NCJ Number
235204
Journal
Journal of Scandinavian Studies in Criminology and Crime Prevention Volume: 12 Issue: 1 Dated: 2011 Pages: 45-62
Date Published
2011
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This paper discusses why some cases of abuse and neglect of disabled children are difficult to report by staff at the Child and Youth Habilitation Services.
Abstract
According to Swedish law, the Child and Youth Habilitation Services are obliged to report abuse and neglect of disabled children to the Social Services. Only a small proportion of all children who are suspected of being victims of abuse or neglect are, however, reported to the Social Services. The aim of this study is to discuss why some cases of abuse and neglect of disabled children are considered difficult to report by the Child and Youth Habilitation Services. The qualitative data were collected during individual and natural group interviews with 14 members of the staff of a regional division of this authority. The study shows that reporting was seen as a 'last resort' and was used only when all other remedies had been exhausted. The main obstacles to reporting were to be found in the perceived closeness between staff members and the disabled children's families. Other obstacles to reporting were habilitation ideals, cultural ideas about the family, a lack of evidence of abuse and neglect, and uncertainty about the children's future after reporting. Factors that facilitated reporting were visible proof of abuse and neglect, and the disabled children's ability to communicate. Furthermore, certain criminal acts against the children were seen as more reprehensible than others and thus easier to report. (Published Abstract)