NCJ Number
201658
Date Published
2001
Length
144 pages
Annotation
This literature review presents previous empirical findings regarding the intergenerational transmission of problems that lead to the need for child protection intervention.
Abstract
In preparation for an empirical study on the intergenerational transmission of the need for child protection measures and the problems leading to such protective interventions, the Research and Documentation Centre of the Dutch Ministry of Justice reviewed the research literature in this area. No previous studies were found that specifically examined the intergenerational transmission of child protection measures, but literature on the intergenerational transmission of child protection-related problems was located and reviewed. Problems leading to the need for child protection services that were examined in the literature include child abuse, neglect, sexual abuse by a parent, and deviant or criminal behavior on the part of children. Although the percentages on the transmission of child protection-related problems vary greatly, the literature suggests that grandparents who had child protection-related problems are more likely to have grandchildren with child protection-related problems. The patterns of transmission, however, did not necessarily affect each generation. The findings of the literature review led to the formulation of specific prevention and intervention measures for child protection-related problems, such as early intervention for children who are maltreated from a very young age and intervention strategies that target the functioning of the entire family. The literature review concludes with suggestions for future research, including the creation of clear definitions and criteria within the empirical research for the sake of consistency and ease of interpretation.