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Prevent Child Abuse America
200 South Michigan Avenue
DEAR LOR
17th Floor
THE SEAiS so
BE GOOD TOME
Chicago. Illinois 60604.2404
WIDE AND
312.663.3520 tel
MYBOATIS
312.939.8962 fox
so SMALL
E-Mail: [email protected]
Sid Johnson
Executive Director
Children's Defense Fund
MaryLee Allen
Director, Child Welfare
and Mental Health Division
25 E Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
Prevent Child Abuse America
Telephone 202 662 3573
Fax 202 662 3550
200 South Michigan Avenue
17th Floor
Chicago, Illinois 60604.2404
312 663.3520 tel
312.939.8962 fax
E-Mail: [email protected]
Sid Johnson
Executive Director
NATIONAL EDUCATION nea ASSOCIATION
DIANE M. SHUST
Senior Professional Associate
Government Relations
1201 16th Street. N.W., Washington. D.C. 20036-3290
(202) 822-7325 Fax (202) 822-7309
E-mail: [email protected]
NATIONAL
CHILD ABUSE
COALITION
Thomas L. Birch Legislative Counsel
733-15th Street NW Suite 938 Washington . DC 20005 Phone 202 347-3666
3-22-1999 5 28PM
FROM
P. 1
Fax Transmission
1 page (including this cover)
Thomas L. Birch
733 15th Street, N.W., Suite 938
Washington, D.C. 20005
Telephone: 202-347-3666
FAX: 202-628-0302
E-Mail: [email protected]
To:
Nicole Rabner
From:
Tom Birch, Legislative Counsel, National Child Abuse Coalition
Date:
March 22, 1999
Tm
Thanks for meeting with US today to talk about our proposals for child abuse prevention
policy in terms of the child care agenda.
As I mentioned, we are also pursuing the possibilities for addressing prevention in
juvenile justice and education legislation. In linking a child abuse prevention agenda to
education legislation we have identified a menu of federal education programs in ESEA
which provide us with options because they play or could play a role in supporting
services in a community aimed at supporting families and preventing child abuse and
neglect. That menu includes:
1) Title I, Helping Disadvantaged Children
2) Title I, Part B, Even Start
3) Title XI, Coordinated Services
4) 21 Century Schools
A second tier of options might include:
1) Title IV, Safe and Drug Free Schools
2) Title I, Part D, Prevention and Intervention Programs for Children and Youth Who
are Neglected, Delinquent, or At-Risk of Dropping Out
We are pursuing meetings with Department of Education and congressional staff to
discuss our proposal. The legislation could take the form of adding "prevention of child
abuse and neglect" to a list of permissible funded activities in legislation, or adding
something more extensive such as we shared with you at today's meeting.
We look forward to keeping in touch with you and certainly want to be of help in any
way we can with information that could be useful to you. Thanks again.
OF
GIVIL
SHEET
ACTION
CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT
ffecting increasing numbers of children
bus drivers, and others-should know that
each year, child abuse and neglect are
something is wrong.
national problems that beg a national solution.
No part of the country escapes. No ethnic,
Not only can school employees take note of
religious, or socioeconomic group is immune.
suspicious signs, but they must also report
And all parts of society share in the solution.
them, as required by law. And they do. Public
school employees make the largest
According to Child Maltreatment 1996, over a
proportion of reports to child protective
million children-or 15 of every 1,000
services agencies-almost 16 percent, says
children in this country-experience harm
Child Maltreatment 1996.
from abuse or neglect. The circumstances
are varied: a parent's substance abuse or
Because this responsibility is taken so
lack of parenting skills, a child's disability or
seriously, NEA has long supported its
difference, a family's marital or financial
members and affiliates with policy and
woes, or a community's economic stresses
information. In 1974, the same year that
or struggles with poverty and racism. But,
Congress enacted the Child Abuse
whatever the situation, public school
Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA), the
employees are in a position to take note and
NEA Representative Assembly (RA) passed a
do something about it.
resolution calling for all children to be
protected from child abuse, neglect, and
School employees predominate as a source
exploitation. Later, the RA passed a series of
for recognizing maltreated children,
related resolutions for banning corporal
identifying 59 percent of children who suffer
punishment and for improving health care,
harm (Sedlak and Broadhurst 1996). This is
nutrition, family stability, family and domestic
because maltreatment affects children's
relations, and crisis care.
appearance, behavior, and academic
performance. When children are injured,
Over the years, NEA has implemented these
hungry, inappropriately dressed, or acting
resolutions by developing an in-service
out sexually, school employees express
training program, joining the National Child
concern. And, when good students suddenly
Abuse Coalition, continuing to support pro-
score low on tests, refuse to change for gym,
child legislation, and producing materials.
or keep missing the school bus, these same
This action sheet was requested by the NEA
caring adults-teachers, coaches, nurses,
Government Relations Committee.
Child Abuse and Neglect
Thousal Education Assort
DEFINITIONS OF CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT
NEA Resolution
Child Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation
Definitions of child abuse and neglect guide
efforts to protect children. According to Diana
The National Education Association
English (1998), Chief of Research at the
believes that all children should be
Washington State Office of Children's Research,
protected from the psychological and
the states define maltreatment based on minimal
physical aspects of child abuse, neglect,
standards outlined in CAPTA. Because of the
and exploitation.
need to balance the protection of children with an
appropriate governmental intervention, the
The Association urges its affiliates to—
definitions, says English, are broad in some
a. Seek clear legal definitions of what
states and narrow in others. In addition, some
constitutes child abuse, neglect, and
definitions are based on the harm standard-
exploitation
which includes observable harm-and some on
the endangerment standard-which includes the
b. Encourage the development of educators
threat of harm.
preparation courses and employee
awareness programs which stress the
As outlined by English and the National
identification of, reporting procedures for,
Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect
legal responsibilities for, and techniques
Information, the generally accepted definitions of
for dealing with abused, neglected, and
the types of abuse and neglect are as follows:
exploited children
C. Cooperate with community organizations
Child neglect occurs when caretakers fail to
to increase public awareness and
provide for children's basic physical,
understanding of the prevalence as well
educational, and emotional needs, such as for
as the causes, prevention, and treatment
food, clothing, shelter, affection, and
of child abuse, including neglect,
supervision. Such neglect includes
exploitation, incest, and physical abuse
abandonment; inattention to medical and
school needs; and permission to be truant, to
d. Encourage the development and use of
use drugs, or to engage in criminal activity.
materials to increase student awareness
of child abuse, neglect, and exploitation
Physical abuse occurs when caretakers inflict
e. Require school personnel to report to
nonaccidental physical injury on children. The
appropriate authorities instances of
abuse is characterized by bruises, fractures,
suspected child abuse, neglect, and
and wounds that result from beating, burning,
exploitation while providing school
kicking, punching, shaking, stabbing, and
personnel with immunity from legal action
excessive spanking.
f. Encourage development of legislatively
Sexual abuse occurs when family members or
funded provisions for dealing with the
other caretakers use children for their own
abusive child, adult, or institution as well
sexual stimulation. The abuse includes
as processes, protective options, and
fondling, intercourse, rape, incest, and sodomy.
coping provisions for the abused,
neglected, and exploited child
Emotional abuse occurs when caretakers
g. Encourage enactment of legislation for
corrupt, terrorize, or chronically reject children.
protection of children from parents/
Hard to identify, according to researchers, it
guardians who demonstrate neglect by
includes sustained and repetitive verbal abuse,
leaving them unattended/unsupervised
denial of sleep, and exposure to spousal
abuse.
h. Encourage positive action from the
marketing and media professions in
BREADTH AND SCOPE OF THE PROBLEM
eliminating exploitation, commercial-
ization, and glamorization of physical,
How often do these types of abuse and neglect
emotional, and sexual child abuse.
occur? Is the incidence increasing? And how are
different groups of chiildren affected?
2
The answers to these questions are contained
Age: As children age, neglect decreases but
in two major reports of the National Center on
physical, sexual, and emotional abuse
Child Abuse and Neglect (NCCAN). Child
increases. Maximum risk is associated with
Maltreatment, giving a statistical view of the
the middle years (ages 6 to 11).
problem, is an annual report of the actual
substantiated and unsubstantiated cases that
:
Race: According to Child Maltreatment 1996,
are collected by the states. The National
the victimization of children in some groups
Incidence Study of Child Abuse and Neglect, of
is disproportionate to their representation in
which there have been three, gives a broad
the general population. Blacks and American
picture of the problem from the view of the
Indians/Alaska Natives are overrepresented,
professionals who work with children-over
and Asians/Pacific Islanders are
5,600 professionals in 842 agencies in 42
underrepresented. The victimization of
counties (Sedlak and Broadhurst 1996). It
Hispanic children is proportional. However,
reports this data under both the harm and
the Third National Incidence Study of Child
endangerment standards.
Abuse and Neglect finds race unrelated to
the rate of maltreatment. Instead, it attributes
Occurrence. Neglect is the most common form
disproportional representation data to
of child maltreatment, followed by physical
differences in the attention that children of
abuse, sexual abuse, and emotional abuse
different groups receive in the child welfare
(DePanfilis 1992; Tower 1992). According to
system. The latest data on child abuse and
Child Maltreatment 1996, about 52 percent of
race appear in Table 1.
the maltreatment consists of various forms of
neglect, including medical neglect.
Increasing incidence. Both major NCCAN
reports show substantial increases in child
To reverse the dismal statistics and break the
abuse and neglect over time. Child
cycle of child abuse and neglect, schools,
Maltreatment 1996 shows that victimization
communities, and families must work
increased by 18 percent between 1990 and
cooperatively. NEA calls this the Safe Schools
1996. The Third National Incidence Study on
Framework, which it expresses in the
Child Abuse and Neglect shows that abuse
equation-Safe Children = Safe Schools + Safe
reported to professionals quadrupled between
Communities + Safe Families.
1986 and 1993 (Sedlak and Broadhurst 1996).
And the amount of abuse that is actually
In addition, schools, communities, and families
investigated by child protective services is only
must understand the three types of prevention
the tip of the iceberg.
efforts that are used in the public health field.
Originally applied to child abuse by pediatrician
Abused children. All groups of children are
Ray Helfer, the three types are primary,
vulnerable to child abuse and neglect but not to
secondary, and tertiary prevention (National
the same degree. Based on NCCAN reports
Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect
(DePanfilis 1992, Sedlak and Broadhurst
Information).
1996), children's gender, age, and race are
generally related to the rate of maltreatment, as
Primary prevention programs focus on the
follows:
general population and seek to stop the
problem before it starts. Examples are public
T Gender: Girls are sexually abused more
service announcements about nonviolent
often than boys, under both the harm and
methods of discipline, parent education
endangerment standards. However, boys are
programs, and public awareness campaigns.
at greater risk of serious physical injury and
Primary prevention efforts also include
of emotional neglect. And gays and lesbians
providing to all students in a school district
are more vulnerable to verbal abuse and
an education program about sexual abuse
physical and sexual assault, especially
(DePanfilis 1992).
during their adolescence (Ryan and
Futterman 1998).
3
Table 1. Type of Maltreatment by Race/Ethnicity of Victim, DCDC1
Type of Maltreatment
Race/Ethnicity
Totals
Physical
Neglect
Medical
Sexual
Emotional
Abuse
Neglect2
Abuse
Maltreatment
White
33,181
76,967
4,224
17,978
7,130
139,480
(56.1%)
(52.3%)
(41.3%)
(64.8%)
(68.9%)
(54.8%)
African American
16,406
50,401
4,509
5,339
1,684
78,339
(27.7%)
(34.3%)
(44.0%)
(19.2%)
(16.3%)
(30.8%)
Hispanic
8,053
16,447
1,299
3,901
1,265
30,965
(13.6%)
(11.2%)
(12.7%)
(14.1%)
(12.2%)
(12.2%)
American Indian/
670
2,018
145
349
167
3,349
Alaskan Native
(1.1%)
(1.4%)
(1.4%)
(1.3%)
(1.6%)
(1.3%)
Asian/
842
1,275
61
198
104
2,480
Pacific Islander
(1.4%)
(0.9%)
(0.6%)
(0.7%)
(1.0%)
(1.0%)
Totals
59,152
147,108
10,238
27,765
10,350
254,613
(100.0%)
(100.0%)
(100.0%)
(100.0%)
(100.0%)
(100.0%)
'DCDC refers to the Detailed Case Data Component of the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System. The other component
is the Summary Data Component (SDC).
