NCJ Number
168533
Journal
Child Abuse Review Volume: 6 Issue: 3 Dated: August 1997 Pages: 226-231
Date Published
1997
Length
6 pages
Annotation
The British National Commission of Inquiry into the Prevention of Child Abuse (1996) makes the case for reappraising current efforts at child abuse prevention and strengthening the emphasis on prevention; this paper reviews the recommendations as they relate to training, highlights areas where reappraisal of training is recommended in the Commission's Report, "Childhood Matters," and suggests some omissions.
Abstract
This paper groups the training issues under the following topics: initial professional training (general), professional training, interagency training, specific areas of practice, and cultural change. There are three challenges for basic training for those involved in work with children: "whole child awareness" and the recognition of child welfare problems, the inclusions of child development and communication with children in training, and training in indicators of possible abuse and how to respond. The Commission report also offers recommendations about improvements that are needed in the training of various professional groups, ranging from journalists to judges. This article highlights three professional areas: police, the legal profession, and the teaching profession. Two recommendations have implications for interagency training: interdisciplinary training that enhances working relationships and each profession's recognition of how its tasks impact other disciplines. Regarding specific areas of practice, recommendations focus on training issues that pertain to the abuse of disabled children, ethnic minority children and families, domestic violence, and neglect. Recommendations also address the cultural shifts needed for the prevention of child abuse and what this implies for the training of those who work with children. 3 references