NCJ Number
55816
Journal
Contemporary Drug Problems Volume: 6 Issue: 2 Dated: (SUMMER 1977) Pages: 135-172
Date Published
1977
Length
40 pages
Annotation
SEVEN CASE HISTORIES ILLUSTRATE THE BREAKDOWNS IN BOTH REPORTING AND SOCIAL SERVICES INTERVENTION IN DRUG-RELATED CHILD ABUSE IN THE STATES OF MICHIGAN, NEW YORK, MASSACHUSETTS, NEW JERSEY, AND UTAH.
Abstract
TWO POINTS ARE HIGHLIGHTED BY THE CASE HISTORIES AND DISCUSSIONS: (1) THE PSYCHOLOGICAL PATHOLOGY WHICH LEADS THE ABUSED CHILD TO USE DRUGS AND, IN THE NEXT GENERATION, LEADS THE ADDICTED PARENT TO ABUSE THE CHILD; AND (2) THE FAILURE OF THE MEDICAL AND LEGAL SYSTEMS TO DEAL WITH THIS SYNDROME. THE CHILD PROTECTIVE LAWS OF EACH OF THE EXAMINED STATES ARE SUMMARIZED. ONLY IN NEW YORK IS DRUG ABUSE BY THE PARENT CONSIDERED A CAUSE FOR REMOVING THE CHILD FROM THE HOME. THE CASE HISTORIES DOCUMENT THE STORIES OF CHILDREN WHO ARE SEXUALLY ABUSED AT AGES AS YOUNG AS 7, CHILDREN WHO ARE BOTH SEXUALLY AND PHYSICALLY ABUSED, AND CHILDREN WHO RUN AWAY FROM HOME TO BECOME DRUG ADDICTS, AND EVENTUALLY, THESE ABUSED CHILDREN BECOMING ABUSING PARENTS THEMSELVES. EACH CASE HISTORY CONTAINS A TRAIL OF SCHOOL NURSES, TEACHERS, AND PHYSICIANS WHO DO NOT REPORT, AND COURTS AND SOCIAL SERVICES AGENCIES WHO DO NOT ACT EVEN WHEN A REPORT IS FINALLY MADE. RECOMMENDATIONS INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: (1) COMPREHENSIVE AUTOMATIC CHILD CARE DELIVERY SYSTEMS SIMILAR TO THOSE IN WESTERN EUROPE SO THAT CHILDREN WILL BE SEEN REGULARLY BY PROFESSIONALS; (2) STRONGER PENALTIES FOR NONREPORTING; (3) GREATER AUTHORITY FOR HOSPITALS AND PHYSICIANS TO DETAIN CHILDREN WHO SHOW SIGNS OF ABUSE; (4) RELAXATION OF RULES OF EVIDENCE TO ALLOW YOUNG CHILDREN TO OFFER EVIDENCE IN ABUSE CASES; (5) GREATER EDUCATION FOR PROFESSIONALS WHO MIGHT WORK WITH ABUSED CHILDREN; AND (6) GREATER RECOGNITION IN LAW OF THE INTERRELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DRUG USE, CHILD ABUSE, AND INCEST. FOOTNOTES CONTAIN REFERENCES, TERM DEFINITIONS, STATUTE CITATIONS AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. (GLR)