2Medical neglect figures refer to children whose basic needs are being met but whose medical needs are not being met for
financial reasons or because of religious or other exemptions that are outlined in state statutes.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Children's Bureau. 1998. Child Maltreatment, 1996: Reports from the
States to the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office. Table 2-5.
Secondary prevention programs focus on
provide services to students, communities, and
high-risk families that may be young, poor, or
families as shown in Table 2.
substance abusing. The programs seek to
stop an existing problem from worsening.
Tower also finds public schools essential in two
Examples are school-based parent
other ways. After a report of child abuse is
education programs for teen mothers,
made, school employees can be supportive of
substance abuse treatment for parents of
families during the investigation, treatment and
young children, respite care for parents of
rehabilitation processes. And, if a child gets into
special-needs children, and social services
trouble at school, they can invite parents to
offered by full-service schools in distressed
meetings to discuss misbehavior or failing
neighborhoods.
grades in a positive manner rather than
sending home notes that could reinforce
Tertiary prevention programs focus on
parents' negative feelings about that child.
abusive families. The programs seek to stop
an existing problem from spreading to the
Tower also urges schools to comply with state
next generation by preventing children from
and municipal statutes banning corporal
developing emotional and academic
punishment. According to the National Coalition
problems that will, in turn, affect their
to Abolish Corporal Punishment in Schools
children. Examples are family preservation
(1998), 27 states and many cities and school
counseling services, parent mentor
boards ban this practice.
programs, and mental health services to
improve family communications and
functioning.
Public schools are key to the success of all of
In addition to banning abusive practices,
these programs, especially at the primary
legislation enables government and community
prevention level. According to Cynthia Crosson
agencies to resolve the problem of child abuse
Tower (1992), school-based programs can
and neglect. Key federal laws are as follows
(Schene 1998; NCCAN 1998):
4
Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act
children and families. It establishes a
(CAPTA). Originally enacted in 1974 as
timeframe for terminating parental rights,
PL 93-247, this law was amended several
shortens the timeframe for providing services
times, most recently by the Child Abuse
to families in crisis, and promotes the
Prevention and Treatment Act Amendments
speedier adoption of children who cannot
of 1996 (PL 104-235). CAPTA defines child
return to their natural parents. It also
abuse and neglect; authorizes federal
encourages states to develop innovative
funding to the states for prevention,
strategies to help children and families.
assessment, investigation, prosecution, and
treatment; provides grants to public agencies
National Child Protection Act of 1993
and nonprofit organizations for demon-
(PL 103-209). This law encourages states to
stration programs and projects; and
enact legislation authorizing fingerprint-
authorizes the U.S. Department of Health
based national searches of the criminal
and Human Services to establish a universal
history records of people who seek paid or
and case-specific national data collection
volunteer jobs with organizations that serve
and analysis program on child maltreatment.
children, the elderly, and persons with
The 1996 amendments address delays in
disabilities.
termination of parental rights, the lack of
public oversight of child protection, and the
Expansion of Megan's Law (PL 104-145),
problems of false reports of abuse and
amending the Violent Crime Control and Law
neglect. The amendments also help states to
Enforcement Act. This law requires state and
establish and expand networks of family
local law enforcement officials to publicize
resources programs.
relevant information for protecting the
community whenever a person who has
5
Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997
been convicted of crimes against children
(PL 105-89). This groundbreaking law is
and of sexually violent offenses is released
designed to make child protection services
from prison or placed on parole, probation, or
more responsive to the complex needs of
supervised release.
Table 2. School-Based Programs To Prevent Child Abuse and Neglect
School-Based Programs
School-Based Programs
School-Based Programs
for Students
for Communities
for Families
Life Skills Training: socialization,
Training and Staff Development:
Help for At-Risk Families: after-
problem-solving, and coping
identification, reporting, treatment,
school childcare and recreation,
skills, and preparation for
and prevention of child abuse and
identification of adolescents with
adulthood
neglect
problems
Preparation for Parenthood: child
Public Awareness Programs:
Support for Teen Parents and their
development, parenting skills,
cosponsoring events with parent-
Children
and sexuality education (as
teacher groups and school-
opposed to just teaching about
community organizations
sexual abuse)
Use of School Facilities and
Self-Protection Training
Resources: making meeting
rooms available for self-help
groups, public forums, and
workshops on child abuse and
neglect
Source: Table 2 summarizes text from Cynthia Crosson Tower. 1992. The Role of Educators in the Prevention and reatment of
Child Abuse and Neglect. The User Manual Series. Washington, DC: National Center on Child:Abuse and.Neglect, pp 51-55
5
Add a child abuse and neglect task force to your safe schools committee. For background and
how-to information on NEA's total-community method for making children safe, see the Safe
Schools Manual: A Resource on Making Schools, Communities, and Families Safe for Children.
For a copy, contact NEA Human and Civil Rights, or visit NEA's Web site at www.nea.org
NJ Observe Child Abuse Prevention Month every April. Call the National Clearinghouse on Child
Abuse and Neglect Information at 800-FYI-3366 or 703-385-7565, or visit the Web site at
www.calib.com/nccanch/prevmnth/intro.htm
ins)
Participate in Stand for Children Day every June. Contact Stand for Children, 1834 Connecticut
Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20009. Call 202-234-0217 or 800-663-4032, or visit the Web site
at www.stand.org
ORGANIZATIONAL RESOURCHE
National Coalition of Hispanic Health and Human Services
English, Diana J. 1998. The Extent and Consequences of Child
Organizations (COSSMHO)
Maltreatment. Future of Children (Spring 1998: 39-53). Los
1501 Sixteenth Street, N.W.
Altos, CA: David and Lucile Packard Foundation.
Washington, DC 20036
Voice: 202-387-5000
National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect
www.cossmho.org
Information. N.d. Prevention Fundamentals. Washington, DC:
NCCAN.
National Black Child Development Institute, Inc.
1023 Fifteenth Street, N.W., Suite 600
National Coalition to Abolish Corporal Punishment in Schools.
Washington, DC 20005
1998. Facts About Corporal Punishment. www.stophitting.com/
Voice: 202-387-1281
facts_about_corporal_punishment.htm
www.nbcdi.org
National Education Association. 1997. Safe Schools Manual: A
National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse
Resource on Making Schools, Communities, and Families Safe
and Neglect Information
for Children. Washington, DC: NEA.
330 C Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20447
DePanfilis, Diane and Marsha K. Salus. 1992. A Coordinated
Voice: 800-FYI-3366 or 703-385-7565
Response to Child Abuse and Neglect: A Basic Manual.
www.calib/nccanch
Washington, DC: National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect.
National Coalition to Abolish Corporal Punishment in
Ryan, Caitlin and Donna Futterman. 1998. Lesbian and Gay
Schools
Youth: Care and Counseling. New York, NY: Columbia
155 W. Main Street, Suite 100B
University Press.
Columbus, OH 43215
Voice: 614-221-8829
Schene, Patricia A. 1998. Past, Present, and Future Roles of
www.stophitting.com
Child Protective Services. Future of Children (Spring 1998: 23-
38). Los Altos, CA: David and Lucile Packard Foundation.
National Indian Child Welfare Association
3611 SW Hood Street, Suite 201
Sedlak, Andrea and Diane D. Broadhurst. 1996. Executive
Portland OR 97201
Summary. Third National Incidence Study of Child Abuse and
Voice: 503-222-4044
Neglect. Washington, DC: National Center on Child Abuse and
www.nicwa.org
Neglect.
Vietnamese Resettlement Association
Tower, Cynthia Crosson. 1992. The Role of Educators in the
6131 Willston Drive, Room 6
Protection and Treatment of Child Abuse and Neglect.
Falls Church, VA 22044
Washington, DC: National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect.
Voice: 703-532-3716.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Children's
Bureau. 1998. Child Maltreatment 1996: Reports from the
States to the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System.
Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office.
www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/cb/stats/ncands
Human and Civil Rights
(202) 822-7700
nea
NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION
1201 Sixteenth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036-3290
November 1998
NATIONAL
CHILD ABUSE
733-15th Street NW Suite 938 . Washington DC 20005
Phone 202 347-3666
COALITION
MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS
ACTION for Child Protection
Alliance for Children and Families
American Academy of Pediatrics
American Bar Association
American Dental Association
American Humane Association
American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children
American Prosecutors Research Institute
American Psychological Association
American Public Human Services Association
Association of Junior Leagues International
Boy Scouts of America
Boys and Girls Clubs of America
Child Welfare League of America
Childhelp USA
Children's Defense Fund
General Federation of Women's Clubs
National Alliance of Children's Trust and Prevention Funds
National Association of Child Advocates
National Association of Counsel for Children
National Association of Social Workers
National Children's Alliance
National Committee to Prevent Child Abuse
National Council of Jewish Women
National Court Appointed Special Advocate Association
National Education Association
National Exchange Club Foundation for Prevention of Child Abuse
National Network for Youth
National PTA
Parents Anonymous
Parents United
NATIONAL
CHILD ABUSE
733-15th Street NW Suite 938 Washington DC 20005
Phone 202 347-3666
COALITION
PREVENTING CHILD ABUSE
Child Abuse Prevention Fights Crime
Victims of child abuse are more likely to engage in criminality later in life. Over two-thirds
(68%) of youths arrested have a prior history of abuse and neglect. Childhood abuse
increases the odds of future delinquency and adult criminality overall by 40 percent.
Abused and neglected girls fare worse: girls who were abused and neglected in childhood
are 77 percent more likely to be arrested as juveniles. In addition, abused or neglected
male and female youths are more likely to be arrested one year earlier, to commit twice as
many offenses, and to be arrested more frequently than youths who were not abused or
neglected. C.S. Widom (1992). The Cycle of Violence. Washington, DC: National Institute of Justice.
Early childhood sexual and physical abuse increase the risk of arrest as a juvenile for being a
runaway. Adults abused as children are at higher risk of arrest for sex crimes. Findings also
suggest an association for males between physical abuse and arrests for violent sex crimes,
such as rape and sodomy. C.S. Widom & M.A. Ames (1994). Criminal Consequences of Childhood Sexual
Victimization. Child Abuse and Neglect. Washington, DC: National Institute of Justice.
Preventing Child Maltreatment Helps to Prevent Failure in School
Abused and neglected children suffer poor prospects for success in school. According to
a 1976 study, one-third of abused children aged four and a half were found to have
significant neurological damage, and in all cases, learning and emotional behavior were
affected in maltreated youngsters of school age. Typically, abused and neglected children in
school exhibit poor initiative, language and other developmental delays, a disproportionate
amount of incompetence and failure, and inappropriate behavior in peer and adult
relationships. S.R. Morgan (1976). The Battered Child in the Classroom. Journal of Pediatric Psychology.
Research into the emotional development of abused children reveals children with
negative self-concepts, low self-esteem, aggressive behavior, difficulty in relating to peers
and adults, impaired capacity to trust others, and general unhappiness - all characteristics of
a child not expected to do well in the classroom. E.M. Kinard (1979). The Psychological Consequences
of Abuse for the Child. Journal of Social Issues.
Preventing Child Abuse Can Help to Prevent Disabling Conditions in Children
Physical abuse of children can result in brain damage, mental retardation, cerebral palsy,
and learning disorders. H.P. Martin & M.A. Rodeheffer (1980). The Psychological Impact of Abuse in
Children. In: G.J. Williams. Traumatic Abuse and Neglect of Children at Home. Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins
University Press.
High incidences of retardation, growth and neurological problems, and impaired
emotional functioning are found among physically abused children. Abused or neglected
children are disproportionately represented in special education classes. Approximately 25
percent of sexually abused children involved in one study were in classes for the emotionally
disturbed. D.F. Kline (1977). The Consequences of Neglected Cases. In: A.M. Thomas. Children Alone: What
Can Be Done About Abuse and Neglect. Reston, VA: Council for Exceptional Children.
Preventing Child Abuse Helps Prevent Serious Illnesses Later in Llife
Many of the most common causes of death and disability in this country, such as heart
disease, cancer, chronic lung and liver diseases, and skeletal fracture, are the result of
adverse emotional or physical experiences in childhood. Childhood abuse and
dysfunctional households are linked with behaviors later in life which result in the
development of chronic diseases that cause death and disability. V.J. Felitti, R.F. Anda, et al.
(1998). Relationship of Childhood Abuse and Household Dysfunction to Many of the Leading Causes of Death in
Adults. The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study. American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
Abused children are more likely to be obese, have diabetes, be physically inactive, have
high use of health care resources, and score high on measures of psychosocial distress.
