Applied Final Project: Solution (See attached files for my research paper and Lot in life I choose for this project )

Student's name: Emmanuel Domenech

Professor's name: Dr. Suzi Hundemer

Class: BEHS 343 6383

Topic: Doing the Research

Institution: University of Maryland University College

Scenario:

You are expecting your first child. You and your spouse are beginning the search for good daycare.

Date: June 30, 2019

A Research Paper on Child Abuse and Neglect

According to the DHHS, the number of children who had received protective custody or a similar response had increased by 10% between 2013 and 2017 from around 656,000 to 674,000. The rise was greatly attributed to the rise of victims with drug abuse caregivers (Child Maltreatment 2017, 2017). The department has continuously shown that cases of child maltreatment are on the rise, mainly due to cases of drug abuse by the caregivers. Abuse and neglect are the significant outcomes that have led to the rising cases of child maltreatment.

Across all states, child maltreatment cases have been rising since the turn of the millennium. The cases of maltreatment have been experienced in four major areas as follows. Physical neglect where the caregiver is unavailable to attend to the needs of the children, which predisposes them to hunger, lack of clothing, lack of hygiene, and susceptibility to diseases. There have been numerous cases where minors have experienced secondary problems such as one outlined as a result of physical neglect. Physical assault cases have been on the rise where the caregivers, including parents or nannies, physically abuse the minors. This may be as a result of perceived disciplining of children or merely as a result of drug abuse that makes the caregivers violent and irrational. Physical assault is a threat to public health as it may lead to severe injuries, disabilities, and sometimes deaths. Currently, there are no effective measures for addressing physical assault against children. Sexual abuse is also a significant element of child maltreatment. Studies have shown that it is mainly perpetrated by relatives known to the minors (Hussey, Chong & Kotch, 2006). The cases of sexual abuse by strangers are rare. Some children grow in the hands of sexual predators who perpetrate acts with severe mental problems experienced by the mentors.

There are risk factors that predispose a child to abuse or neglect, which can be grouped into three distinct categories; parental, environmental, and child factors. Parental factors are mainly the risks associated with parents that will make him or her abuse a child or children. There are numerous factors such as unwanted pregnancies, mental illness, unrealistic expectations from the child, drug and substance abuse, pedophilia, and lack of parenting knowledge, among others. A child is likely to be abused by parents who have been or are associated with such factors.

When it comes to environmental factors, various factors predispose a child to neglect and abuse. Poverty is one of the factors where a parent or a caregiver is unable to improve the surrounding environment making a child vulnerable. Family violence is also a key factor. There are families with a history of abuse and violence, which can sometimes be meted on minors leading to physical harm and injuries. Overcrowding in houses also leads to conditions that may predispose a child to violence. Additionally, a non-family member living in the house can also be a source of stress and even physical harm to the children. A good example is nannies, who mistreat and abuse children.

There are child factors that have been found to lead to child maltreatment. First, sickly and disabled children are likely to face physical neglect by their parents or primary caregivers. Also, when a child is a product of an abusive or an unwanted relationship, he or she is likely to face abuse of neglect. Further, children with behavioral issues such as involvement in petty crimes may face abuse at the hands of parents or caregivers (Domhardt, Münzer, Fegert & Goldbeck, 2015). They are likely to be beaten up where in some cases severe injuries may result. In essence, the above sections have provided an overview of the various factors that lead to child maltreatment.

An area that has not seen enough focus is the situation where children are left in the hands of babysitters and nannies. Today, it is much easier for a parent to access the services of nannies online, and the majority of the parents do not assess the susceptibility of the caregivers. More often, such babysitters will likely abuse children, especially the little ones without the parent ever knowing about it. Though there are cameras installed in most houses where the nannies babysit the children, the surveillance is not 100% efficient in capturing any forms of abuse perpetrated against little children (Bhandari, Winter, Messer & Metcalfe, 2011). More so, some parents will take a longer time before they can review camera footages to ascertain whether the child has undergone maltreatment. These are among the risk factors that have led to the ongoing cases of child abuse under the care of babysitters and nannies.

Additionally, it is imperative to note that there are nannies who regularly abuse drugs, and the parents are not likely to learn about it promptly. Such caregivers are prone to violence and may harm the little children. Others will use drugs in the presence of children, which exposes the latter to possible health issues such as breathing problems. It is recommended that a parent should not trust the ratings provided by the online apps but should go ahead and carry out an independent assessment in a bid to ensure that the nanny is fit for the responsibility. It is a useful measure that will help detect any behavioral issues that may cause injuries to young children.

Daycare centers have become a preferred alternative for most parents. They are famous for little children who need close monitoring. However, not all parents are aware of the dangers such children face when in the care of the daycare workers. First, overcrowding is common where many children are in the same space, which increases the risks of contracting diseases. Additionally, some children may experience abuse by fellow children, which makes them develop stress, which may be detrimental to their development.

