Overview
Maltreatment of children and adolescents occurs in all races, economic levels, religions, family structures, and communities. In the United States, more than one child in every hundred experiences neglect or abuse each year, with nearly 80% of the perpetrators being a parent of the victim. The national Administration on Children, Youth, and Families states that "abuse and neglect can have consequences for children, families, and society that last lifetimes, if not generations." To avoid the harm caused by child abuse and neglect, research has shown that parents and caregivers need support from family, friends, and community to help them provide safe and healthy homes for their children. CHILD ABUSE SOURCEBOOK, Second Edition provides updated information about neglect and physical, emotional, and sexual abuse of children and adolescents. These include abusive head trauma, Munchausen syndrome by proxy, corporal punishment, bullying, aggression through technology, child exploitation, teen dating abuse, and parental substance abuse. Guidelines are provided on how to report abuse and who must report abuse. Information about the legal protections available through Child Protective Services, the court system, foster care, and adoption is described. Abuse prevention programs that provide education, respite and crisis care, and support groups for children, teens, adults, and communities are presented. A section on strategies for positive parenting discusses child discipline, anger management, leaving children home alone, and helping children who have been sexually abused. A glossary of related terms and directories of additional resources are also included.
