Childhood is a universal experience, regardless of whether it is positive or negative. Some individuals have carefree childhoods, while others encounter challenges and family problems that necessitate public support. This policy analysis examines child maltreatment, its effects on individuals, the resulting outcomes, and its correlation with other societal dilemmas. Child maltreatment has been a persistent social problem since the 1700s and still impacts society today.
Child maltreatment is classified into four categories: sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect. As per Wissow’s definition, child maltreatment refers to the deliberate harm or potential harm inflicted on a child by a caregiver. Sexual abuse involves inappropriate touching or exposure to explicit sexual material by an adult. Physical abuse includes causing bodily harm through forceful actions. Emotional abuse encompasses parental behavior that degrades or creates significant distance, hindering a child’s normal social and psychological development.
Neglect, which is the most dangerous form of maltreatment, happens when a parent does not provide their child with shelter, food, support, or medical care. Approximately 1.4 million children under 18 experience mistreatment each year in the United States. Previously, it was solely the duty of families to look after their children. However, as time has progressed, public intervention has become necessary if a family is deemed incapable of providing adequate care or poses a danger to a child’s well-being.
Child welfare policies, also known as social welfare policies, have been put in place to address the requirements of children and families. In the 1700s, when parents were unable to financially sustain their children, they would send them to work in factories or with other families. This practice, which was commonly referred to as child labor and involved long working hours for children, faced opposition from religious groups and individuals. As a result, advocates called for reforms.
Charles Dickens wrote the book Oliver Twist, which drew attention to the difficult circumstances of child labor. This led to the establishment of the first orphanage and the implementation of laws (1802-1878) that aimed to regulate work hours and raise the minimum age for child workers. In the 1900s, federal orphanages were established specifically for children whose parents had either died or were unable to care for them. Finally, on August 14, 1935, the Social Security Act of 1935 was passed.
As a result of various programs, such as old-age insurance, unemployment insurance, and Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC), formerly known as Aid to Dependent Children (ADC) but later replaced by Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) in 1996, several initiatives were implemented. In the 1950s, children of unmarried mothers were not eligible for ADC benefits. This led to the introduction of The Fleming Rule in 1960. Furthermore, an amendment was made to the Social Security Act in 1961 which established Foster Care of Aid to Dependent Children. This amendment allocated funds to states for foster care payments.
In the beginning, foster care was established as a temporary living arrangement for children at risk of negative life consequences. In 1967, the Social Security Act was modified to require AFDC-Foster Care in all states. Various laws and acts were implemented to prioritize child welfare, although not all will be mentioned here. A significant act is The Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) (public Law 93-247), which took effect in 1974.
A state must establish investigation systems and reporting procedures for child abuse in order to receive federal funding. Child abuse can affect victims of any age, but younger children are particularly vulnerable to physical abuse, which can result in different levels of injury. Females are more likely than males to be at risk of sexual abuse.
According to the child welfare Information Gateway, as children grow older, maltreatment can have adverse effects on their development in various aspects. These include physical health and growth, cognitive and intellectual advancement, emotional and psychological well-being, as well as social and behavioral progress. The consequences of maltreatment can be enduring and detrimental to these areas. Moreover, children who undergo maltreatment frequently face difficulties in academics, contributing to social problems within the education system. Lastly, observing domestic violence also detrimentally affects a child’s overall well-being.
Even if the child is not the intended target, witnessing domestic violence can have a significant impact on them, causing emotional and developmental challenges similar to those experienced by direct victims. Moreover, when a child is present during an incident of domestic violence, there are more severe penalties and consequences compared to when they are not there. For instance, in Louisiana, if a child who is 13 years old or younger observes domestic violence, the minimum mandatory sentence for a first or second offense cannot be waived.
The minimum mandatory sentence for a third offense is 2 years without suspension of sentence, while for a fourth or subsequent offense, it is 4 years without suspension of sentence. Additionally, the abuser must bear all court costs and fees, as well as the expenses for medical and psychological care of both the adult victim and the child witness. These provisions are outlined in public law policy number 93-247, enacted in 1974 with multiple revisions including the latest one in 2003 through the Keeping Children and Families Safe Act of 2003 (P.).
The Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA), also known as L. 108-36, offers financial aid to states for the prevention and treatment of child abuse and neglect cases. Nonprofit groups and organizations receive federal funding and grants to support their programs in communities and schools with the goal of preventing child abuse. The effectiveness of the child welfare policy relies on three crucial factors: ensuring safety, promoting permanency, and enhancing well-being.
Although there have been some improvements in the policy, specific areas still require attention, particularly regarding the foster care program. My main concern is safeguarding children from abuse and neglect while ensuring they receive stability in their living situation as well as essential health and educational services. Nevertheless, I do not consider removing a child from their own home and placing them with unfamiliar individuals to be an ideal solution.
During investigations into suspected child abuse and neglect, it is crucial to move the child to a relative’s care. This step is necessary in order to minimize the chances of behavioral issues or antisocial behavior developing due to being in an unfamiliar setting. In conclusion, my policy analysis centers on safeguarding and improving the welfare of children who have experienced child abuse and neglect.
Although child welfare policy has improved, there are still areas within the system that need more attention and development. As social workers, we often come across children and families who have experienced child abuse or neglect. There are various recommended programs available to tackle this issue, such as the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Maternal and Child Health Block Grant, Indian Health Service, and Early Head Start. The aim of these initiatives is to provide crucial services to children and their families.
References
The following sources are cited in this text, along with their authors and publication details:
U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Children, Youth and Families. Child Maltreatment 2006. Washington, DC: U. S. Government Printing Office, 2008.
Slack, K. S., Holl, J. L., McDaniel, M., Yoo, J., & Bolger, K. (2011). Understanding the Risks of Child Neglect. In Child Maltreatment: A Collection of Readings, 182.
Leventhal JM (2003). “Child maltreatment: Neglect to abuse.” In CD Rudolph et al., eds., Rudolph’s Pediatrics, 21st ed., pp. 463-469. New York: McGraw-Hill.
Gilbert R., Kemp A., Thoburn J., Sidebotham P., Radford L.,
Glaser D.& MacMillan H.L.(2009) “Child Maltreatment 2 Recognising
and responding to child maltreatment.”
The Lancet Volume373,
Issue9658 Pages167-180
Currie J.Widom C.M.Long-Term Consequences of
Child Abuse and Neglect on Adult Economic Well-Being.
CHILD WELFARE INFORMATION GATEWAY(2010) v.15no2 pg111-120
Child Welfare information Gateway (2009) Child Witness to Domestic Violence: Summary of State laws (online)
Wissow Lawrence(1995) “Child Abuse And Neglect” Pediatrics online source pg1425
