NCJ Number
31350
Date Published
1974
Length
22 pages
Annotation
THIS ARTICLE REVIEWS STUDIES ON THE EXTENT AND NATURE OF CHILD ABUSE, CRITIQUES EXISTING METHODS OF DEALING WITH THIS PROBLEM, AND SUGGESTS BASIC REFORMS IN THE LEGAL SYSTEM.
Abstract
THE SHORTCOMINGS OF CHILD ABUSE REPORTING LAWS, CRIMINAL PROSECUTION OF THE PARENTS, AND REMOVAL OF THE CHILD FROM THE HOME ARE DISCUSSED, THE REQUIRED REPORTING OF ALL SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE CASES BY PHYSICIANS AND PUBLIC HEALTH WORKERS AND THE USE OF THERAPY TO TREAT BATTERING PARENTS IS ADVOCATED AS THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAY TO SOLVE THE CHILD ABUSE PROBLEMS. LEGAL REFORMS SUGGESTED INCLUDE ASSUMPTION BY THE JUVENILE OR FAMILY COURT OF IMMEDIATE JURISDICTION IN ALL CASES OF CHILD ABUSE AND APPOINTMENT OF A LAWYER TO REPRESENT THE CHILD IN ALL PROCEEDINGS.