Similarly, they are more likely to engage in early first intercourse, have an unintended
pregnancy, have high lifetime numbers of sexual partners, and suffer from depression and
suicide attempts. V.J. Felitti, R.F. Anda, et al. (1998). Relationship of Childhood Abuse and Household
Dysfunction to Many of the Leading Causes of Death in Adults. The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study.
American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
Community Programs to Prevent Child Abuse
1. Support programs for new parents
prenatal care: medical; education in child development; information on
community resources
special attention to first-time, teens, single parents
postnatal care: medical care; sick infants at risk; enhance parent-child
bonding
2. Education for parents
new parents groups: create social networks/instruct in child care and child
development
knowledge about community health and social services
home visitor services: periodic visits (birth to school); include child care,
nutrition, home management, routine health checks
Examples of Successful Programs to Prevent Child Abuse
A High/Scope Foundation study at the Perry Pre-School in Michigan offered at-risk
toddlers a quality Head Start-style preschool program, supplemented by weekly in-
home coaching for parents. Those who had been denied the services as toddlers
were found, 22 years later, five times more likely to be chronic law breakers by the
age of 27. The program led to an 80% drop in the number of chronic offenders.
In Syracuse, New York, a program providing child development and health services
for at-risk infants and toddlers and parenting support found that children denied the
services were ten times more likely to become delinquent by age 16. The program
cut delinquency by 90%.
A Prenatal and Early Childhood Nurse Home Visitation Program, sponsored by the
University of Rochester Medical School, provided low-income, first-time, teen
mothers and babies home visits by a specially trained nurse during pregnancy and
for two years after birth. Nurses provided coaching for parents on child
development, child-rearing skills and children's health needs as well as connecting
them with other community health and human service agencies and informal
support networks of family and friends. By age 4, only 1 in 25 of those children
receiving services, compared to 1 in 5 of the control group, had been abused or
neglected. The program cut abuse rates by 80%.
Hawaii Health Start offers new mothers the opportunity to enroll in a comprehensive
program of services to families which provides preventative health care and home
visits by professionals to train in parenting skills and child development and to offer
counseling (95% accept services). Two studies have shown the program cut abuse
and neglect by 50-60%.
Legislative Proposal
Amend juvenile justice, education, and child care legislation by adding "prevention of child
abuse and neglect" to a list of permissible funded activities in an appropriate legislative
section, or add the following to the bill:
"voluntary, comprehensive, and culturally appropriate family support programs,
including home visitor services, parenting education, and support services for
new parents to prevent or decrease the risk of child maltreatment and increase
children's readiness for school. To avoid duplication of services funded under
this section, activities supported pursuant to this paragraph shall be coordinated
with others that provide family support services."
NATIONAL
CHILD ABUSE
733-15th Street NW . Suite 938 Washington . DC 20005
Phone 202 347-3666
COALITION
CHILD CARE: CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION
High quality child care services are essential to a successful strategy for preventing
child abuse. Most child abuse occurs when families are under stress. Research has
suggested that the availability of quality child care helps alleviate that stress and
increases family well-being.
Child care helps to prevent child abuse by:
Assuring working parents that their children are well cared for and minimizing the
stress of combining work and parenting;
Increasing parents' skills in coping with the pressures of caring for their children;
Enhancing communication between parents and children;
Reducing family isolation;
Improving access to social and health services for the family; and
Offering some families respite from the daily demands of caring for their children.
Quality child care is a critical resource for 29 million young children living in families
with working parents (Annie E. Casey Foundation, 1998). In 1995, 60 percent of
preschool-age children routinely spent at least some time in non-parental care (U.S.
Department of Education, 1995).
In 1997, 62 percent of mothers with children younger than three, 69 percent with
children aged three to five, and 78 percent with children aged six to thirteen, were in
the labor force (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 1997). In all of these cases the majority of
mothers worked full-time.
Non-traditional work schedules are a reality for millions of American families. In 1995,
29 percent of the American workforce, and 34 percent of female employees, had
nonstandard work arrangements (Annie E. Casey Foundation, 1998). The U.S.
Department of Labor's Women's Bureau found that mothers struggling to get off AFDC
and TANF, who are able to find work, are likely to face jobs that require evening and
weekend hours. Nearly one in five full-time workers (14.5 million) worked non-standard
hours in 1991, and more than one in three (5 million) of these were women.
An analysis of child abuse and neglect reports reveals patterns that parallel many of
the same families most in need of child care. Significant numbers of child abuse or
neglect reports involve: families headed by a single parent; families with children
under six years old; and low-income families or families receiving public assistance
(American Humane Association, 1988; U.S. Dept. of HHS, 1996).
Any federal child care legislation must:
Help improve the affordability, accessibility and quality, including health and safety,
of child care and include extra support for infant child care, before and after
school child care, child care in nontraditional work hours, and child care for
children who have been abused or neglected;
Increase the number of children in Early Head Start and expand funding for Head
Start;
Link child care to other support for parents, including services of home visitors,
parent educators, and family support centers; and
Support therapeutic child care for children with disabilities and other specialized
services and treatment for abused and neglected children.
Any federal child care legislation must strengthen training for licensing personnel and
child care staff to:
Require training in the identification and reporting of suspected child maltreatment;
and
Require that training of child care workers to improve the quality of child care
include education and skills training on preventing child maltreatment, including
attention to the dangers of Shaken Baby Syndrome, especially for workers caring for
infants.
Any federal child care legislation must do the following to assure quality care:
Promote linkages between child care and social services (including CPS), health
and mental health services, nutritional services, services for children with
development delays and children with disabilities, and other services to support
families;
Give priority for funding to child care programs that provide opportunities for
parental involvement and unlimited parental access, in order to reduce the
likelihood of abuse;
Support state and local efforts to improve and enforce standards of quality in child
care services;
Require criminal background checks of all child care workers; and
Include on state child care licensing advisory boards representation from persons
with expertise in the identification, prevention and treatment of child abuse and
neglect.
References
1. Annie E. Casey Foundation. (1998). Kids Count Data Book, Baltimore, MD.
2. U.S. Department of Education. National Center for Education Statistics. Office of Educational
Research and Improvement. (1995). Child Care and Early Education Program participation of
Infants, Toddlers and Preschoolers. Washington, DC.
3. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (1997). Marital and Family Characteristics of the Labor Force.
Washington, DC.
4. U.S. Department of Labor. Women's Bureau. (1995). Care Around the Clock: Developing
Child Care Resources Before Nine and After Five. Washington, DC.
5. American Humane Association. (1988). Highlights of Official Child Neglect and Abuse
Reporting. Denver, CO.
6. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Administration for Children and Families.
(1996). Third National Incidence Study of Child Abuse and Neglect. Washington, DC.
ACTION OWE SHEET
CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT
ffecting increasing numbers of children
bus drivers, and others-should know that
each year, child abuse and neglect are
something is wrong.
national problems that beg a national solution.
No part of the country escapes. No ethnic,
Not only can school employees take note of
religious, or socioeconomic group is immune.
suspicious signs, but they must also report
And all parts of society share in the solution.
them, as required by law. And they do. Public
school employees make the largest
According to Child Maltreatment 1996, over a
proportion of reports to child protective
million children-or 15 of every 1,000
services agencies-almost 16 percent, says
children in this country-experience harm
Child Maltreatment 1996.
from abuse or neglect. The circumstances
are varied: a parent's substance abuse or
Because this responsibility is taken so
lack of parenting skills, a child's disability or
seriously, NEA has long supported its
difference, a family's marital or financial
members and affiliates with policy and
woes, or a community's economic stresses
information. In 1974, the same year that
or struggles with poverty and racism. But,
Congress enacted the Child Abuse
whatever the situation, public school
Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA), the
employees are in a position to take note and
NEA Representative Assembly (RA) passed a
do something about it.
resolution calling for all children to be
protected from child abuse, neglect, and
School employees predominate as a source
exploitation. Later, the RA passed a series of
for recognizing maltreated children,
related resolutions for banning corporal
identifying 59 percent of children who suffer
punishment and for improving health care,
harm (Sedlak and Broadhurst 1996). This is
nutrition, family stability, family and domestic
because maltreatment affects children's
relations, and crisis care.
appearance, behavior, and academic
performance. When children are injured,
Over the years, NEA has implemented these
hungry, inappropriately dressed, or acting
resolutions by developing an in-service
out sexually, school employees express
training program, joining the National Child
concern. And, when good students suddenly
Abuse Coalition, continuing to support pro-
score low on tests, refuse to change for gym,
child legislation, and producing materials.
or keep missing the school bus, these same
This action sheet was requested by the NEA
caring adults-teachers, coaches, nurses,
Government Relations Committee.
Child Abuse and Neglect
Codu: otion Asso
DEFINITIONS OF CHILD ABUSE AND NEGL ECT
NEA Resolution
Child Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation
Definitions of child abuse and neglect guide
efforts to protect children. According to Diana
The National Education Association
English (1998), Chief of Research at the
believes that all children should be
Washington State Office of Children's Research,
protected from the psychological and
the states define maltreatment based on minimal
physical aspects of child abuse, neglect,
standards outlined in CAPTA. Because of the
and exploitation.
need to balance the protection of children with an
appropriate governmental intervention, the
The Association urges its affiliates to-
definitions, says English, are broad in some
a. Seek clear legal definitions of what
states and narrow in others. In addition, some
constitutes child abuse, neglect, and
definitions are based on the harm standard-
exploitation
which includes observable harm-and some on
the endangerment standard-which includes the
b. Encourage the development of educators
threat of harm.
preparation courses and employee
awareness programs which stress the
As outlined by English and the National
identification of, reporting procedures for,
Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect
legal responsibilities for, and techniques
Information, the generally accepted definitions of
for dealing with abused, neglected, and
the types of abuse and neglect are as follows:
exploited children
C. Cooperate with community organizations
Child neglect occurs when caretakers fail to
to increase public awareness and
provide for children's basic physical,
understanding of the prevalence as well
educational, and emotional needs, such as for
as the causes, prevention, and treatment
food, clothing, shelter, affection, and
of child abuse, including neglect,
supervision. Such neglect includes
exploitation, incest, and physical abuse
abandonment; inattention to medical and
school needs; and permission to be truant, to
d. Encourage the development and use of
use drugs, or to engage in criminal activity.
materials to increase student awareness
of child abuse, neglect, and exploitation
Physical abuse occurs when caretakers inflict
e. Require school personnel to report to
nonaccidental physical injury on children. The
appropriate authorities instances of
abuse is characterized by bruises, fractures,
suspected child abuse, neglect, and
and wounds that result from beating, burning,
exploitation while providing school
kicking, punching, shaking, stabbing, and
personnel with immunity from legal action
excessive spanking.
f. Encourage development of legislatively
Sexual abuse occurs when family members or
funded provisions for dealing with the
other caretakers use children for their own
abusive child, adult, or institution as well
sexual stimulation. The abuse includes
as processes, protective options, and
fondling, intercourse, rape, incest, and sodomy.
coping provisions for the abused,
neglected, and exploited child
Emotional abuse occurs when caretakers
g. Encourage enactment of legislation for
corrupt, terrorize, or chronically reject children.
protection of children from parents/
Hard to identify, according to researchers, it
guardians who demonstrate neglect by
includes sustained and repetitive verbal abuse,
leaving them unattended/unsupervised
denial of sleep, and exposure to spousal
abuse.
h. Encourage positive action from the
marketing and media professions in
BREADTH AND SCOPE OF THE PROBLEM
eliminating exploitation, commercial-
ization, and glamorization of physical,
How often do these types of abuse and neglect
emotional, and sexual child abuse
occur? Is the incidence increasing? And how are
different groups of chiildren affected?
2
The answers to these questions are contained
Age: As children age, neglect decreases but
in two major reports of the National Center on
physical, sexual, and emotional abuse
Child Abuse and Neglect (NCCAN). Child
increases. Maximum risk is associated with
Maltreatment, giving a statistical view of the
the middle years (ages 6 to 11).
problem, is an annual report of the actual
substantiated and unsubstantiated cases that
Race: According to Child Maltreatment 1996,
are collected by the states. The National
the victimization of children in some groups
Incidence Study of Child Abuse and Neglect, of
is disproportionate to their representation in
which there have been three, gives a broad
the general population. Blacks and American
picture of the problem from the view of the
Indians/Alaska Natives are overrepresented,
professionals who work with children-over
and Asians/Pacific Islanders are
5,600 professionals in 842 agencies in 42
underrepresented. The victimization of
counties (Sedlak and Broadhurst 1996). It
Hispanic children is proportional. However,
reports this data under both the harm and
the Third National Incidence Study of Child
endangerment standards.
