ABUSIVE PARENTS (FROM HANDBOOK OF CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT, 1977, BY ALEJANDRO RODRIQUEZ - SEE NCJ-46786)

• NCJ Number: 46787
• Author(s): A RODRIQUEZ
• Date Published: 1977
• Length: 6 pages
• Corporate Author: Medical Examination Publishing Co, Inc
• Publication Format: Document
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

GOALS OF TREATMENT FOR PARENTS IN CHILD ABUSE CASES ARE GIVEN FOR THE TIME THE CHILD IS IN THE HOSPITAL, DURING THE PERIOD OF FOSTER CARE, AND WHEN THE CHILD RETURNS TO THE HOME, TOGETHER WITH THERAPY SUGGESTIONS.

Abstract

THE THERAPY FOR PARENTS IN CHILD ABUSE CASES IS PRESENTED AS A SERIES OF STEPS OR GOALS. IN THE HOSPITAL WHEN THE CHILD IS FIRST SEEN, THE GOAL IS THE PROTECTION OF THE CHILD WITH AS LITTLE EMOTIONAL INVOLVEMENT WITH THE PARENT AS POSSIBLE. THE HOSPITAL INTAKE STAFF MUST REMAIN CALM AND PROFESSIONAL, EMPHASIZING THAT NO ONE KNOWS WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE CHILD AND IT MUST BE HOSPITALIZED FOR A FEW DAYS. ANY EMOTIONALISM MAY BE COUNTERPRODUCTIVE. EITHER THE PARENT WILL REFUSE TO LEAVE THE CHILD OR A LAWYER MAY SEIZE UPON STATEMENTS BY HOSPITAL WORKERS TO 'PROVE' THE WORKERS WERE 'ABUSING' THE PARENT. OFTEN THE ABUSING PARENT IS VERY ADOLESCENT EMOTIONALLY, APPEARING CONFIDENT AND ABUSIVE ON THE SURFACE BUT ACTUALLY WISHING SUBCONSCIOUSLY FOR ADULT LIMITS. BEFORE MAKING A DECISION IT IS ADVISABLE TO TALK TO THE PARENTS IN THE PRESENCE OF THE CHILD, OBSERVING FACIAL EXPRESSIONS AND INTERACTIONS WITH THE CHILD. THE GOAL DURING THIS PHASE IS TO ASSESS THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE SITUATION AND THE NEED FOR FOSTER HOME OR INSTITUTIONAL PLACEMENT. IF SUCH SEPARATION IS DEEMED ADVISABLE, THERAPY MUST ACTIVELY TRY TO BRING PARENTS TO A MORE MATURE LEVEL. HOWEVER, THERAPY SHOULD BE PRACTICAL; TIME SHOULD NOT BE WASTED ON PSYCHIATRIC THEORIES. INSTEAD, THE PROBLEMS OF ALCOHOLISM, DRUG ADDICTION, LACK OF CONTROL, AND OTHER FACTORS SHOULD BE BROUGHT OUT INTO THE OPEN AND EFFORTS MADE TO GET THE PARENTS TO DEAL WITH THE SITUATION UNDERLYING THE ABUSE. IT IS DURING THIS PERIOD THAT THE PARENT IS MOST LIKELY TO GO TO COURT TO GET THE CHILDREN RETURNED. HOWEVER, WHEN A CHILD IS RETURNED TO THE HOME THE ABUSE OFTEN BEGINS AGAIN. AFTER THE RETURN HOME, THERAPY DEPENDS UPON THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE RETURN. THOSE PARENTS WHO HAVE OBTAINED THEIR CHILDREN THROUGH A COURT ORDER OFTEN REJECT ALL TREATMENT AND THE PROGNOSIS IS NOT GOOD. THOSE WHO HAVE GROWN IN MATURITY AND WHOSE CHILDREN ARE RETURNED UPON RECOMMENDATION OF A SOCIAL SERVICE AGENCY SHOULD CONTINUE THERAPY BEGUN DURING THE SEPARATION PERIOD. CLOSE WATCH SHOULD BE KEPT TO MAKE SURE THE ABUSE HAS ACTUALLY STOPPED. PERMANENT SEPARATION OFTEN PROVES THE ONLY WAY TO ENSURE THE CHILD'S SAFETY. (GLR)