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Mothers With Mental Retardation Who Do or Do Not Abuse or Neglect Their Children

NCJ Number
124971
Journal
Child Abuse and Neglect Volume: 14 Issue: 3 Dated: (1990) Pages: 313-323
Author(s)
A J Tymchuk; L Andron
Date Published
1990
Length
11 pages
Annotation
Mothers with mental retardation with or without a history of child abuse and/or neglect were compared on a number of demographic variables.
Abstract
The reasons why children were or were not removed were also examined. The demographic comparisons showed that while mothers with such a history generally had higher IQs, they were similar to mothers without such a history. Twice as many of those with a history of abuse and/or neglect were married, lived independently, and had at least two children, one of which often had problems, in comparison to those without such a history. Examination of the reasons for child removal showed that removal occurred if the mother had a problem in addition to her retardation or if she was unwilling to attend and actively participate in a training program and/or did not have someone who could provide support. If a mother was willing and did attend training and had support, children were either not removed initially or were returned upon evidence that the mother was actively participating. In comparison to those mothers with a history of abuse and/or neglect, those without such a history functioned at a lower intellectual and functioning level and were living with a relative who shared child-care responsibilities. 7 tables, 8 references. (Author abstract)