Understanding child abuse in America - Essay Example

?Child Abuse: Child abuse is a term that implies on children who are mistreated or neglected. Child abuse might be a sexual assault, emotional battering or physically attack. In United States CDC, Center for Disease Control and Prevention, explains child abuse as an act or a series of act by parents, guardians or caregivers that further result in harm or danger of any harm to a kid. So we may see whatever the reasons are and whoever the person involved creating abusive behavior towards a child, child abuse is extremely deteriorating condition which may further produce harmful impacts on the over life of a child. Most of the organizations working for the protection of children further conclude that child abuse most often occurs at home by parents or caregivers. Anyways it may also occur in schools and organizations where a child goes time to time. According to social workers who are serving in these areas, the amount is smaller as compared to those children getting abused at homes by their close relatives. Furthermore, it is also important to understand that there are several categories of child abuse. Each category has its own effects on the overall live of a child. So, four major groups in this regard include, neglect, emotional abuse, physical abuse and sexual abuse. An Interview with a Social Worker: Nowadays several organizations and associations are actively working for child protection all over the world. Under these organizations, hundreds of social workers are vigorously participating. However, a social worker always needs the cooperation of any of the family whose child gets abusive behavior from adults. Evaluation of home environment is extremely important for a social worker to carry out final and correct assessment. He/ she should be very well aware about the people living within a home, culture of a home, employment level, health and fitness of individuals especially mental health and educational background. These indicators finally combine and help to carry out correct assessment. Here is a short interview from Dr. Umair Qamar Usmani who has been working as child specialist and active social worker for child care and protection. He has also gone through the implementation of various projects forward and planned by United Nations. Recently, completing his specialization degree in cancer but extremely interested worker as far as child care and protection is concerned. So, a brief description of the interview is enclosed here: Q1: What do you think why children mostly get abused by their elders? Dr: Before everything, it is very important to understand that abuse can happen anytime in any family. There are no special characteristics in this regard. However, we may say that there are certain families who are more prone to this act. For example, families who are usually isolated and have least number of friends or those who do not like gatherings and meetings. Such isolated family members might be at greater risk to get abusive behavior. Moreover, child abuse is also a common behavior among families passing through severe money problems or crisis. Parents who are very critical in approach towards their children and those who show rigid behavior also face difficulty in normal growth and development of their children. It is also important to recognize that too little and too much concerns can also worsen the situation. Sometimes stress also motivate parents to show abusive behavior towards their children. Q2: So when you suspect that a child is abused, what strategy do you prefer to get enough information from a child? Dr: If we suspect any kind of abuse, we always prefer a direct meeting with a child. As child is an individual who can provide us the maximum possible and relevant information regarding abusive behavior. However, it is also vital aspect to keep in mind that elders should always be polite. They should not beat or harm a child. They should even realize a child that he is not bad at all. However, it is a fact that parents’ cooperation is always required to collect enough information. Q3: According to your observation and knowledge, do you think all parents cooperate in such cases? Dr: No, not at all. They usually hide the realities or even they do not want to discuss such issues. Q4: After getting enough record of information, what is the next step? Dr: In most of the cases, parents are advised to report the local authorities or talk to person who can better assist. In United States, reporting and treating suspected abuse is always required by law. Q5: What sort of population you mostly serve for? Dr: As far as this issue is concerned, we mostly serve for developing areas of the country. As already mentioned fact that child abuse most often occurs in low income groups or those suffering from severe income pressures. Such parents or caregivers do not even well aware about child’s needs and actual requirements because of the fact that they are highly disturbed and emotionally dissatisfying. On the other hand, parents who are educated can better understand the actual needs of their children whether emotion or physical. They are well aware about the impacts of positive growth and development. As a result there are less chances of abusive behavior towards these children. So, a social worker most often serve less educated societies to give them awareness about the needs of their children. Q6: What is your strategy and resources used? Dr: We mostly prefer lectures and documentary films to create awareness among parents. Brochures and cards are other ways to create positive behavior through pictures and drawings. Q7: In your opinion, what are the special needs of child abuse population? Dr: As far as our experience and knowledge, based on our field work, is related abused population always require mental comfort. Social workers should participate and motivate encouraging behavior in these children towards life. As these children pass through stressed behavior, insecurity, dependency and low self esteem. So, they must be motivated towards positive corners of life. Q8: Do you think social workers require any skill or training in this regard? Dr: Yes, of course! Without proper training it is impossible to understand the complications behind any issue. Social workers must be trained and educated to understand the reasons behind any form of abuse. As already mentioned that abused child may belong to a rich or poor family. However, the circumstances behind abusive behavior by elders might be quite different which can only be learnt through knowledge, training and skill. Q9: What resources do you think are required to work with abused children? Dr: First of all, for a social worker proper knowledge and training will be required to deal with such cases. Next step will be data collection of the case. Q10: What are the pros and cons of working with abused children population? Dr: For a social worker, there might be several obstacles in this regard. As a matter of fact most parents do not want to cooperate with social workers. They usually hide the realities. Same thing occurs with a child. He/ she are dependent on parents and does not act or react freely. Moreover, he/ she also try to hide a lot and feel non prestigious exposing such issues with another person. Q11: What are the different levels of income of social workers in child abuse area? Dr: It is a fact that some renowned organizations like UNICEF are offering great salaries to their workers. As social work is not an easy deal. It requires great levels of tolerance, field work and knowledge. So, social workers always deserve a lot for their services. ASACP (Association of Sites Advocating Child Protection) is another organization dedicated to child care and protection. Such renowned organizations are offering great level of income for devoted and committed workers. References: 1. Social Work. (2011). The Social Work Interview. 23rd April 2011. Retrieved from http://depts.washington.edu/lend/seminars/modules/socialwork/assess_interview.htm 2. CSBA. (2010). ELA update: Interviews of child abuse victims by social workers. 23rd April 2011. Retrieved from  http://www.csba.org/en/LegislationAndLegal/Legal/~/link.aspx?_id=7911474364DF46A6BBCF4C4D9CD65E9A&_z=z 3. Advice Guide. Child Abuse. 23rd April 2011. Retrieved from http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/scotland/f_child_abuse_scotland-2.pdf 4. Thefreedictionary.com. Child Abuse- Definition of Child Abuse by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. 23rd April 2011. Retrieved from http://www.thefreedictionary.com/Child+abuse Read More