NCJ Number
192731
Date Published
August 2001
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This policy statement by the American Academy of Pediatrics is intended to ensure that pediatricians are aware that children with disabilities are at risk for maltreatment.
Abstract
The rates of child maltreatment have been found to be high with both the child population in general as well as with children who are blind, deaf, chronically ill, developmentally delayed, behaviorally or emotionally disordered, and multiply disabled. Furthermore, child maltreatment may result in the development of disabilities, which in turn can precipitate further abuse. Little research, however, has focused on the abuse of children with disabilities. The few studies that have sought to determine the prevalence of abuse of children with disabilities have found their abuse to be significantly greater than for children without disabilities. This may be due to the fact that children with chronic illnesses or disabilities often place higher emotional, physical, economic, and social demands on their families. Pediatricians should be aware that the presence of disabilities in a child could be a risk factor for victimization and that disabilities can also be the result of child maltreatment. This policy statement provides guidelines for pediatricians in the identification and reporting of suspected child abuse, treatment, education, prevention, and advocacy. Pediatricians should make every effort to ensure the safety of children through collaboration with families, other health care providers, schools, child protection agencies, and other appropriate resources. 20 references