kill their newborns if they deemed the child was abnormal. Children that showed signs...
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...Substance Abuse and Pregnancy Women are incredible creatures. Women have the incredible ability to aid in the development of a new life within a matter of months. Whether a pregnancy is wanted or unplanned the process of development for the young zygote nestled within the mother’s womb is still phenomenal. The developing bundles of cells are very vulnerable from the very start to the end of a pregnancy. The progress of development for the zygote is a delicate one than can be interrupted or slowed down by many internal and external forces. The forces that can interrupt development can range from biological to environmental. The woman carrying the child is responsible for not only her life but the life of her unborn child. Many activities a mother engages in, the unborn child engages in as well. Activities that the mother participates in can be harmless such as listening to music or enjoying a healthy snack. Unfortunately, some activities are not beneficial for the new life. A mother who participates in substance abuse is putting herself and her child at risk. Substance abuse during pregnancy can have adverse effects on the mother, the unborn child, and raises an ethical dilemma. The online Merriam Webster dictionary states that “Autonomy is self-directing freedom and especially moral independence” (Merriam-Webster). Autonomy is a freedom that many individuals can exercise but it takes a rational individual to do so responsibly. The use of substances is an act that...
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