Abuse and Neglect finds race unrelated to
the rate of maltreatment. Instead, it attributes
Occurrence. Neglect is the most common form
disproportional representation data to
of child maltreatment, followed by physical
differences in the attention that children of
abuse, sexual abuse, and emotional abuse
different groups receive in the child welfare
(DePanfilis 1992; Tower 1992). According to
system. The latest data on child abuse and
Child Maltreatment 1996, about 52 percent of
race appear in Table 1.
the maltreatment consists of various forms of
neglect, including medical neglect.
Increasing incidence. Both major NCCAN
reports show substantial increases in child
To reverse the dismal statistics and break the
abuse and neglect over time. Child
cycle of child abuse and neglect, schools,
Maltreatment 1996 shows that victimization
communities, and families must work
increased by 18 percent between 1990 and
cooperatively. NEA calls this the Safe Schools
1996. The Third National Incidence Study on
Framework, which it expresses in the
Child Abuse and Neglect shows that abuse
equation-Safe Children = Safe Schools + Safe
reported to professionals quadrupled between
Communities + Safe Families.
1986 and 1993 (Sedlak and Broadhurst 1996).
And the amount of abuse that is actually
In addition, schools, communities, and families
investigated by child protective services is only
must understand the three types of prevention
the tip of the iceberg.
efforts that are used in the public health field.
Originally applied to child abuse by pediatrician
Abused children. All groups of children are
Ray Helfer, the three types are primary,
vulnerable to child abuse and neglect but not to
secondary, and tertiary prevention (National
the same degree. Based on NCCAN reports
Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect
(DePanfilis 1992, Sedlak and Broadhurst
Information).
1996), children's gender, age, and race are
generally related to the rate of maltreatment, as
Primary prevention programs focus on the
follows:
general population and seek to stop the
problem before it starts. Examples are public
I Gender: Girls are sexually abused more
service announcements about nonviolent
often than boys, under both the harm and
methods of discipline, parent education
endangerment standards. However, boys are
programs, and public awareness campaigns.
at greater risk of serious physical injury and
Primary prevention efforts also include
of emotional neglect. And gays and lesbians
providing to all students in a school district
are more vulnerable to verbal abuse and
an education program about sexual abuse
physical and sexual assault, especially
(DePanfilis 1992).
during their adolescence (Ryan and
Futterman 1998).
3
Table 1. Type of Maltreatment by Race/Ethnicity of Victim, DCDC1
Type of Maltreatment
Race/Ethnicity
Totals
Physical
Neglect
Medical
Sexual
Emotional
Abuse
Neglect2
Abuse
Maltreatment
White
33,181
76,967
4,224
17,978
7,130
139,480
(56.1%)
(52.3%)
(41.3%)
(64.8%)
(68.9%)
(54.8%)
African American
16,406
50,401
4,509
5,339
1,684
78,339
(27.7%)
(34.3%)
(44.0%)
(19.2%)
(16.3%)
(30.8%)
Hispanic
8,053
16,447
1,299
3,901
1,265
30,965
(13.6%)
(11.2%)
(12.7%)
(14.1%)
(12.2%)
(12.2%)
American Indian/
670
2,018
145
349
167
3,349
Alaskan Native
(1.1%)
(1.4%)
(1.4%)
(1.3%)
(1.6%)
(1.3%)
Asian/
842
1,275
61
198
104
2,480
Pacific Islander
(1.4%)
(0.9%)
(0.6%)
(0.7%)
(1.0%)
(1.0%)
Totals
59,152
147,108
10,238
27,765
10,350
254,613
(100.0%)
(100.0%)
(100.0%)
(100.0%)
(100.0%)
(100.0%)
'DCDC refers to the Detailed Case Data Component of the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System. The other component
is the Summary Data Component (SDC).
2Medical neglect figures refer to children whose basic needs are being met but whose medical needs are not being met for
financial reasons or because of religious or other exemptions that are outlined in state statutes.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Children's Bureau. 1998. Child Maltreatment, 1996: Reports from the
States to the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office. Table 2-5.
Secondary prevention programs focus on
provide services to students, communities, and
high-risk families that may be young, poor, or
families as shown in Table 2.
substance abusing. The programs seek to
stop an existing problem from worsening.
Tower also finds public schools essential in two
Examples are school-based parent
other ways. After a report of child abuse is
education programs for teen mothers,
made, school employees can be supportive of
substance abuse treatment for parents of
families during the investigation, treatment and
young children, respite care for parents of
rehabilitation processes. And, if a child gets into
special-needs children, and social services
trouble at school, they can invite parents to
offered by full-service schools in distressed
meetings to discuss misbehavior or failing
neighborhoods.
grades in a positive manner rather than
sending home notes that could reinforce
Tertiary prevention programs focus on
parents' negative feelings about that child.
abusive families. The programs seek to stop
an existing problem from spreading to the
Tower also urges schools to comply with state
next generation by preventing children from
and municipal statutes banning corporal
developing emotional and academic
punishment. According to the National Coalition
problems that will, in turn, affect their
to Abolish Corporal Punishment in Schools
children. Examples are family preservation
(1998), 27 states and many cities and school
counseling services, parent mentor
boards ban this practice.
programs, and mental health services to
improve family communications and
functioning.
Public schools are key to the success of all of
In addition to banning abusive practices,
these programs, especially at the primary
legislation enables government and community
prevention level. According to Cynthia Crosson
agencies to resolve the problem of child abuse
Tower (1992), school-based programs can
and neglect. Key federal laws are as follows
(Schene 1998; NCCAN 1998):
4
3 Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act
children and families. It establishes a
(CAPTA). Originally enacted in 1974 as
timeframe for terminating parental rights,
PL 93-247, this law was amended several
shortens the timeframe for providing services
times, most recently by the Child Abuse
to families in crisis, and promotes the
Prevention and Treatment Act Amendments
speedier adoption of children who cannot
of 1996 (PL 104-235). CAPTA defines child
return to their natural parents. It also
abuse and neglect; authorizes federal
encourages states to develop innovative
funding to the states for prevention,
strategies to help children and families.
assessment, investigation, prosecution, and
treatment; provides grants to public agencies
National Child Protection Act of 1993
and nonprofit organizations for demon-
(PL 103-209). This law encourages states to
stration programs and projects; and
enact legislation authorizing fingerprint-
authorizes the U.S. Department of Health
based national searches of the criminal
and Human Services to establish a universal
history records of people who seek paid or
and case-specific national data collection
volunteer jobs with organizations that serve
and analysis program on child maltreatment.
children, the elderly, and persons with
The 1996 amendments address delays in
disabilities.
termination of parental rights, the lack of
public oversight of child protection, and the
Expansion of Megan's Law (PL 104-145),
problems of false reports of abuse and
amending the Violent Crime Control and Law
neglect. The amendments also help states to
Enforcement Act. This law requires state and
establish and expand networks of family
local law enforcement officials to publicize
resources programs.
relevant information for protecting the
community whenever a person who has
Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997
been convicted of crimes against children
(PL 105-89). This groundbreaking law is
and of sexually violent offenses is released
designed to make child protection services
from prison or placed on parole, probation, or
more responsive to the complex needs of
supervised release.
Table 2. School-Based Programs To Prevent Child Abuse and Neglect
School-Based Programs
School-Based Programs
School-Based Programs
for Students
for Communities
for Families
Life Skills Training: socialization,
Training and Staff Development:
Help for At-Risk Families: after-
problem solving, and coping
identification, reporting, treatment,
school childcare and recreation,
skills, and preparation for
and prevention of child abuse and
identification of adolescents with
adulthood
neglect
problems
Preparation for Parenthood: child
Public Awareness Programs:
Support for Teen Parents and their
development, parenting skills,
cosponsoring events with parent-
Children
and sexuality education (as
teacher groups and school-
opposed to stiteaching about
community. organizations
sexual abuse)
Use of School Facilities and
Self-Protection Training
Resources: making meeting
rooms available for self-help
groups, public forums, and
workshops on child abuse and
neglect
Source: Table 2 summarizes text from Cynthia Crosson Tower. 1992. The Role of Educators in the Prevention and Treatment of
Child Abuse and Neglect. The User Manual Series. Washington, DC: National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect pp 51 55
5
SCHOOLS AND EDUCATION ISGLOMATIONS
M Add a child abuse and neglect task force to your safe schools committee. For background and
how-to information on NEA's total-community method for making children safe, see the Safe
Schools Manual: A Resource on Making Schools, Communities, and Families Safe for Children.
For a copy, contact NEA Human and Civil Rights, or visit NEA's Web site at www.nea.org
0 Observe Child Abuse Prevention Month every April. Call the National Clearinghouse on Child
Abuse and Neglect Information at 800-FYI-3366 or 703-385-7565, or visit the Web site at
www.calib.com/nccanch/prevmnth/intro.htm
3 Participate in Stand for Children Day every June. Contact Stand for Children, 1834 Connecticut
Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20009. Call 202-234-0217 or 800-663-4032, or visit the Web site
at www.stand.org
OPGANIZATIONAL BAGG
REFENS NOES CITED
National Coalition of Hispanic Health and Human Services
English, Diana J. 1998. The Extent and Consequences of Child
Organizations (COSSMHO)
Maltreatment. Future of Children (Spring 1998: 39-53). Los
1501 Sixteenth Street, N.W.
Altos, CA: David and Lucile Packard Foundation.
Washington, DC 20036
Voice: 202-387-5000
National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect
www.cossmho.org
Information. N.d. Prevention Fundamentals. Washington, DC:
NCCAN.
National Black Child Development Institute, Inc.
1023 Fifteenth Street, N.W., Suite 600
National Coalition to Abolish Corporal Punishment in Schools.
Washington, DC 20005
1998. Facts About Corporal Punishment. www.stophitting.com/
Voice: 202-387-1281
facts_about_corporal_punishment.htm
www.nbcdi.org
National Education Association. 1997. Safe Schools Manual: A
National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse
Resource on Making Schools, Communities, and Families Safe
and Neglect Information
for Children. Washington, DC: NEA.
330 C Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20447
DePanfilis, Diane and Marsha K. Salus. 1992. A Coordinated
Voice: 800-FYI-3366 or 703-385-7565
Response to Child Abuse and Neglect: A Basic Manual.
www.calib/nccanch
Washington, DC: National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect.
National Coalition to Abolish Corporal Punishment in
Ryan, Caitlin and Donna Futterman. 1998. Lesbian and Gay
Schools
Youth: Care and Counseling. New York, NY: Columbia
155 W. Main Street, Suite 100B
University Press.
Columbus, OH 43215
Voice: 614-221-8829
Schene, Patricia A. 1998. Past, Present, and Future Roles of
www.stophitting.com
Child Protective Services. Future of Children (Spring 1998: 23-
38). Los Altos, CA: David and Lucile Packard Foundation.
National Indian Child Welfare Association
3611 SW Hood Street, Suite 201
Sedlak, Andrea and Diane D. Broadhurst. 1996. Executive
Portland OR 97201
Summary. Third National Incidence Study of Child Abuse and
Voice: 503-222-4044
Neglect. Washington, DC: National Center on Child Abuse and
www.nicwa.org
Neglect.
Vietnamese Resettlement Association
Tower, Cynthia Crosson. 1992. The Role of Educators in the
6131 Willston Drive, Room 6
Protection and Treatment of Child Abuse and Neglect.
Falls Church, VA 22044
Washington, DC: National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect.
Voice: 703-532-3716.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Children's
Bureau. 1998. Child Maltreatment 1996: Reports from the
States to the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System.
Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office.
www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/cb/stats/ncands
Human and Civil Rights
(202) 822-7700
nea
NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION
1201 Sixteenth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036-3290
November 1998
NATIONAL
CHILD ABUSE
733-15th Street NW
Suite
938
Washington
DC 20005
Phone 202 347-3660
COALITION
CHILD CARE: CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION
High quality child care services are essential to a successful strategy for preventing
child abuse. Most child abuse occurs when families are under stress. Research has
suggested that the availability of quality child care helps alleviate that stress and
increases family well-being.
Child care helps to prevent child abuse by:
Assuring working parents that their children are well cared for and minimizing the
stress of combining work and parenting;
Increasing parents' skills in coping with the pressures of caring for their children;
Enhancing communication between parents and children;
Reducing family isolation;
Improving access to social and health services for the family; and
Offering some families respite from the daily demands of caring for their children.
Quality child care is a critical resource for 29 million young children living in families
with working parents (Annie E. Casey Foundation, 1998). In 1995, 60 percent of
preschool-age children routinely spent at least some time in non-parental care (U.S.
Department of Education, 1995).
