NCJ Number
199505
Date Published
2002
Length
203 pages
Annotation
This handbook in the Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series, presents information about child abuse and neglect to assist alcohol and drug counselors and other treatment providers who work with adults with histories of child abuse or neglect and adults who are at risk for abusing their own children.
Abstract
This handbook mainly addresses issues related to childhood physical and sexual abuse, since most research focuses on these two aspects of child maltreatment. Chapter 1 outlines the scope of the problem, explaining that many adults who abuse drugs or alcohol also abuse or neglect their children. Conversely, adults who were abused or neglected as children often develop substance abuse problems as a coping mechanism. Substance abuse counselors must be familiar with child abuse issues in order to offer effective drug treatment to this segment of the population. Chapter 2 outlines the common signs and behaviors that may suggest a history consistent with childhood abuse. Indicators that drug treatment clients may be abusing their own children are also discussed. In chapter 3, the distinct issues that may come up with this specific treatment group are examined, including posttraumatic stress disorders and comorbid mental disorders. Chapter 4 discusses personal issues of drug treatment counselors in order to prepare these service workers for the difficult task of treating abuse survivors or abusers. Chapter 5 focuses on drug treatment clients who may be currently abusing their own children while chapter 6 outlines the law on reporting current child abuse, as well as issues related to maintaining client confidentiality. Other types of related laws are the focus of chapter 7, including recent legislation on family preservation, fast-track adoptions, and reunification laws. Appendices offer additional guidance regarding relevant laws and additional resources for child maltreatment and screening and assessment tools for service workers.