NCJ Number
183751
Date Published
1997
Length
23 pages
Annotation
The assessment of abused children shows many have well-developed pathological symptoms even at an early age and are in need of therapy to address their psychological difficulties.
Abstract
When severe physical abuse occurs during infancy, there is a significant risk of permanent injury to the immature central nervous system, injury that may lead to mental retardation, cerebral palsy, or blindness. In addition, severe neglect of a child's care and nutrition may result in retardation, developmental delays, and growth failure. Although the serious effects of abuse and neglect during early childhood can in part be ascribed to the fear and pain of physical attacks and the helplessness from unmet vital needs, the most serious damage to personality development is caused by the psychological effects of these daily events on the child. Maltreating parents often have major difficulty showing empathy to their children, and the problematic relationships they develop with their children reveal serious distortions in attachments. Children are thus deprived of the experience of a healthy primary attachment and may continue to be handicapped in forming relationships with others. The importance of treatment for abused and neglected children is discussed in the context of the abusive environment, the involvement of parents and siblings in treatment, extra-familial abuse and neglect, and the use of foster care in treatment. The treatment of abused and neglected children is also examined according to age groups--infants, preschoolers, school-age children, and adolescence. Additionally, treatment considerations in cases involving child sexual abuse and young sex offenders are addressed. 64 references