In 1997, 62 percent of mothers with children younger than three, 69 percent with
children aged three to five, and 78 percent with children aged six to thirteen, were in
the labor force (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 1997). In all of these cases the majority of
mothers worked full-time.
Non-traditional work schedules are a reality for millions of American families. In 1995,
29 percent of the American workforce, and 34 percent of female employees, had
nonstandard work arrangements (Annie E. Casey Foundation, 1998). The U.S.
Department of Labor's Women's Bureau found that mothers struggling to get off AFDC
and TANF, who are able to find work, are likely to face jobs that require evening and
weekend hours. Nearly one in five full-time workers (14.5 million) worked non-standard
hours in 1991, and more than one in three (5 million) of these were women.
An analysis of child abuse and neglect reports reveals patterns that parallel many of
the same families most in need of child care. Significant numbers of child abuse or
neglect reports involve: families headed by a single parent; families with children
under six years old; and low-income families or families receiving public assistance
(American Humane Association, 1988; U.S. Dept. of HHS, 1996).
Any federal child care legislation must:
Help improve the affordability, accessibility and quality, including health and safety,
of child care and include extra support for infant child care, before and after
school child care, child care in nontraditional work hours, and child care for
children who have been abused or neglected;
Increase the number of children in Early Head Start and expand funding for Head
Start;
Link child care to other support for parents, including services of home visitors,
parent educators, and family support centers; and
Support therapeutic child care for children with disabilities and other specialized
services and treatment for abused and neglected children.
Any federal child care legislation must strengthen training for licensing personnel and
child care staff to:
Require training in the identification and reporting of suspected child maltreatment;
and
Require that training of child care workers to improve the quality of child care
include education and skills training on preventing child maltreatment, including
attention to the dangers of Shaken Baby Syndrome, especially for workers caring for
infants.
Any federal child care legislation must do the following to assure quality care:
Promote linkages between child care and social services (including CPS), health
and mental health services, nutritional services, services for children with
development delays and children with disabilities, and other services to support
families;
Give priority for funding to child care programs that provide opportunities for
parental involvement and unlimited parental access, in order to reduce the
likelihood of abuse;
Support state and local efforts to improve and enforce standards of quality in child
care services;
Require criminal background checks of all child care workers; and
Include on state child care licensing advisory boards representation from persons
with expertise in the identification, prevention and treatment of child abuse and
neglect.
References
1. Annie E. Casey Foundation. (1998). Kids Count Data Book, Baltimore, MD.
2. U.S. Department of Education. National Center for Education Statistics. Office of Educational
Research and Improvement. (1995). Child Care and Early Education Program participation of
Infants, Toddlers and Preschoolers. Washington, DC.
3. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (1997). Marital and Family Characteristics of the Labor Force.
Washington, DC.
4. U.S. Department of Labor. Women's Bureau. (1995). Care Around the Clock: Developing
Child Care Resources Before Nine and After Five. Washington, DC.
5. American Humane Association. (1988). Highlights of Official Child Neglect and Abuse
Reporting. Denver, CO.
6. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Administration for Children and Families.
(1996). Third National Incidence Study of Child Abuse and Neglect. Washington, DC.
NATIONAL
CHILD ABUSE
733-15th Street NW Suite 938 Washington DC 20005
Phone 202 347-3666
COALITION
PREVENTING CHILD ABUSE
Child Abuse Prevention Fights Crime
Victims of child abuse are more likely to engage in criminality later in life. Over two-thirds
(68%) of youths arrested have a prior history of abuse and neglect. Childhood abuse
increases the odds of future delinquency and adult criminality overall by 40 percent.
Abused and neglected girls fare worse: girls who were abused and neglected in childhood
are 77 percent more likely to be arrested as juveniles. In addition, abused or neglected
male and female youths are more likely to be arrested one year earlier, to commit twice as
many offenses, and to be arrested more frequently than youths who were not abused or
neglected. C.S. Widom (1992). The Cycle of Violence. Washington, DC: National Institute of Justice.
Early childhood sexual and physical abuse increase the risk of arrest as a juvenile for being a
runaway. Adults abused as children are at higher risk of arrest for sex crimes. Findings also
suggest an association for males between physical abuse and arrests for violent sex crimes,
such as rape and sodomy. C.S. Widom & M.A. Ames (1994). Criminal Consequences of Childhood Sexual
Victimization. Child Abuse and Neglect. Washington, DC: National Institute of Justice.
Preventing Child Maltreatment Helps to Prevent Failure in School
Abused and neglected children suffer poor prospects for success in school. According to
a 1976 study, one-third of abused children aged four and a half were found to have
significant neurological damage, and in all cases, learning and emotional behavior were
affected in maltreated youngsters of school age. Typically, abused and neglected children in
school exhibit poor initiative, language and other developmental delays, a disproportionate
amount of incompetence and failure, and inappropriate behavior in peer and adult
relationships. S.R. Morgan (1976). The Battered Child in the Classroom. Journal of Pediatric Psychology.
Research into the emotional development of abused children reveals children with
negative self-concepts, low self-esteem, aggressive behavior, difficulty in relating to peers
and adults, impaired capacity to trust others, and general unhappiness - all characteristics of
a child not expected to do well in the classroom. E.M. Kinard (1979). The Psychological Consequences
of Abuse for the Child. Journal of Social Issues.
Preventing Child Abuse Can Help to Prevent Disabling Conditions in Children
Physical abuse of children can result in brain damage, mental retardation, cerebral palsy,
and learning disorders. H.P. Martin & M.A. Rodeheffer (1980). The Psychological Impact of Abuse in
Children. In: G.J. Williams. Traumatic Abuse and Neglect of Children at Home. Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins
University Press.
High incidences of retardation, growth and neurological problems, and impaired
emotional functioning are found among physically abused children. Abused or neglected
children are disproportionately represented in special education classes. Approximately 25
percent of sexually abused children involved in one study were in classes for the emotionally
disturbed. D.F. Kline (1977). The Consequences of Neglected Cases. In: A.M. Thomas. Children Alone: What
Can Be Done About Abuse and Neglect. Reston, VA: Council for Exceptional Children.
Preventing Child Abuse Helps Prevent Serious Illnesses Later in Llife
Many of the most common causes of death and disability in this country, such as heart
disease, cancer, chronic lung and liver diseases, and skeletal fracture, are the result of
adverse emotional or physical experiences in childhood. Childhood abuse and
dysfunctional households are linked with behaviors later in life which result in the
development of chronic diseases that cause death and disability. V.J. Felitti, R.F. Anda, et al.
(1998). Relationship of Childhood Abuse and Household Dysfunction to Many of the Leading Causes of Death in
Adults. The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study. American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
Abused children are more likely to be obese, have diabetes, be physically inactive. have
high use of health care resources, and score high on measures of psychosocial distress.
Similarly, they are more likely to engage in early first intercourse, have an unintended
pregnancy, have high lifetime numbers of sexual partners, and suffer from depression and
suicide attempts. V.J. Felitti, R.F. Anda, et al. (1998). Relationship of Childhood Abuse and Household
Dysfunction to Many of the Leading Causes of Death in Adults. The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study.
American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
Community Programs to Prevent Child Abuse
1. Support programs for new parents
prenatal care: medical; education in child development; information on
community resources
special attention to first-time, teens, single parents
postnatal care: medical care; sick infants at risk; enhance parent-child
bonding
2. Education for parents
new parents groups: create social networks/instruct in child care and child
development
knowledge about community health and social services
home visitor services: periodic visits (birth to school); include child care,
nutrition, home management, routine health checks
Examples of Successful Programs to Prevent Child Abuse
A High/Scope Foundation study at the Perry Pre-School in Michigan offered at-risk
toddlers a quality Head Start-style preschool program, supplemented by weekly in-
home coaching for parents. Those who had been denied the services as toddlers
were found, 22 years later, five times more likely to be chronic law breakers by the
age of 27. The program led to an 80% drop in the number of chronic offenders.
In Syracuse, New York, a program providing child development and health services
for at-risk infants and toddlers and parenting support found that children denied the
services were ten times more likely to become delinquent by age 16. The program
cut delinquency by 90%.
A Prenatal and Early Childhood Nurse Home Visitation Program, sponsored by the
University of Rochester Medical School, provided low-income, first-time, teen
mothers and babies home visits by a specially trained nurse during pregnancy and
for two years after birth. Nurses provided coaching for parents on child
development, child-rearing skills and children's health needs as well as connecting
them with other community health and human service agencies and informal
support networks of family and friends. By age 4, only 1 in 25 of those children
receiving services, compared to 1 in 5 of the control group, had been abused or
neglected. The program cut abuse rates by 80%.
Hawaii Health Start offers new mothers the opportunity to enroll in a comprehensive
program of services to families which provides preventative health care and home
visits by professionals to train in parenting skills and child development and to offer
counseling (95% accept services). Two studies have shown the program cut abuse
and neglect by 50-60%.
Legislative Proposal
Amend juvenile justice, education, and child care legislation by adding "prevention of child
abuse and neglect" to a list of permissible funded activities in an appropriate legislative
section, or add the following to the bill:
"voluntary, comprehensive, and culturally appropriate family support programs,
including home visitor services, parenting education, and support services for
new parents to prevent or decrease the risk of child maltreatment and increase
children's readiness for school. To avoid duplication of services funded under
this section, activities supported pursuant to this paragraph shall be coordinated
with others that provide family support services."
TM
Prevent Child Abuse
America
CLINTON LIBRARY PHOTOCOPY
PHOTOCOPY
PRESERVATION
Prevent Child Abuse America
200 South Michigan Avenue
17th Floor
Chicago, Illinois 60604:2404
312.663.3520'1
312.939.8962 fax
News Release
[email protected]
www.childabuse.org
Release:
Contact:
EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE
Kevin Kirkpatrick
March 30, 1999
Director, Marketing & Communications
312.663.3520 ext. 110
Child Abuse Bucks U.S. Crime Trends
and Continues to Rise
One-Half of U.S. Parents Report Neglecting Their Child's Emotional Needs,
According to Prevent Child Abuse America
WASHINGTON, D.C., March 30, 1999 - While overall U.S. crime statistics are on the decline,
reports and confirmed cases of child abuse and neglect continue to rise, according to data
released today by Prevent Child Abuse America, formerly the National Committee to Prevent Child
Abuse. At the same time, a new study commissioned by Prevent Child Abuse America found that
nearly one-half of U.S. parents reported neglecting their child's emotional needs, most on a daily
basis.
Although the nation's overall crime rate fell more than 21 percent from 1993 to 1997,
reports of child abuse and neglect grew by 8 percent and confirmed cases increased 4 percent
during this same period, according to Prevent Child Abuse America (see table 1). The data, based
on surveys by Prevent Child Abuse America and the U.S. Department of Justice, was released by
Prevent Child Abuse America on the eve of April's observance of Child Abuse Prevention Month at
a news conference at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.
"Child abuse is the only violent social problem we face that isn't getting better," said A.
Sidney Johnson III, executive director of Prevent Child Abuse America. "As a society, we're
making great progress in reducing violent crime, property crime and robbery, and awareness of
child abuse and neglect is at an all-time high, yet our children are being victimized more than ever."
- more -
Child Abuse & Neglect On the Rise - Page 2
Alarming Statistics
According to Johnson, twice as many U.S. children are reported for abuse and neglect
annually as are enrolled in a Head Start program, based on data from a 1998 study reported in
Early Childhood News. According to Prevent Child Abuse America, the statistics are alarming,
particularly in the context of other issues gathering media attention.
"We hear a lot of talk about air bag safety with regard to children, and it certainly is a
serious issue, since 67 children died in automobile crashes involving air bags between 1993 and
1997," explained Maura Somers Dughi, president of the Board of Directors for Prevent Child Abuse
America. "But in the same five-year period, nearly 5,000 children died from abuse or neglect at the
hands of the parent or guardian responsible for their care."
Of children under five who were killed during the period 1976 through 1997, 54 percent
were killed by a parent, 30 percent by an acquaintance or other relative, and 15 percent were killed
by strangers or unknown persons, according to the Bureau of Justice Homicide Statistics.
According to Prevent Child Abuse America's survey of all 50 states and the District of
Columbia, 47 out of 1,000 children were reported as abused or neglected and 15 children out of
1,000 were confirmed as abused or neglected in 1997 (the last year for which complete data is
available). This means that child abuse is much more pervasive than other types of violent
victimization. The 1998 National Crime Victimization Study reported in 1998 that there were 13 car
thefts, 8 aggravated assaults, 4.2 robberies and 1.5 rapes per 1,000 U.S. households.
