NCJ Number
240808
Journal
Chid Abuse & Neglect Volume: 36 Issue: 6 Dated: June 2012 Pages: 491-497
Date Published
June 2012
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This study investigated the association between a child's exposure to maltreatment, child functioning, and maternal drug abuse history in a sample of children seeking mental health services.
Abstract
Findings from the study include the following: 47.3 percent of children seeking mental health services had a history of maternal drug abuse (MDA); a history of MDA for these children was associated with increased susceptibility to neglect and abandonment and decreased susceptibility to sexual abuse; and children with a history of MDA showed no significant differences in child maltreatment exposure (CME) scores compared with children with no history of MDA. This study investigated the association between a child's exposure to maltreatment, child functioning, and history of maternal drug abuse in a sample of children seeking mental health services. Data for the study were obtained from a sample of 91 children who had participated in the Chicago Longitudinal Study which measures risk factors and stressors associated with living in lower socio-economic environments. The Preschool and Early Childhood Functional Assessment Scales measure was used to determine the children's level of functional impairment. Using descriptive statistics and regression analysis, a CME score was developed for each child based on the child's history of maltreatment. The findings indicate that while a history of MDA is associated with increased risk of neglect and abandonment, it is not associated with an increased CME score or increased functional impairment. Study limitations and implications for practice and policy are discussed. Tables and references