Additionally, in these settings, neglect is common where children are left to stay longer with their diapers (Fang, Brown, Florence, Mercy, 2012). They are not given the proper care they need, which predisposes to stress. Also, there are instances where children are not fed well and enough, which also acts as a source of stress. Further, though rare, cases of maltreatment such as abuse may happen, especially if a child has behavioral issues. A daycare worker is likely to harm a child, thinking he or she is disciplining them. It is a common scenario, and the parents must make close follow-ups in a bid to ensure that no children are at risk of abuse or neglect.

Studies have shown that parents who make follow-ups to their children’s well-being are likely to notice it early enough before it can escalate. There are thousands of little children who are abused by caregivers such as nannies. Such children develop stress and behavioral issues that can quickly indicate physical abuse. Such issues need to be learned about and addressed promptly in a bid to ensure that they do not escalate to acute stress. Making follow-ups and close monitoring by parents is vital. A parent can show up unexpectedly or can keep reviewing camera footages in a bid to find any information (Finkelhor, Turner, Ormrod, Hamby, 2009).

Further, it is deemed a best practice if the parent can agree with the caregiver where a code of conduct is agreed upon. When such is done, the caregiver is compelled to act within limits set as violation may lead to litigation and possible incarceration. In essence, the responsibility to ensure the well-being of a child is purely for the parents who should invest efforts and make follow-ups and monitor the children.

In conclusion, over 600,000 children face various forms of abuse and neglect every year, including sexual and physical abuse. There are environmental, parental, and child factors that contribute to the issue. There is a common trend where the parents are quick to trust caregivers without assessing their suitability, which puts the children in danger of neglect and abuse. In all situations where a babysitter gives care, or a child is put to a daycare center, a parent should make follow-ups and ensure that the caregiver is not damaging a child's well-being. This ensures that the parents learn of any suspicious behaviors on time.

AFP Part 1

Search for a Good Day Care

“You are expecting your first child. You and your spouse are beginning the search for good daycare.”

As much as I am not comfortable leaving my child with people, I do not entirely know, at this point, I have no choice since I am still in college and my spouse at work. To some extent, I wish I had a younger sister or cousin who could be looking after our child every now and then when I am not available. This is because it is easier to trust family as opposed to strangers whom I am expected to pay for the same.

My friend, Lossy, had a case of child maltreatment and abuse when her daughter was around two years old. Child abuse, also known as child maltreatment is the act of physically and psychologically neglecting or mistreating a child. Furthermore, anything that can lead to the actual or potential harm of a child is classified under child abuse. In her case, some of the cases her kid was undergoing included: underfeeding the child and the child being neglected. The daughter could urinate on herself and go for hours with the same diaper. This went on until the child developed some burns as a result of the urine. In that case, how is one supposed to vet good daycare?

In light of the same, I have learned that child abuse could include poor hygiene, injuries, and skin lesions, among other aspects. Despite this, my spouse and I have done due diligence on several, and I am confident that the one we will settle on will undoubtedly take care of our child for the time being. In light of the same, people who come up with daycares should be aware of the people they employ to gain the confidence of parents. Also, follow-ups should be carried out to make sure that kids are taken care of properly, and routine check-up is carried out.

This issue has not, however, happened to me and is only hypothetical.

References

Bhandari, S., Winter, D., Messer, D., & Metcalfe, C. (2011). Family characteristics and long-term effects of childhood sexual abuse. British Journal of Clinical Psychology 50(4), 435-451.

Child Maltreatment, 2017. (2017, January 28). Retrieved from Children's Bureau: https://www.acf.hhs.gov/cb/resource/child-maltreatment-2017

Domhardt M., Münzer A., Fegert J. M., & Goldbeck L. (2015). Resilience in survivors of child sexual abuse: A systematic review of the literature. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse 16(4), 476-493.

Fang X., Brown D.S., Florence C. S., Mercy J. A. (2012). The economic burden of child maltreatment in the United States and implications for prevention. Child Abuse & Neglect 36(2), 156-165.

Finkelhor D., Turner H., Ormrod R., Hamby S.L. (2009). Violence, abuse, and crime exposure in a national sample of children and youth. Pediatrics 124(5), 1411-1423

Hussey, J., Chang, J. J., & Kotch, J. B. (2006). Child maltreatment in the United States: prevalence, risk factors, and adolescent health consequences. Pediatrics 118(3), 933-942.

Research Paper CHECKLIST

(Submit with Lot in Life research paper-AFP-2)

Name: Emmanuel Domenech    BEHS 343 section: 6383

Checklist:

ED I am submitting this assignment to the LEO assignment tab as an attached file. The file name is my last name with the number 2 after it.

ED My paper has a cover sheet that lists my name, the BEHS section number, the scenario I have chosen, and finally, whether or not the Lot in Life is true or not true for me

ED At the end of the Research paper I have pasted in my Setting the Scene paper (Part 1)

ED I have attached the assignment in the assignment as ONE file in Word or rtf.

ED I have completed the UMUC modules on How to Avoid Plagiarism and APA style.