U.S. Parents Report Neglecting Their Children
For 13 years, Prevent Child Abuse America has commissioned national public opinion polls
to determine the public's attitudes and actions with respect to child abuse prevention. The first
survey, in December 1986, was conducted by Louis Harris. Subsequent surveys, including the
1999 survey, have been conducted by Schulman, Ronca and Bucavalas of New York City.
- more -
Child Abuse & Neglect On the Rise - Page 3
The consistency of the survey by Prevent Child Abuse America both in its application and
measurement strategies offers a unique data source for assessing the impacts of public education
efforts over time and changes in public attitudes and perceptions. Each survey has involved a
nationally representative telephone survey of 1,250 randomly selected adults across the country.
The study's results are subject to a sampling error of +/- three percentage points.
The most recent survey commissioned by Prevent Child Abuse America, completed in late
February, found the following:
37 percent of American parents had reported insulting or swearing at their children
within the past 12 months
50 percent had neglected their child's emotional needs, with 60 percent of these
respondents indicating that this neglect took place "almost every day"
6 percent had hit, or tried to hit, their children with their hands or with a foreign object
1 percent had kicked, bit or punched their children within the last 12 months
"It may not sound alarming to say that one percent of parents in America report that they
kicked, bit or punched their children in the past 12 months," said Johnson. "But, one percent of the
estimated 103 million parents of children under 17 years of age in this country still amounts to a
large number of children, and that only accounts for the parents who admit to engaging in this
behavior."
According to the survey commissioned by Prevent Child Abuse America, 64 percent of
Americans believe child abuse and neglect have gotten worse in the past seven years, while 24
percent think they have remained the same.
"These statistics tell us that Americans recognize the seriousness of child abuse and
neglect," explained Johnson. "Our job at Prevent Child Abuse America remains to help translate
that public recognition into action, particularly in support of prevention programs that work, like
Healthy Families America."
- more -
Child Abuse & Neglect On the Rise - Page 4
An initiative of Prevent Child Abuse America, Healthy Families America (HFA) is a voluntary
home visiting program with three equally important goals: to promote positive parenting, to
encourage child health and development, and to prevent child abuse and neglect. With 320 sites
in 39 states, each HFA program is implemented on the local level by public and private
partnerships, including business and community leaders, faith groups, healthcare providers, local
and state governments, social service agencies and parents.
With chapters in 42 states, Prevent Child Abuse America (formerly the National Committee
to Prevent Child Abuse) is the leading organization working at the national, state and local levels to
prevent child abuse in all its forms. Headquartered in Chicago, Prevent Child Abuse America was
founded in 1972 with an endowment from the Donna J. Stone Foundation.
More information about child abuse prevention is available by calling 1-800-CHILDREN or
by accessing the organization's website, www.childabuse.org.
###
Table 1: Changing Trends in Crime & Criminal Victimization
Type of Crime
Change 1993-1997
Child Abuse & Neglect (Reports)
8%
Child Abuse & Neglect (Confirmed)
4%
Violent Victimizations (age 12+)
22%
Property crimes
22%
Murder
28%
Overall crime rate
21%
Sources:
Wang and Daro (1998, April). Current Trends in Child Abuse Reporting and Fatalities: The Results of the 1997 Annual
Fifty State Survey. Chicago: Prevent Child Abuse America.
Bureau of Justice Statistics (1998). Criminal Victimization 1997: Changes 1996-97 with Trends 1993-97. Washington,
D.C.: U.S. Department of Justice.
Prevent Child Abuse America
200 S. Michigan Avenue
17th Floor
Chicago, IL 60604.2404
312.663.3520 tel
Key Facts
312.939.8962 fax
[email protected]
www.childabuse.org
Contact:
Kevin Kirkpatrick
Director, Marketing & Communications
312.663.3520 ext. 110
Key Facts on Child Abuse & Neglect
While the nation's overall crime rate fell 22 percent from 1993 to 1997, reports of child abuse
and neglect grew by 8 percent and confirmed cases increased 4 percent. 1
During the period 1993-1997, Prevent Child Abuse America estimates that over 5,000 children
died from abuse or neglect in the United States. 2
Forty-seven out of 1,000 children were reported as abused or neglected and 15 children out of
1,000 were confirmed as abused or neglected in 1997. 3
A child in the United States is twice as likely to be reported as abused or neglected as to be
enrolled in the Head Start program.⁴
Thirty-seven percent of American parents report insulting or swearing at their children within
the last 12 months. 5
Fifty percent of American parents report neglecting their child's emotional needs, with 60
percent saying this neglect takes place "almost every day."6
One third of all Americans have witnessed an adult physically abuse a child and two-thirds
have seen an adult emotionally abuse a child.⁷
Of those Americans who have witnessed child abuse, 44 percent failed to respond in any way. 8
1
Wang and Daro (1998, April). Current Trends in Child Abuse Reporting and Fatalities: The Results of the
1997 Annual Fifty State Survey. Chicago: Prevent Child Abuse America. (AND) Bureau of Justice Statistics
(1998). Criminal Victimization 1997: Changes 1996-97 with Trends 1993-97. Washington, D.C.: U.S.
Department of Justice.
2
Wang and Daro (1998, April). Current Trends in Child Abuse Reporting and Fatalities: The Results of the
1997 Annual Fifty State Survey. Chicago: Prevent Child Abuse America.
3
Ibid.
4
Shaw, Megan (1998). Early Childhood News. Dayton, OH: Peter Li Education Group.
5
Kirkpatrick, Kevin (1999, March). 1999 Public Awareness Survey. Chicago: Prevent Child Abuse America.
6 Ibid.
7 Ibid.
8
Ibid.
Prevent Child Abuse America
200 S. Michigan Avenue
17th Floor
Chicago. IL 60604.2404
312.663.3520 tel
Key Facts
312.939.8962 fax
[email protected]
www.childabuse.org
Contact:
Kevin Kirkpatrick
Director, Marketing & Communications
312.663.3520 ext. 110
Key Facts on Home Visiting to Prevent Child Abuse
Seventy-four percent of surveyed Americans believe voluntary home visits by a private or
public agency in the first weeks after the birth of their first child would have been useful. Only
14 percent reported receiving such support.¹
Of those parents who did receive home visits after the birth of their first child, 82 percent
described them as useful. 2
Sixty-seven percent of Americans believe lack of parenting experience or skills is among the
primary reasons for child abuse and neglect. 3
Of the Healthy Families America (HFA) sites surveyed nationwide, 90 percent or more of
children whose parents are enrolled in HFA are up-to-date on their immunizations and are
keeping appointments for well-baby check-ups. More than 94 percent of participating parents
have identified an appropriate and stable source of medical care for their child.⁴
In Florida, a study ongoing since 1993 found that less than one percent of the 1,635 children
served by Healthy Families America were reported for child abuse during the study period,
compared to a county-wide rate of more than 5%. 5
In Oregon, the 1997 statewide immunization rate for two-year-old children is 73 percent, while
the immunization rate for children whose parents are participating in HFA is 97 percent.⁶
In Virginia, 97 percent of participating parents said HFA had improved their parenting.⁷
In Arizona, HFA participants spent 121 fewer days on public aid, had 200 fewer days on food
stamps and 73 fewer days on Medicaid, compared to families with similar profiles, resulting in
significant savings to the state. 8
1
Kirkpatrick, Kevin (1999, March). 1999 Public Awareness Survey. Chicago: Prevent Child Abuse America.
2 Ibid.
3 Ibid.
4
Daro and Harding (1999). Healthy Families America: Using Research to Enhance Practice. Chicago:
National Center on Child Abuse Prevention Research.
5 Ibid.
6 Ibid.
7 Ibid.
8
Ibid.
Prevent Child Abuse America
200 South Michigan Avenue
17th Floor
Chicago, Illinois 60604.2404
312.663.3520 tel
312.939.8962 fax
News Release
[email protected]
www.childabuse.org
Release:
Contact:
EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE
Kevin Kirkpatrick
March 30, 1999
Director, Marketing & Communications
312.663.3520 ext. 110
Fifty Percent of Americans Do Nothing When
They Witness Child Abuse or Neglect
New Study by Prevent Child Abuse America Reveals
Alarming Trends in How Americans Respond to Child Abuse
WASHINGTON, D.C., March 30, 1999 - Three in ten Americans have witnessed an adult
physically abuse a child and two in three Americans have seen an adult emotionally abuse a child
(see table 1). Yet nearly half of these Americans failed to respond to the incident, according to a
study released today by Prevent Child Abuse America, formerly the National Committee to Prevent
Child Abuse.
Of the 1,250 Americans surveyed, 44 percent failed to respond upon observing child abuse,
with one-half of these individuals reporting that they had no idea how to respond effectively (see
table 2). Of those who claimed to have done something in response to the situation, 55 percent
reported that they had given the offending adult a disapproving look and 63 percent claimed to
have verbally reprimanded the adult. According to Prevent Child Abuse America, these responses
can be counterproductive and may further endanger the child.
"The research shows that most Americans fail to respond effectively when they encounter
child abuse or neglect in a public place because they don't know what to do," explained A. Sidney
Johnson III, executive director of Prevent Child Abuse America. "Clearly, there is a need to give all
citizens the information they need to respond to these situations in a helpful, effective and safe
manner."
- more -
Responses to Child Abuse & Neglect - Page 2
To educate the general public on appropriate and effective responses to child abuse in a
public place, Prevent Child Abuse America has launched a new public service campaign. The
campaign includes brochures and posters offering advice on positive parenting and on how to
respond effectively when observing child abuse or neglect in a public place.
With funding from Target Stores, a longtime supporter of the organization's child abuse
prevention programs, the materials are being distributed through Prevent Child Abuse America's
nationwide network of chapters, offering the following tips for responding to child abuse or neglect
in a public place:
Start a conversation with the adult to direct attention away from the child. For example: "My
child gets upset like that, too."
Divert the child's attention (if misbehaving) by talking to the child.
Look for an opportunity to praise the child or parent.
If the child is in danger, offer assistance.
Avoid negative remarks or looks, which are likely to increase the parent's anger and could
make matters worse.
New Identity for Nation's Leading
Child Abuse Prevention Organization
The public service campaign is part of a major effort to communicate the new name for
Prevent Child Abuse America, which has previously been known as the National Committee to
Prevent Child Abuse. With 27 years of experience and a network of 42 state chapters, Prevent
Child Abuse America is the leading organization working at the national, state and local levels to
prevent child abuse in all its forms.
- more -
Responses to Child Abuse & Neglect - Page 3
In addition to educating the public about effective responses to child abuse, the campaign
is intended to better communicate the nationwide breadth of Prevent Child Abuse America's
capabilities and the depth of its commitment to end child abuse. The announcement of the
organization's new name and public service campaign came on the eve of April's observance of
Child Abuse Prevention Month at a news conference at the National Press Club in Washington,
D.C.
Previously, the national organization and its chapters had not followed any standardized
model in the use of name or logo, confounding efforts to demonstrate nationwide unity of the
organization, its capabilities and its mission. Prevent Child Abuse America had determined that
improved clarity of its national identity and heightened awareness of its capabilities could further
strengthen its efforts to prevent child abuse and neglect.
"Prevent Child Abuse America - as a national organization and as a network of state
chapters - brings an incredible breadth of knowledge and capabilities to the prevention of child
abuse and neglect," said Maura Somers Dughi, president of the Board of Directors for Prevent
Child Abuse America. "Under our new national identity, it will be easier to demonstrate the
strength and value of this knowledge and these capabilities on the local, state and national levels."
Twenty-six state chapters have already changed their names to reflect the national
organization's model, as in the case of Prevent Child Abuse California, Prevent Child Abuse Illinois
and Prevent Child Abuse New York. Ten other chapters are expected to change their names in
the next six months.
- more -
Responses to Child Abuse & Neglect - Page 4
New TV and Radio Awareness Campaign Launched
In conjunction with the organization's new name, Prevent Child Abuse America is launching
a nationwide campaign of television and radio public service announcements. The energetic and
uplifting television spots feature children speaking directly into the camera to offer their thoughts on
"What Kids Are Made Of." Complementary radio spots have also been produced. Both television
and radio spots are being distributed nationally by the Advertising Council.
The media campaign has been adapted from one originally developed by the Partnership to
Prevent Child Abuse, a Connecticut alliance of public and private concerns dedicated to
empowering and educating communities and individuals to recognize the vital role they play in
child abuse prevention. The partnership includes the Connecticut Center for Prevention of Child
Abuse, a chapter of Prevent Child Abuse America.
