Child Neglect and Child Abuse - Coursework Example

Child Neglect ‘Child neglect’ or ‘child abuse’ is an ambiguous and all-encompassing term used to describe actions perpetrated by parents on children which are universally deemed harmful by society and as defined by law. Many degrees of child neglect exist within two main categories, emotional/psychological and physical. Historically speaking, child neglect is a relatively new concept and its meaning is in a constant state of evolution. This paper provides a brief historical perspective and examines the present definition(s) held by Western society as well as the types, risk factors, prevalence of incidence and the consequences of child abuse and neglect. Until the early nineteenth century, child neglect was more or less a way of life, especially for poor children. The terminology may be a new concept but the practice is long-lived. Throughout the history of mankind, children have been abandoned, killed, mutilated, kidnapped, raped, jailed and otherwise exploited in various ways. For example, children during colonial times in America were regularly beaten with whips because this practice was thought an important aspect of instilling discipline. Until the early nineteenth century, very young children regularly were forced to work more than 12 hours a day, six or seven days per week in mills, factories and mines (Daro, 1988). At the time, neither whipping nor forced labor was considered child abuse or neglect and children had no recourse but to endure what today would be considered horrific living conditions. Largely because of the labor movement in the mid-1900s, many states enacted laws that defined child neglect, required health care workers to report suspected neglect cases and outline punishment for offenders (McCurdy & Daro, 1994). Congress gave a formal definition to neglect and stipulated actions states must take so that children would be protected from abuses when it ratified the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act in 1974. That federally mandated legal definition of neglect is as follows: “The physical and mental injury, sexual abuse, neglected treatment or maltreatment of a child under age 18 by a person who is responsible for the child’s welfare under circumstances which indicate the child’s health and welfare is harmed and threatened thereby, as determined in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare” (“Child Protection Act”, 1974). The legal definition stipulates that only parents, legal guardians or caregivers can perpetrate child neglect. The same type of abuses committed by any other individual whether relative, friend or stranger is considered an assault by legal definition unless the child is being cared for by that relative or friend at the request of the legal guardian. In addition, this Act includes in its definition both physical neglect and mental harm. A clear definition of neglect has been the subject of much debate since the 1974 Act was signed into law and will likely continue for a long time to come because every alleged neglect situation is different and societal standards of decency are constantly in a mode of adjustment. Another aspect of the debate is to what extent the government should be allowed to intervene in the private family lives of American families. Some suggest that the government should narrowly define neglect leaving no room for state bureaucrats to make personal judgment calls and that only under clearly defined circumstances should the government be allowed to intervene in family concerns. Those narrow definitions being if the child has observable wounds that resulted from the actions of a parent or caregiver. Others, however, invite government involvement and advocate flexibility for child welfare workers because of the many variables that are present in neglect situations. These individuals feel that because children can be seriously harmed and/or emotionally scarred for a lifetime by neglect, this more than justifies outside intervention (Costin et al, 1997). The quest for a more explicit definition of child neglect led to studies regarding the number of neglected children in the U.S. It is estimated that nearly 900,000 children were victims of neglect in 1994 but the exact number can never be known (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2006). These estimates are based on surveys and from statistics from child protective service offices but not all neglect cases are reported or admitted to on surveys. “While the exact number of children who are maltreated is unknown, the data derived from surveys and official reports provide an emerging picture of the extent of child maltreatment in U.S. society that suggests many more resources are needed to address its causes and effects” (Sedlak & Broadhurst, 1996). Many influences determine whether a child may be considered ‘at risk’ for neglect. The personality and past experiences of the parent, the family’s economic circumstances and the temperament of the child all are contributing factors to the overall health of the home life. Parents who were themselves victims of neglect, have psychological issues, monetary problems or believe in stern discipline techniques beyond what is commonly considered acceptable are ‘at risk’ for neglecting their children. The child’s gender and age are also factors that could heighten the possibility for neglect. Though cases of neglect are found in every socioeconomic circumstance, a disproportionate number emanate from low-income families. However, emotional and sexual abuse is not as closely linked to the family’s financial status (Finkelhor, 1986). National studies have found that families who subsist in low socioeconomic conditions are strongly correlated to incidences of child neglect. Though this correlation is not fully understood, the additional frustrations and stress that come from living in poverty may, in combination with a more severe approach to methods of punishment by some, increase the chance that physical violence will occur in the home. Those more susceptible to neglect include girls, young children, infants and children who have less than affable temperaments. Babies who suffer neglect from being shaken are an all too common occurrence. This form of neglect commonly causes brain damage and death. Instances of neglected infants are more likely to be reported to child services than are the abuses of older children (Sedlak & Broadhurst, 1996). Children do not always suffer negative lifetime effects as a result of neglect. The type of neglect (duration, severity and frequency), child’s age, relationship with parents and psychological/emotional make-up all vary extensively from case to case (Chalk, Gibbons & Scarupa, 2002). Children possess varying abilities to deal with neglect. Some are exceedingly resilient and even thrive after experiencing