NCJ Number
129318
Journal
Child Abuse and Neglect: The International Journal Volume: 15 Issue: 1 Dated: (1991) Pages: 31-37
Date Published
1991
Length
7 pages
Annotation
The paper is a reaction to the model of child protection services offered by Dr. Helfer. It lists three problems identified by the model and provides several alternative recommendations and solutions for present-day services.
Abstract
The three problems identified are the lack of coordination between agencies of county, state, and national levels; the lack of coordination between the criminal and juvenile court systems; and the lack of consistent standards for assessment of child abuse and neglect. The alternative recommendations include recognition of children as legal persons; obligation of parental duty to protect, feed, clothe, educate, discipline, and provide medical needs for the child; and the assumption of parental duty by the State when the State infers on behalf of the child. Some of the solutions offered include speeding up legal response, balancing local control of services, and recognizing what works. A discussion of the challenges facing the court systems concludes the article. 28 references