According to this theory, children can and do act in the social life, being part of all the social processes, in the cultural, political or the economical life. (Mason, Jan and Steadman, B
Child abuse refers to the emotional and physical mistreatment, neglect, sexual abuse and other exploitative ways for commercial gains. Children abuse encompasses four distinct type of maltreatment, which includes: Sexual abuse Physical abuse Neglect Emotional abuse Child abuse is an unsympathetic predicament that holds the potential to cause injurious effects on a child (Chan, 2012)
Professionals are now recognizing the entire impact and long-term effects of child maltreatment on a child's development. The history of child abuse shows how ineffective perspectives to child abuse in the ancient times has only contributed to the rise of child abuse cases in the modern society (Fallon et al
Professionals are now recognizing the entire impact and long-term effects of child maltreatment on a child's development. The history of child abuse shows how ineffective perspectives to child abuse in the ancient times has only contributed to the rise of child abuse cases in the modern society (Fallon et al
Violence against children remains largely reported and hidden because of stigma, fear as well as societal acceptance of this form of violence. The prevalence of reported child sexual abuse differs by 2% to sixty two percent globally (Higgins, 2004)
Current Issue in Child Abuse Protections Services The United States particularly, New York State is a multicultural society with a rich diversity of languages, ethnicities, cultures and religions. The governing authority at state level have build up multicultural policy blueprints which intend to handle the requirements of refugees and migrants who settle in the country (Hunt & Walsh, 2011)
The World Health Organization views child abuse as a public health problem that affects the entire society besides the child victim where more girls are more likely to face child abuse than boys do particularly, sexual abuse. Historical Background Records of child abuse date from the ancient times to present (Kieger, 2003)
, 2011). However, the major relationships between prevention professionals and caretakers are achievable when approach to the affected families is appropriate to a specific circumstance and culture (Kung, 2004)
Nevertheless, child protection legislation and policy blueprints lack integration of necessary multicultural strategies capable of enhancing the effectiveness of child protection services. The scope for child abuse in the United States is epidemic regardless of ethnicity, gender or social class (Larsen & Nguyen, 2008)
For instance, in England, children would work for sixteen hours daily in factories. By 1830, there were approximately 56, 000 children aged between 10 and 13 years working in textiles where children comprised of 20% of workforce in textile industries (Myers, 2008)
The historical accounts holds reports of weak, malnourished, unkempt children cast out of their families to fend for themselves. Moreover, the historical accounts hold record of sexually abused children (Normam, 2012)
In 1996, CAPTA got amendments and reauthorized to more defined circumstances linked to the withholding of medical treatment critical situations (Myers, 2008). Modifications made in 2003 needed states to extend their services to encompass adoption, family violence prevention, abandoned infants and foster care (Stalker, 2012)
Common signs of child abuse in school-age children include (but are not limited to): "bruises, fractures or burns that are not adequately explained" (such as cigarette burns); sexually explicit comments by the child that are not age-appropriate; unexplained genital or rectal injuries; sexually-transmitted diseases; abnormal behavior or behavioral changes; reported nightmares; simulation of sexual acts by him or herself or with peers; psychosomatic headaches and stomachaches; withdrawal from peers; depression; low self-esteem; "indiscriminate affection toward all adults;" signs of neglect; inadequately dress; being unclean; "poor school attendance;" and a "lack of standard pediatric care" (Klass 1989). "All fifty states, as well as Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, have passed some type of mandatory child abuse reporting statute" for physicians as "a requirement in order for states to receive federal grants under the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act" and nurses are often covered by this statute as well (Albrandt 2002)
Reporting suspected child abuse: The nurses' dilemma Accusing a parent or other relative of child abuse is a serious allegation, and nurses are understandably often reluctant to take such a step. Common signs of child abuse in school-age children include (but are not limited to): "bruises, fractures or burns that are not adequately explained" (such as cigarette burns); sexually explicit comments by the child that are not age-appropriate; unexplained genital or rectal injuries; sexually-transmitted diseases; abnormal behavior or behavioral changes; reported nightmares; simulation of sexual acts by him or herself or with peers; psychosomatic headaches and stomachaches; withdrawal from peers; depression; low self-esteem; "indiscriminate affection toward all adults;" signs of neglect; inadequately dress; being unclean; "poor school attendance;" and a "lack of standard pediatric care" (Klass 1989)
However, not all cases of suspected child abuse are black and white. Does spanking constitute child abuse? Most would say that it is still culturally accepted as a practice to some degree -- but how much and how frequently? To what extent is poverty a form of 'neglect' or abuse, based upon the parents' ability to care for the child? "Parenting may be especially difficult for low-income parents who struggle to rear children under stressful conditions" and parents may react in inappropriate ways to that stress (Medora, Wilson & Larson 2001)
"Older women tend to have more education and life experience, and so may be more likely to breastfeed. Education…plays a role in determining breastfeeding, possibly because women with more education may better understand the benefits of breastfeeding than those with less" (Rachel, Scott, & McLanahan 2008: 189)
Empirical evidence suggests that parenting classes can also help improve children's caring and social-emotional skills in the classroom (McDermott, 2003). More effective parenting class programs have included child care, substance abuse treatment, and educational and vocational assistance as well (Ashley, Brady & Marsden, 2003)
Not surprisingly, the incidence of child abuse among substance abusing parents and caregivers has been shown to be higher than for their nonsubstance-abusing counterparts (Karoll & Poertner, 2003). There are also some significant differences in the incidence of child abuse according to socioeconomic status, whether parents are married, cohabitating or single (Harris-Looby, Roberts & Wolman, 2004); there are also cultural and racial differences in the incidence of child abuse as well (Bradley & Corwyn, 2002)
Complex problems require complex solutions, and child abuse is no exception. Because child abuse is so inextricably interwoven with the family structure, using parenting classes together with appropriate mental health support services to raise awareness and educate caregivers remains a useful approach to addressing some of the problems that may contribute to the incidence of child abuse in the nation today (Dane, 2000)
719). Unfortunately, the research quickly makes it clear that the United States has failed to protect the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness of the country's most vulnerable citizens, its children (Dodds, 2006)