neglect. Children who are generally optimistic, have a sense of humor, are independent in nature, have a high intellect and high level of self esteem have a better chance to overcome negative experiences. Other factors such as access to a supportive adult, the stability of the surrounding community and degree of health care access are described ‘protective factors’ that can be helpful in alleviating long-term adverse consequences of child neglect (Thomlison, 1997). Child neglect has been proven to cause the vital regions of the brain to develop improperly. This results in diminished emotional, mental and physical development which causes a wide-array of maladies. “The stress of chronic abuse causes a ‘hyper-arousal’ response by certain areas of the brain, which may result in hyperactivity, sleep disturbances, and anxiety, as well as increased vulnerability to post-traumatic stress disorder, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, conduct disorder, and learning and memory difficulties” (Dallam, 2001). Neglected children often suffer from feelings of fear, isolation and lose their ability to trust in others which transforms into an increased chance for developing psychological disorders including depression and perceptions of low self-worth, effects which could last a lifetime. Studies have concluded that most children that suffer from neglectful circumstances exhibit deficiencies in emotional and mental health as compared to those that were not. One study found up to 80 percent of those that had been neglected as children were diagnosed with no less than one psychiatric condition by the age of 21. Their psychological problems included anxiety, depression, thoughts of suicide and eating disorders among others (Silverman, Reinherz & Giaconia, 1996). Neglected children also experience cognitive impediments. According to the 2003 National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being, children who had to be removed from a neglectful home environment placed lower than average when tested on their cognitive aptitudes and language skills which lowered their ability to succeed academically (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2003). Neglected children, to a much greater extent than others, find difficulty interacting socially. “Children who are abused and neglected by caretakers often do not form secure attachments to them. These early attachment difficulties can lead to later difficulties in relationships with other adults as well as with peers” (Morrison, Frank, Holland, & Kates, 1999). Victims of child neglect have higher incidences of behavioral problems too. Behavioral issues intensify during the teenage years which lead to acts of abusive behavior and acts of delinquency as juveniles and more severe types of offenses as adults. It also increases the likelihood of drug and alcohol abuse. Though child neglect and abuse in most every instance occurs within the family unit, its impact extends to the whole of society. Society pays for child neglect in direct as well as indirect ways. Direct expenditures include costs involved in the maintenance of child protective services who investigates claims of child neglect. Additionally, the judicial system, law enforcement and health facilities must respond to and care for neglected children and intervene in the family situation. A report by Prevent Child Abuse America in 2001 estimated that the annual cost of child neglect at $24 billion. Indirect expense takes into account the long-term consequences of child neglect which includes drug and alcohol abuse, domestic violence, criminal actions and mental illness. These expenses also include counting the loss of production due to underemployment or unemployment and the increased cost of many other social services over a person’s lifetime. The indirect costs are estimated by Prevent Child Abuse America to exceed $70 billion every year (Prevent Child Abuse America, 2001). During the past century, a national awareness and resulting desire to curb the instances and affects of child neglect has emerged which has caused legislation to be enacted. The definition of neglect and degree to which the government should be involved has been a subject of much debate and research. The long-term effects of child neglect varies depending on the level of neglect and degree to which the child is resilient but unquestionably, it negatively affects the child, family and the whole of society. References Chalk, R., Gibbons, A., & Scarupa, H. J. (2002). The multiple dimensions of child abuse and neglect: New insights into an old problem. Washington, DC: Child Trends. “Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act.” Public Law 93-247, 42 U.S.C. §5101 (1974), sec. 3. Costin, L.B., Karger, H.J., and Stoesz, D. (1996). The politics of child abuse in America. New York: Oxford University Press. Dallam, S. J. (2001). “The long-term medical consequences of childhood maltreatment.” The cost of child maltreatment: Who pays? We all do. K. Franey, R. Geffner, & R. Falconer (Eds.). San Diego, CA: Family Violence & Sexual Assault Institute. Daro, D. (1988). Confronting child abuse: Research for effective program design. New York: The Free Press, Macmillan. Finkelhor, D. & Baron, L. (1986). “High risk children.” A sourcebook of child sexual abuse. D. Finkelhor, S. Arajii, L. Baron, et al., eds. Beverly Hills, CA: Sage, pp. 60–88. McCurdy, K. & Daro, D. (1994). “Child maltreatment: A national survey of reports and fatalities.” Journal of Interpersonal Violence. Vol. 9, I. 1, pp. 75–94. Morrison, J. A., Frank, S. J., Holland, C. C., & Kates, W. R. (1999). “Emotional development and disorders in young children in the child welfare system.” Young children and foster care: A guide for professionals. J. A. Silver, B. J. Amster, & T. Haecker (Eds.). Baltimore, MD: Paul H. Brookes, pp. 33-64. Prevent Child Abuse America. (2001). Total estimated cost of child abuse and neglect in the United States. Available April 23, 2007 from Sedlak, A.J. & Broadhurst, D.D. The Third National Incidence Study of child abuse and neglect. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Silverman, A. B., Reinherz, H. Z., & Giaconia, R. M. (1996). “The long-term sequelae of child and adolescent abuse: A longitudinal community study.” Child Abuse and Neglect. Vol. 20, N. 8, pp. 709-723. Thomlison, B. (1997). “Risk and protective factors in child maltreatment.” Risk and resilience in childhood: An ecological perspective. M. W. Fraser (Ed.). Washington, DC: NASW Press. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2003). National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being: One year in foster care wave 1 data analysis report. Available April 23, 2007 from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2006). Child maltreatment 2004. Washington, DC: Government Printing Office. Read More