NCJ Number
73609
Date Published
1979
Length
103 pages
Annotation
The manual delineates the roles of mental health professionals in child abuse and neglect identification, treatment, and prevention. It is designed for use by both private and public mental health facilities and by individual practitioners.
Abstract
An overview of child abuse and neglect explains the variations in definitions of child abuse and explores some of its possible causes and effects. Mental health professionals are instructed in how to recognize child abuse and neglect through identification of certain physical and behavioral indicators in the child which could signal the existence of physical or sexual abuse, neglect, or emotional maltreatment. Some of the characteristics of abusive parents are also discussed so that mental health professionals may evaluate parental attitudes and behaviors when considering the possibility of child abuse or neglect. The mental health professional's roles in reporting child abuse, in assessment and treatment planning, in treatment of the child and the family, and in the courts are detailed. Further, multidisciplinary efforts to deal with child abuse are explored. Finally, the role of mental health professionals in the prevention of child maltreatment through participation in mental health-based programs, community mental health programs, and through individual action is noted. Standards applicable to the role of the mental health professional, a sample qualified service organization agreement, and 12 references are appended. Footnotes and tabular information are included.