Child protection
bobbiemims
HistoryofChildProtection.pptxHistory of Child Protection
HCP6210 Theory of Child Protection, Investigation, and Advocacy
Terri Mortensen, Psy.D.
US Values that Influence Child Protection
Independence
Privacy
Rights of Parents
Schene (1998)
Child Protection Beginnings
1700s and 1800s
English Poor Law of 1601
Parens patriae: the government can step in to enforce the parent’s duty or place the child somewhere else
Children of poor families or children who were abandoned, orphaned, or unsupervised were often placed in institutions
Once of age, were placed as indentured servants or sent to learn a trade
Foster type care began in the second half of the 19th century
Schene (1998)
Anti-Cruelty Societies
Societies were formed to protect children because they were treated with less respect than animals
New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children
By the 1900s, more than 300 societies existed
Schene (1998)
Legal Developments
Laws were passed in many states, which eventually developed into the juvenile justice system
Initially, most focused on punishing the parents, however, some strived to assist families
Schene (1998)
Emergency of the Child Welfare System
Middle 1900s
Juvenile courts, family welfare societies, and some government bodies took over child abuse and neglect investigations
Social Security Act of 1935
Aid to Dependent Children Program
1960-1980
Focus on medical evidence of abuse
Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (1974)
Many other laws and acts passed through the 90s
Schene (1998)
Other Important Developments
The Family Preservation and Support Initiatives Program (1993)
Tries to keep children with the family by strengthening the family unit rather than removing children from the home.
Need for more resources and funding
Schene (1998)
Current System of Child Protection
The name of the child protective services program varies from state to state.
Department of Children and Families (DCF)
Department of Family and Children Services (DFACS)
CPS agencies receive, screen, and investigate abuse reports
They also may include other child welfare services
Schene (1998)
Challenges to the CPS System
Deciding which cases require the involvement of CPS
Strengthening community resources to in turn strengthen families
Schene (1998)
ASFA Goals for Child Protection
Safety
Permanency
Child and family well-being
Definitions of Child Maltreatment
Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA)’s definitions
“child” under the age of 18 (or the age of consent if sexual abuse)
Types of maltreatment
Physical
Psychological
Sexual
Neglect
State Statutes
Risk Factors to Abuse
Parent or caregiver factors
Personality or mental health issues
History of abuse
Substance abuse
Attitudes and knowledge
Age
Risk Factors to Abuse
Family factors
Structure (single parents)
Marital conflict
Domestic violence
Stress
Parent-child interaction
Risk Factors to Abuse
Child factors
Age
Disability
Other characteristics (i.e. behavior problems)
Risk Factors to Abuse
Environmental factors
Poverty and unemployment
Social isolation and support
Violent communities
Protective Factors
Supportive relationships
Programs on marriage education
Consequences of Abuse and Neglect
Health and physical effects
Intellectual and cognitive development
Emotional, psychological, and behavioral
References
Schene, P.A. (1998). Past, present, and future roles of child protective services. Protecting Children from Abuse and Neglect, 8, 23-38.
“A coordinated response to child abuse and neglect: The foundation for practice”