The spots were produced by Cronin and Company, Inc., of Glastonbury, Conn., which
donated its time as part of its 50th anniversary celebration. Response to the campaign was so
strong throughout the state, that the Connecticut chapter and its advertising agency, in
collaboration with the Partnership to Prevent Child Abuse, approached Prevent Child Abuse
America about national distribution.
"We were impressed and thrilled by our Connecticut chapter's television and radio spots
from the very start and couldn't have been happier to adapt them for use nationally," said Johnson.
"Our chapters are producing incredibly powerful and creative public awareness materials, and
we're pleased to be able to work with our chapters whenever possible to share these great
materials with the rest of the country."
I I more
Responses to Child Abuse & Neglect - Page 5
Headquartered in Chicago, Prevent Child Abuse America was founded in 1972 with an
endowment from the Donna J. Stone Foundation and is dedicated to the prevention of child abuse
in all its forms. Supported by private and corporate donors, the organization is widely known for its
public awareness, education, prevention programs, advocacy and research. More information
about child abuse prevention is available by calling 1-800-CHILDREN or by accessing the
organization's website, www.childabuse.org.
###
Table 1: Personal Observations of Child Abuse and Neglect
Percentage
Observations of Child Abuse or Neglect
Responding in the
Affirmative
Have you seen an adult physically abuse a child?
32%
Have you seen an adult emotionally abuse a child
66%
(e.g., insult, taunt or harass)?
Have you seen an adult neglect a child (e.g., ignore
47%
a child's needs, fail to feed or clothe properly or
withhold affection)?
Source: Kirkpatrick, Kevin (1999, March). 1999 Public Awareness Survey. Chicago: Prevent Child Abuse America.
Table 2: Reasons for Failing to Respond to Observations of Child Abuse and Neglect
Percentage
Reasons for Failing to Respond
Responding in the
Affirmative
Didn't think it was any of my business
57%
Didn't know what the proper response might be
50%
Afraid other people might interpret response as
23%
overreacting
Concerned for own personal safety
19%
Thought the parent's actions might be justified
17%
Source: Kirkpatrick, Kevin (1999, March). 1999 Public Awareness Survey. Chicago: Prevent Child Abuse America.
Prevent Child Abuse America
200 South Michigan Avenue
17th Floor
Chicago, Illinois 60604.2404
312.663.3520 tel
312.939.8962 fax
News Release
[email protected]
www.childabuse.org
Release:
Contact:
EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE
Kevin Kirkpatrick
March 30, 1999
Director, Marketing & Communications
312.663.3520 ext. 110
U.S. Parents Want Help With Newborns
Lack of Experience and Skill Seen as
Reason for Increased Child Abuse and Neglect
WASHINGTON, D.C., March 30, 1999 - An overwhelming majority of American parents (74
percent) wish they had received assistance in learning how to take care of their newborns,
according to a study released today by Prevent Child Abuse America, formerly the National
Committee to Prevent Child Abuse. At the same time, such assistance is rarely provided.
In addition, the majority of Americans (67 percent) believe that lack of parenting experience
or skills is among the primary reasons for child abuse and neglect (see table 1). Lack of
experience and skills in proper parenting was the second most cited reason for abuse and neglect,
behind drug and alcohol abuse, according to the study commissioned by Prevent Child Abuse
America. Results of the study were released by the organization on the eve of April's observance
of Child Abuse Prevention Month at a news conference at the National Press Club in Washington,
D.C.
While 74 percent responded that voluntary home visits by a private or public agency in the
first weeks after the birth of their first child would have been useful, only 14 percent reported
receiving such support. Of those who did receive such visits, 82 percent described them as useful.
Sixty percent of new parents received donations of food, clothing or baby equipment during the first
six months after the birth of their child.
- more -
Parents Want Help - Page 2
"As a society, we're good at helping parents make sure the baby dresses well and is fed
properly," said A. Sidney Johnson III, executive director of Prevent Child Abuse America. "But
when it comes to helping them learn how to become good parents, they're on their own."
Seventy-two percent of American parents surveyed would have welcomed a visit by a home
visitor in their hospital rooms after the birth of their first child to determine if they wanted or needed
any help in caring for the child. More than three out of four Americans believe that public funding
should be available to make home visits available on a voluntary basis to parents who want to
learn more about caring for their newborns and nearly one-half (47 percent) approve strongly of
such public support.
Healthy Families America
One program aimed at providing the assistance parents say they want in the first years of
their child's lives is Healthy Families America (HFA), an initiative of Prevent Child Abuse America.
The program offers voluntary home visitation services to expectant and new parents to promote
positive parenting, improve child health and development, and reduce child abuse and neglect.
The program is currently available to more than 20,000 families nationwide through 320 sites in 39
states.
HFA provides voluntary home visitor services for new parents through networks of
statewide systems. HFA offers parenting education and support services, tailored to the specific
needs of a family and provided on a voluntary basis in the home.
Among the range of services that may be provided by HFA home visitors are the following:
linking families with primary care physicians, healthcare services, and other social services in the
community; tips on how to care for a new baby; advice on positive parenting; counseling and
support on responding to a child's needs; and stress management.
- more -
Parents Want Help - Page 3
HFA Research Results Show Promise
Ongoing research of Healthy Families America shows positive results, according to a report
by Deborah Daro of the Chapin Hall Center for Children and Kathryn Harding of the National
Center on Child Abuse Prevention Research, an arm of Prevent Child Abuse America. The review
of HFA evaluation studies is scheduled to appear in "The Future of Children: Volume 8" to be
published in May 1999 by the David and Lucile Packard Foundation.
The results are particularly strong in the area of parent-child interaction and parental
capacity. According to Daro and Harding, various studies indicate that those engaged in HFA
services also showed a significant decrease in their overall potential for child maltreatment and
parental stress. Other findings reported as a result of 17 HFA evaluations indicate health benefits
for children whose parents participate in HFA, as shown by the following:
90 percent or more of the children whose parents are enrolled are up-to-date on their
immunizations (By comparison, 77.5 percent of all children and 70 percent of those
below the poverty line are up-to-date on their immunizations.)¹
90 percent or more are keeping appointments for well-baby check-ups
More than 94 percent of parents have identified an appropriate and stable source of
medical care for their child
According to Daro and Harding, most HFA programs and evaluations have been ongoing
for less than three years, making definitive findings regarding initial or long-term program impacts
impossible. "Within this context, however, these initial findings suggest that continued program
development along the lines implied by the HFA model offer significant hope for reducing child
maltreatment rates and enhancing parental capacity," wrote Daro and Harding.
- more -
¹National Center for Health Statistics. (1997) Health, United States, 1996-97. Hyattsville, MD: National
Center for Health Studies.
Parents Want Help - Page 4
Results are particularly dramatic among participants who enrolled in the HFA program
during the prenatal period. In one Virginia HFA program, for example, participants who were
enrolled prenatally experienced fewer birth complications, delivered a greater number of full-term
babies and had fewer low birth weight babies.
"We're greatly encouraged by the results we're seeing with regard to Healthy Families
America," said Johnson. "Certainly we have a long way to go before we can really measure the
long-term impact of the program. But the preliminary research appears to illustrate that HFA is
effective in promoting positive parenting, fostering the health and development of the child, and
preventing child abuse and neglect before they have a chance to materialize."
With ongoing, sustained support from the Freddie Mac Foundation, and others, the initiative
was launched in 1992 in partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities. The American
Academy of Pediatrics has described Healthy Families America as "one of the most hopeful and
promising developments that has occurred in the recent memory of those working in the field of
child maltreatment."
For more information about Healthy Families America or Prevent Child Abuse America,
please call 1-800-CHILDREN or visit the organization's website, www.childabuse.org.
###
Table 1: Reasons cited most often for child abuse and neglect
Reason
Response
Increased alcohol and drug abuse by parents
69%
Lack of parenting experience or skills
67%
Abusive parents were abused as children
64%
Presence of non-family members living in the home
48%
Kids are harder to control these days
39%
Lack of spiritual guidance/God/religion in the
2%
parent's lives
Other
12%
Don't know
2%
Source: Kirkpatrick, Kevin (1999, March). 1999 Public Awareness Survey. Chicago: Prevent Child Abuse America.
Pr V nt Child Abus America
200 S. Michigan Avenue
17th Floor
Chicago. IL 60604.2404
312.663.3520 tel
312.939.8962 fax
Background
[email protected]
www.childabuse.org
Contact:
Kevin Kirkpatrick
Director, Marketing & Communications
312.663.3520 ext. 110
Overview
Each year an estimated 3 million cases of suspected child abuse and neglect are reported
to Child Protective Service agencies, and more than three children die each day in the United
States from child abuse and neglect. Prevent Child Abuse America (formerly the National
Committee to Prevent Child Abuse) was established in 1972 by Donna J. Stone to build a
nationwide commitment to preventing all forms of child abuse.
Today, supported by private and corporate donors, the organization is widely known for its
public awareness, education, prevention programs, advocacy and research. Our Healthy Families
America (HFA) program of voluntary home visits for new parents has grown to more than 320 sites
in 39 states, the District of Columbia and Canada. More than 20,000 families are served annually,
and the number is growing.
On the state level, our chapter network has provided leadership to promote and implement
prevention efforts. Our research center has made noteworthy contributions to the expansion of
current knowledge in the child abuse prevention field. Our educational efforts have helped raise
public awareness about the issue of child abuse from 10 percent in 1976 to over 90 percent in
1982.
Parents magazine named Prevent Child Abuse America one of the ten most effective,
family-oriented organizations in the country.
Chapter Network
Founder Donna Stone recognized that a strong presence at both the state and national
levels was essential to leading child abuse prevention efforts. Thus, Prevent Child Abuse America
established state chapters across the country. In 1976, the first chapter was formed in Kansas.
Prevent Child Abuse America's network of 42 state chapters now involves more than 120,000
active volunteers who organize and implement direct service child abuse prevention programs.
The aim of each chapter is to be the child abuse prevention leader within the state. Every
chapter is involved with various activities to raise public awareness and education. State chapters
are also involved in advocacy by influencing legislation. Some chapters help to make primary
prevention programs available to their communities, while other chapters serve as an information
source, offer 1-800 help lines, or have training programs for professionals and parents.
The result of Prevent Child Abuse America's training, technical assistance, and education
activities has been the growth and strengthening of the Chapter Network. Prevent Child Abuse
America's goal is to charter a chapter in every state.
Healthy Families America
In 1992, Prevent Child Abuse America launched Healthy Families America (HFA), in
partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities and with the support of the Freddie Mac
Foundation. It focuses on three equally important goals: to promote positive parenting, to
encourage child health and development, and to prevent child abuse and neglect.
- more
Prevent Child Abuse America - Page 2
These goals remain constant from site to site. But, because of the flexibility of the HFA
program model, HFA's 320 sites in 39 states are tailored to meet the specific and expressed needs
of the families and communities they serve. In addition, all HFA sites adhere to proven best
practice standards that ensure the highest quality of service delivery to families.
Each HFA program is implemented on the local level by public and private partnerships,
including business and community leaders, faith groups, healthcare providers, local and state
governments, social service agencies and parents.
HFA's national partners include the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American
Hospital Association, the American Medical Association, the National Head Start Association and
the Cooperative Extension Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Research
The National Center on Child Abuse Prevention Research was established in 1986 to
increase understanding of the complex causes of child maltreatment and to establish an empirical
base of information on the effectiveness of child abuse prevention programs. In 1994, the Center
established a formal national network of prevention researchers to solidify the link between
research and practice.
To better determine the volume of child abuse reports and the availability of child welfare
resources, the center conducts an annual national survey of child protective service agencies.
This fifty-state survey provides the most current data available on the number and characteristics
of child abuse reports and fatalities, as well as changes in the funding and scope of child welfare
services. The center also commissions an annual public opinion poll to determine the public's
attitude and involvement with child abuse prevention.
Public Awareness
At its inception in 1972, Prevent Child Abuse America's focus was on public education. An
early partnership with the Advertising Council allowed Prevent Child Abuse America to get its
prevention message out to the general public. The first of many educational pamphlets, "What
Every Parent Should Know," was produced and disseminated. In 1995 Prevent Child Abuse
America established a toll-free telephone number 1-800-CHILDREN to increase public awareness
about child abuse prevention.
Public opinion polls have indicated that the percentage of people aware of the problem of
child abuse has increased greatly over the years. Prevent Child Abuse America plays an important
role in changing public attitudes toward child abuse and neglect.
