Child Protection Issues In The News
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Child Protection Issues In The News |
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  What Reduces the Frequency/Prevents Child Abuse & Neglect? Research has shown that these five (5) items are linked to lowering child
abuse & neglect: Nurturing and Attachment. A child's early experience of being nurtured and developing
a bond with a caring adult affects all aspects of behavior and development. When parents and children have strong, warm feelings
for one another, children develop trust that their parents will provide what they need to thrive, including love, acceptance,
positive guidance, and protection. Knowledge of Parenting and of Child and Youth Development. Discipline is both more effective and more nurturing when parents know how to set and enforce limits and encourage appropriate behaviors based on the child's age and
level of development. Parents who understand how children grow and develop can provide an environment where children
can live up to their potential. Child abuse and neglect are often associated with a lack of understanding of basic child
development or an inability to put that knowledge into action. Parental Resilience. Resilience is the ability to handle everyday stressors and recover
from occasional crises. Parents who are emotionally resilient have a positive attitude, creatively solve problems, effectively
address challenges, and are less likely to direct anger and frustration at their children. In addition, these parents are
aware of their own challenges—for example, those arising from inappropriate parenting they received as children—and
accept help and/or counseling when needed. Social Connections. Evidence links social isolation and perceived lack of support
to child maltreatment. Trusted and caring family and friends provide emotional support to parents by offering encouragement
and assistance in facing the daily challenges of raising a family. Supportive adults in the family and
the community can model alternative parenting styles and can serve as resources for parents when they need help. Concrete Supports for Parents. Many factors beyond the parent-child relationship affect a family's ability to care for their children.
Parents need basic resources such as food, clothing, housing, transportation, and access to essential services that address
family-specific needs (such as child care and health care) to ensure the health and well-being of their children. Some families
may also need support connecting to social services such as alcohol and drug treatment, domestic violence counseling, or public
benefits. Providing or connecting families to the concrete supports that families need is critical. These combined efforts
help families cope with stress and prevent situations where maltreatment could occur. These items are critical for all parents and caregivers, regardless of the child's age, sex, ethnicity or racial
heritage, economic status, special needs, or whether he or she is raised by a single, married, or divorced parent or other
caregivers. All of these items work together to reinforce each other; for example, parents are more likely to be remain positive
in times of stress when they have social connections and a strong attachment to their child. |
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