NCJ Number
226402
Journal
Child Abuse Review Volume: 18 Issue: 1 Dated: January-February 2009 Pages: 24-40
Date Published
January 2009
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This study evaluated the implementation of a section in the Danish Social Assistance Act which encourages local authorities to offer families services in order to support children at risk of child maltreatment.
Abstract
The most damaging family conditions found seemed to be psychological maltreatment, physical/sexual abuse, and neglect. Maltreated children were more often in a depressed state, unhappy, socially isolated, or they had an eating disorder, inadequate or under-nutrition, suicidal tendencies, lack of concentration, or disturbed behavior, compared to those children not exposed to abuse and neglect. Results indicated parental behavior improved effects on children’s well-being were observed and positive changes were identified in children’s sociopsychological development. However, in examining the impact of various interventions, the results indicated that the child displayed reduced risk of reactive symptoms only when parental behavior improved and abuse and neglect were reduced. In an attempt to fill the gap in knowledge about children known to social services due to reports of child abuse or neglect, this study explored the following questions: Would the sociopsychological development of children known to social services be improved when abuse and neglect were reduced? If prevention of abuse and neglect is successful, which interventions might contribute to improving parental behavior? To answer these questions, the implementation of Section 40 in the Danish Social Assistance Act was examined during a 4-year period, 1998-2001. The legislation places a duty on local authorities to address the needs of children at risk and make individual assessments of families. Tables and references