NCJ Number
152903
Journal
American Journal of Family Therapy Volume: 22 Issue: 3 Dated: (Fall 1994) Pages: 247-262
Date Published
1994
Length
16 pages
Annotation
Child abuse in the United States is examined from a historical perspective, with emphasis on changes in societal definitions of child maltreatment, the evolution of our current child protection movement, the relationship between empirical research and policy formation, and the implications for public policy.
Abstract
Developmental researchers and clinicians have identified many problems that could be remedied by social policies that consider the best interests of the child; policymakers at all levels of government can have an important role in devising legislation affecting child welfare. However, child maltreatment and its relationship to social policy issues can be fully understood only with understanding of the attitudes, values, and philosophies prevalent in the society in which it occurs. Child abuse produces enormous economic and human costs in the United States; therefore, a database is urgently needed that can guide effective social policy, prevention, and treatment interventions. 45 references (Author abstract modified)