NCJ Number
194538
Journal
Aggression and Violent Behavior Volume: 7 Issue: 2 Dated: March-April 2002 Pages: 103-124
Date Published
2002
Length
22 pages
Annotation
This article presents intervention strategies for parents at-risk for or referred for child neglect.
Abstract
The existing behavioral research on child neglect supports that there are a number of promising approaches that may affect child neglect; and a large number and wide range of factors are seen as potential contributors to child neglect. The conclusions that can be drawn from most of the studies on intervention with neglectful families are limited by the lack of rigor. Program evaluation is useful for determining the efficacy of research projects. An intervention for neglect based on the principles and methodology of applied behavior analysis would include several components. The first is that services should be culturally sensitive or responsive. The second is that a comprehensive risk assessment of the family’s social ecology is integral to the success of the treatment. Third, direct observation has been suggested as the measure of choice in child maltreatment. Fourth, indirect assessment devices that are valid and reliable and are aimed specifically at neglectful behavior are useful, and can provide valuable information. Fifth, the importance of integrity of the independent variable has been stressed. Sixth, treatment, prevention, and program evaluation research should include control groups from random assignments or matched comparison groups. Seventh, an evaluation of the impact of the program should be conducted. Eighth, it is important to study families who are not abusive or neglectful with the same demographic and socioeconomic profile as maltreating families. Ninth, interventions need to be in-home, family-based programs that are long-term. Tenth, community-based researchers emphasize the need for comprehensive, multidimensional interventions that are compatible with the complex nature of child maltreatment. And finally, research and treatment that focuses on the child is scarce. Effective preventive services are services and programs that support parents and families in general, and targeted services that focus on teaching skills to prevent the occurrence of abuse and neglect. 66 references