NCJ Number
199956
Journal
Child Abuse Review Volume: 12 Issue: 1 Dated: January-February 2003 Pages: 25-40
Date Published
January 2003
Length
16 pages
Annotation
The primary aim of this study was to arrive at a consensus on what may constitute an early indicator of child abuse and neglect and thus contribute to a secondary preventive approach to the problem.
Abstract
The Delphi technique was selected as a means of assimilating knowledge regarding the possible early indicators of child abuse and neglect. This involves a series of sequential questionnaires interspersed with controlled feedback in order to gain the most reliable consensus of opinion of an "expert panel." For the current study, the panel was drawn from the British Association for the Study and Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect. Its membership reflects the various agencies and individuals who contribute to the child protection process. Panel participants were selected from all areas of the United Kingdom. Three rounds of data collection were used. Of the 73 items generated by the study, 46 reached a consensus of agreement among panel members, 4 reached a consensus of disagreement, and the remaining 23 items failed to reach consensus, i.e., the panel reached neither the predetermined level of agreement or disagreement in relation to these items. Those items on which a consensus of agreement was achieved were broadly classified under four headings: physical indicators, behavioral and developmental indicators, parental factors, and "other." The factors listed may help in diagnosing child abuse and neglect at an earlier stage. Alternative explanations, differential diagnoses, and information-gathering are paramount, as is a willingness and ability to act on concerns. 2 tables and 28 references