The Impact of Abuse, Neglect and Foster Care Placement on Infants, Toddlers and Young Children: Selected Resources

The purpose of this policy statement is to increase public awareness and educate pediatricians about the risk factors of child abuse and neglect. It highlights the fact that children with disabilities are a population that is at risk for maltreatment. The importance of early recognition and intervention in cases of child abuse and neglect in this population is discussed, and the role of a medical home in facilitating the prevention and early detection of child maltreatment is described. Chaffin, M., & Friedrich, B. (2004). Evidence-based treatments in child abuse and neglect. Children and Youth Services Review, 26(11), 1097-1113. Abstract: This article reviews the application of evidence-based practice (EBP) to the field of child abuse and neglect and discusses recommendations of best practice workgroups related to issues such as prevention, treatment and foster care settings. It describes a number of promising EBP models covering the following: (1) prevention of physical abuse and neglect; (2) prevention of sexual abuse; (3) child neglect; (4) physically abusive parents and physically abused children; (5) sexual abusers, sexually abused children, and children with sexual behavior problems; and (6) children in foster care. Barriers to the implementation of EBPs in child abuse and neglect services and suggestions for overcoming these barriers are discussed. This article reviews the application of evidence-based practice (EBP) to the field of child abuse and neglect and discusses recommendations of best practice workgroups related to issues such as prevention, treatment and foster care settings. It describes a number of promising EBP models covering the following: (1) prevention of physical abuse and neglect; (2) prevention of sexual abuse; (3) child neglect; (4) physically abusive parents and physically abused children; (5) sexual abusers, sexually abused children, and children with sexual behavior problems; and (6) children in foster care. Barriers to the implementation of EBPs in child abuse and neglect services and suggestions for overcoming these barriers are discussed. Chalk, R., Gibbons, A., & Scarupa, H. J. (2002). The multiple dimensions of child abuse and neglect: New insights into an old problem. Child Trends Research Brief, May 2002. Retrieved January 27, 2005, from http://www.ddcf.org/doris_duke_files/download_files/ChildAbuseRB.pdf Abstract: This Research Brief summarizes what is known about the outcomes of child abuse and neglect in the following areas – physical and mental health; cognitive and educational attainment; and social and behavioral development. The dimensions and severity of child maltreatment and the demographic characteristics of its victims are also reviewed. Finally, the brief discusses the need to develop reliable indicators to assess and monitor the outcomes of children reported for abuse and neglect. This Research Brief summarizes what is known about the outcomes of child abuse and neglect in the following areas – physical and mental health; cognitive and educational attainment; and social and behavioral development. The dimensions and severity of child maltreatment and the demographic characteristics of its victims are also reviewed. Finally, the brief discusses the need to develop reliable indicators to assess and monitor the outcomes of children reported for abuse and neglect. Dombrowski, S. C., Timmer, S. G., Blacker, D. M., & Urquiza, A. J. (2005). A positive behavioural intervention for toddlers: Parent-child attunement therapy. Child-AbuseReview, 14(2), 132-151. Abstract: Parent-child attunement therapy (PCAT) is an adaptation of parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT), which has been shown to improve behavioral adjustment and enhance caregiverchild relationships in preschool and early elementary children. PCAT has two overall purposes: (1) to strengthen caregiver-child relationships; and (2) to teach caregivers appropriate child management techniques. It is a promising intervention for toddlers (aged 12-30 months) who have experienced maltreatment, as this is a critical period for enhancing the relationship between caregivers and children and is a stage when young children are at increased risk for abuse or neglect. The purpose of this study was to introduce PCAT and examine its effectiveness through a single case study of a 23-month-old maltreated toddler and his biological mother. The results demonstrated the effectiveness of PCAT in increasing positive caregiver-child interactions and enhancing the quality of the caregiver-child relationship. Parent-child attunement therapy (PCAT) is an adaptation of parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT), which has been shown to improve behavioral adjustment and enhance caregiverchild relationships in preschool and early elementary children. PCAT has two overall purposes: (1) to strengthen caregiver-child relationships; and (2) to teach caregivers appropriate child management techniques. It is a promising intervention for toddlers (aged 12-30 months) who have experienced maltreatment, as this is a critical period for enhancing the relationship between caregivers and children and is a stage when young children are at increased risk for abuse or neglect. The purpose of this study was to introduce PCAT and examine its effectiveness through a single case study of a 23-month-old maltreated toddler and his biological mother. The results demonstrated the effectiveness of PCAT in increasing positive caregiver-child interactions and enhancing the quality of the caregiver-child relationship.