NCJ Number
51128
Journal
Young Children Volume: 30 Issue: 5 Dated: (JULY 1975) Pages: 332-338
Date Published
1975
Length
7 pages
Annotation
BECAUSE OF THEIR CONSTANT AND CLOSE DAILY CONTACT WITH CHILDREN, TEACHERS CAN AND SHOULD PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN TREATING THE PROBLEM OF CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT.
Abstract
ALL 50 STATES HAVE ENACTED CHILD ABUSE REPORTING STATUTES AND HAVE ESTABLISHED CHILD PROTECTION SERVICES STAFFED BY PROFESSIONAL CASEWORKERS. IN MANY STATES, CERTAIN PROFESSIONALS, SUCH AS PHYSICIANS, PUBLIC WELFARE WORKERS, AND TEACHERS, ARE REQUIRED BY LAW TO REPORT SUSPECTED INCIDENTS OF CHILD ABUSE. FAILURE TO REPORT CAN GIVE RISE TO CRIMINAL SANCTIONS AND CIVIL LIABILITY. REASONABLE SUSPICION THAT A CHILD IS BEING ABUSED OR NEGLECTED, NOT POSITIVE PROOF, IS ALL THAT IS REQUIRED FOR REPORTING, AND THE IDENTITY OF THE REPORTING INDIVIDUAL IS KEPT CONFIDENTIAL. ONCE A SUSPECTED CASE OF CHILD ABUSE IS REPORTED THE CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES CARRY THE BURDEN OF INITIATING THE REHABILITATION OF THE ABUSING PARENTS. SUCH PROGRAMS CURRENTLY ARE UNDERGOING PROFOUND CHANGES IN PERSPECTIVE AND APPROACHES, AND THE PERSONNEL INVOLVED ARE LEARNING NEW SKILLS TO MAKE THEIR INTERVENTION IN FAMILY INTERRELATIONSHIPS MORE EFFECTIVE. THE BASIC PHILOSOPHY SEEKS TO PRESERVE THE FAMILY AS A UNIT AND TO PROVIDE NONPUNITIVE THERAPY DESIGNED TO STRENGTHEN PARENTAL CAPACITY TO PROVIDE GOOD CHILD CARE. ONE SCHOOL'S EXPERIENCE IN ATTEMPTING TO EDUCATE ITS TEACHERS IN THIS AREA AND TO ENCOURAGE ACTIVE TEACHER INVOLVEMENT IN TREATING THE PROBLEM OF CHILD ABUSE IS DISCUSSED. REFERENCES ARE INCLUDED. (MPK)