NCJ Number
131300
Date Published
1991
Length
63 pages
Annotation
This booklet reviews factors and assumptions that pertain to child abuse prevention and proposes an approach for child abuse prevention.
Abstract
A section on facts about child abuse prevention discusses the frequency of family conflict that leads to violence, factors that contribute to abuse, the prediction of who will abuse their children, and the effectiveness of preventive services. A discussion of treatment for the abused child notes that the abused child may need help with learning difficulties, developmental delays, and deficits in neurological function. The aims of the proposed comprehensive prevention strategy are to increase future parents' knowledge of child development and parenting, the enhancement of parent-child bonding and communication, the development of parents' skills in coping with the stress of childrearing, a reduction in the burden of child care, a reduction in family isolation and an increase in peer support, an increase in access to social and health services for all family members, and a reduction in the long-term consequences of poor parenting. Proposed prevention program areas are support programs for new parents, parent education, early and regular child and family screening and treatment, child-care opportunities, programs for abused children and young adults, life skills training for children and young adults, self-help groups and other neighborhood supports, and family support services. Appended supplementary information and 296 references