NCJ Number
162564
Journal
Child Maltreatment Volume: 1 Issue: 1 Dated: (February 1996) Pages: 37-52
Date Published
1996
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This article reviews the relationship between neglect and other family characteristics and contrasts models for assessing and intervening with neglectful families.
Abstract
Child neglect is the most common form of child maltreatment reported to public child protective services. There is evidence that families who are socially isolated, experience loneliness, and lack social support in both rural and urban settings may be more prone to neglect than matched comparison groups. Studies of family groups suggest that modest improvements in the parenting behavior of neglectful parents can be achieved through: (1) differential assessment; (2) a multiservice approach; (3) intense social contacts with a volunteer, lay therapist, or parent aide; (4) use of modeling, coaching, rehearsing, and feedback to improve social interaction skills; (5) development of personal networks; and (6) structured parenting and support groups for socialization, support, and social and parenting skill building. Further findings suggest that individual support, at least initially, may be more appropriate for neglectful families because such families lack the social skills necessary to get along well in groups. The article also discusses limitations in the research on the connection between social isolation and child neglect. Table, references