Prevent Child Abuse America's prevention efforts include a variety of initiatives that provide
the public with a broad education about the problem of child abuse and neglect. The primary
vehicles used have been our national media campaigns developed in conjunction with the Ad
Council. Early campaigns focused on the existence of the problem and gave reasons for focusing
on prevention. Later public awareness efforts addressed how parents under stress could help
themselves, and encouraged the public to call 1-800-CHILDREN to learn how they could get
involved in child abuse prevention in their communities.
In addition to our national media campaigns, Prevent Child Abuse America produces and
maintains a library of more than 70 publications, which have an annual circulation of more than 2
million throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. Prevent Child Abuse America is the
nation's largest producer of child abuse and neglect publications. Included in the library of
publications are a series of Spider-Man comic books. The first comic book was created in 1984 in
an innovative initiative to educate children about non-violence. Subsequent comic books have
proven to be an effective tool in teaching children and adolescents about such topics as
fatherhood, sexual abuse and emotional abuse.
- more -
Prevent Child Abuse America - Page 3
Since 1983, April's National Child Abuse Prevention Month has become a national event.
Prevent Child Abuse America sends out thousands of "Child Abuse Prevention Month" packets.
This year's theme is "Communities Rising to the Challenge." The packets are designed to solicit
the involvement of entire communities by encouraging the formation of partnerships to build a
support network for families and children.
Advocacy
Prevent Child Abuse America supports its chapters on the state and local levels and
collaborates on the federal level with over 30 national organizations, which comprise the National
Child Abuse Coalition. Through these partnerships, Prevent Child Abuse America is able to
advocate for critical resources and a continuum of services - starting with prevention - to support
children and their families.
Beginning in 1979 with our Kansas chapter, Prevent Child Abuse America took the lead in
helping to establish Children's Trust Funds in nearly all fifty states and the District of Columbia.
Using both public and private revenue sources, these trust funds serve as a continuous funding
mechanism for child abuse prevention efforts at the state and community levels.
Over the years, Prevent Child Abuse America has been instrumental in ensuring that the
Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) is reauthorized and that funding is continued
for localized child abuse prevention efforts through Community-Based Resource and Support
grants. We also worked to ensure the safe passage of the Adoption and Safe Families Act, which
reauthorized the Family Preservation and Family Support grants, renamed Safe and Stable
Families.
Recent advocacy efforts have focused on creating effective and informed citizen
participation in community efforts to protect children from abuse. In addition to providing training
and seminars, Prevent Child Abuse America, along with the Child and Family Policy Center,
developed and distributed guidelines for states as they begin planning for, and implementing,
citizen review panels. These panels will provide oversight and reviews of state child protective
service systems, as outlined in CAPTA.
Currently, Prevent Child Abuse America is looking at a variety of national funding streams
to support prevention efforts, including the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) block
grant, Medicaid, the new Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and revenue from the
tobacco settlements. To achieve these aims, Prevent Child Abuse America communicates with
chapters and HFA sites through action alerts, legislative updates and analysis, and monthly
bulletins.
Development and Cause-Related Marketing
Prevent Child Abuse America has been fortunate to garner a broad base of support from
corporations, foundations, individuals, associations and workplace campaigns. Their support over
the years has enabled Prevent Child Abuse America to achieve dramatic results.
Among our most significant corporate and foundation supporters are the Ronald McDonald
House Charities, the Freddie Mac Foundation and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Other key
Prevent Child Abuse America benefactors include: the Baxter Allegiance Foundation, the Carnegie
Corporation of New York, the Annie E. Casey Foundation, the Edna McConnell Clark Foundation,
the William T. Grant Foundation, Target Stores and the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company Foundation.
The Campaign for Healthy Families is an effort to raise funds for the continued expansion of
the Healthy Families America program. Leland C. Brendsel, chairman and CEO of Freddie Mac, is
chairing a major fundraising effort to raise $15 million from the corporate sector to ensure the long-
term success of Healthy Families America.
- more -
Prevent Child Abuse America - Page 4
With lead support from the Freddie Mac Foundation, the following have already made
commitments to the Campaign for Healthy Families: Abbott Laboratories, Andersen Consulting,
Bear, Stearns & Co., The Michael Bolton Foundation, Countrywide Home Loans, Fannie Mae
Foundation, J.P. Morgan, Field Foundation of Illinois, GE Fund, Goldman, Sachs & Co., J.M.
McDonald Foundation, National Basketball Association, The Travelers Foundation, Frank P. Smeal
Charitable Lead Trust and the St. Paul Companies Inc.
Prevent Child Abuse America has maintained a longstanding partnership with the National
Basketball Association. Other cause-related marketing partners have included Target Stores,
Coca-Cola, Dutch Boy Paints, Nabisco and Gund Teddy Bear.
Clinton Presidential Records
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marker by the William J. Clinton Presidential Library Staff.
This marker identifies the place of a publication.
Publications have not been scanned in their entirety for the purpose
of digitization. To see the full publication please search online or
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R
Healthy Families
America
Healthy Families
America
an initiative of the
National STREET
an initiative of the
Draft
Preview of Packard Foundation Report
The foundation reviewed home visitation broadly and did not focus specifically on HFA
or any other single program.
Results of home visiting analysis are "sobering." Programs have very ambitious goals
and don't reach all of them.
Overall, while results vary, they are small in magnitude.
The findings are better on parenting and child abuse prevention, but not as
positive on child health and development.
The major problem appears to be implementing home visiting programs as
designed, in terms of enrollment, engagement, retention, staff training, technical
assistance and curriculum.
Packard Foundation Recommendations
Any new home visiting program expansions should be reassessed in light of these
findings and should have more realistic expectations.
Home visiting is not a "silver bullet" and cannot improve all outcomes by itself.
It should be considered as part of an overall strategy, in collaboration with other
programs.
Existing programs should focus on implementation issues - - and researchers
should focus on these issues, as well.
Packard Foundation is willing to fund implementation research and quality improvement
initiatives.
HFA Research Network is a good model of how to bring researchers together.
Possible NCPCA Response to Packard Foundation Report
We welcome the findings of the Packard Foundation. They provide another piece of the
puzzle in our continuing evaluation of the success of home visitation in reducing child
abuse and in promoting positive parenting. They also will help us further improve our
services to families and children.
Since Healthy Families America is focused on preventing child abuse and on promoting
positive parenting, we're pleased that the Packard Foundation report concludes that home
visitation can be an effective tool in meeting these goals.
To improve the effectiveness of home visiting programs, the Packard Foundation has
recommended a strategy that mirrors the HFA program model by building coalitions at
the state and local levels with service agencies, healthcare providers, faith groups and
business communities, etc.
03/26/99 5:25 PM
Draft
The Packard Report also underscores the importance of the Healthy Families America
Campaign, which focuses on providing local sites with the training and technical
assistance they need.
We are delighted that the Packard Foundation is planning to invest more funding in
research to improve home visiting.
It is important not to overstate the results of the Packard Foundation study or to draw
broad conclusions about the programs analyzed, given the limitations in the study.
A substantial amount of empirical and theoretical research has suggested that
early intervention with the parents of newborn children can be essential in
promoting a child's health and development and in preventing child abuse and
neglect.
The Packard Foundation studied a wide range of home visitation programs, many
with vastly different implementation strategies and program objectives.
HFA is less than six years old (and many sites are less than three years old),
making any conclusive analysis of the program very premature.
Additional HFA Talking Points
We are in agreement with the Packard Foundation's plans to invest more funding in
research to improve home visiting.
Our HFA Research Network - which includes close to 50 researchers - has
completed studies of 17 HFA sites, while 18 additional evaluations are in
progress, for a total of 35 studies.
With funding from public and private sources, an estimated $15 million is being
invested in research efforts throughout the HFA system.
This research must be ongoing, and we must be prepared to think long-term.
Since most HFA programs and evaluations are less than three years old, they have
not yet produced definitive findings regarding either initial or long-term program
impact. The current pool of evaluative findings, therefore, offers guidance, but
not definitive proof of their effectiveness.
Preliminary evaluation by the HFA Research Network suggests that the vast majority of
program participants are securing necessary healthcare for themselves and their babies:
90% or more of the children enrolled in HFA services are up-to-date on their
immunizations and are keeping appointments for well-baby check-ups, etc.
More than 94% have identified an appropriate and stable source for their medical
care.
Those engaged in HFA services showed a significant decrease in their overall
potential for maltreatment and parental stress.
03/26/99 5:25 PM
Deaft
The research also suggests that home visitation services on a regular basis provide
families with greater comfort in understanding their child's development and less
overall distress and rigidity.
We're also pleased that the Packard Foundation has recommended a strategy that mirrors
the HFA program model to improve the effectiveness of home visiting programs.
The Packard Report supports the HFA approach of recognizing that home visiting
programs cannot - by themselves - solve all of the problems they address. They
must work in collaboration with other programs that address the same, and
related, issues.
That's why HFA seeks to build coalitions at the state and local levels with social
service agencies, healthcare providers, faith groups and business communities,
etc.
The Packard Report also underscores the importance of the Healthy Families
America Campaign, which focuses on providing local sites with the training and
technical assistance they need.
The Critical Elements of the HFA initiative provide for a credentialing process,
which employs external examination and validation to ensure that HFA sites
adhere to Best Practices and maintain the highest degree of program and service
quality.
03/26/99 5:25 PM
file child cabuse
Date: April 1, 1999
For Release: Immediately
Contact: Michael Kharfen ACF, (202) 401-9215
Mark Weber, SAMHSA, (301) 443-8956
Headline: HHS REPORTS NEW CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT STATISTICS
President Clinton issues proclamation for April as Child Abuse and Neglect
Prevention Month and HHS distributes prevention materials nationwide
HHS Secretary Donna E. Shalala today reported that 1997 national child
abuse and neglect statistics continued to decline slightly to under one
million children as reported by states. The decline, the fourth in a row
reported by the federal government, came as the nation marked April as
National Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month.
"Though we're reporting a slight decline in children as victims of abuse
and neglect - these numbers nevertheless represent an unacceptable human
tragedy we must do more to prevent," said Secretary Shalala. "The Clinton
administration is committed to supporting innovative community efforts to
give children at risk a better chance for a safe and nurturing permanent
home. We also encourage states to recognize the connections between
substance abuse and child abuse, which are taking a toll on so many
American families."
Based on preliminary state-reported child abuse and neglect statistics, HHS
estimates that child protective service agencies investigated reports of
alleged maltreatment of nearly three million children. Of those children
investigated, states found that 963,870 children were victims of abuse and
neglect. In a trend starting four years ago, the number of children abused
and neglected has decreased from a record 1,018,692 in 1993. Though state
reports capture much of child abuse and neglect, separate studies have
found that the number of victims may be higher. Parents and relatives
continue to be the main perpetrators of maltreatment. Parents comprised 75
percent and other relatives 10 percent of perpetrators. Non-related
individuals were 6 percent.
According to a new report, substance abuse is a substantial factor in a
third of all child abuse and neglect cases, and up to two-thirds of foster
care cases. The report, "Blending Perspectives and Building Common Ground,
" written collaboratively by three HHS divisions - the Administration for
Children and Families, the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning
and Evaluation, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration - provides recommendations on the need for closer
coordination between the child protection and substance abuse treatment
systems.
"This report highlights the critical importance of creating and
strengthening collaborations across agency and discipline lines," said
Olivia A. Golden, HHS assistant secretary for children and families. "By
working together we can eliminate barriers to effective treatment for
families."
"Families where there is child abuse and neglect often face multiple
problems that require comprehensive solutions," said SAMHSA Administrator
Nelba Chavez, Ph.D. "Our experience and research has shown that
integrating substance abuse and mental health services into social and
health programs is critical to meeting the needs of parents and children."
The department will be distributing several thousand packets of prevention
information to states and local child welfare agencies and community
organizations as a part of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month. This
information is also available at the following Web site:
http://www.acf.dhhs.gov The prevention materials can also be obtained by
calling the National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect at
1-800-FYI-3366.
The Clinton administration has promoted and supported policies and
innovative programs to address the problems of child maltreatment and
substance abuse. In 1997, President Clinton signed into law the Adoption
and Safe Families Act based on proposals in his Adoption 2002 plan. The
law strengthened protections for children and promotes permanent placements
through more timely decisions by the child welfare system.
HHS also provides grants to states and local communities for programs that
work with infants in the child welfare system born to parents who are
substance abusers and has granted waivers to several states to use federal
foster care funds more flexibly to provide substance abuse services. It
has also encouraged and participated in joint meetings of state child
protective and substance abuse services directors.
###
Note: HHS press releases are available on the World Wide Web at:
http://www.hhs.gov.