NCJ Number
105702
Date Published
1980
Length
9 pages
Annotation
A number of characteristics of military life produce stress on families that may contribute to an increased likelihood of child abuse and neglect.
Abstract
In 1977, there were 1,500 cases. Compared to civilian populations, child abuse in military families shows a higher proportion of serious injury and mortality. Factors that may contribute to both the incidence and seriousness of child maltreatment in the military include the high mobility and consequent social isolation, long and frequent separations, and economic hardship among the lower ranks. Although recognition of the problem by the military was slow, by 1972, over half of all bases in the United States had a child protection council or team. The Multidisciplinary Infant Child Protection Council, established in 1967 at the William Beaumont Army Medical Center in Texas, has served as a model for many military programs. All three branches of the military service have drafted regulations and issued directives to establish a coordinated approach to the problem. Major problems facing military child advocacy and protection programs include lack of a direct funding source, the absence of a legal framework for child protection in the military, and jurisdictional problems. 22 references and 29-item bibliography.