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Future Directions in Preventing Child Abuse

NCJ Number
154464
Journal
Child Abuse and Neglect Volume: 19 Issue: 3 Dated: (March 1995) Pages: 273-280
Author(s)
R D Krugman
Date Published
1995
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This paper discusses components of future directions in the prevention of child abuse.
Abstract
The first component of any effort to prevent the abuse and neglect of children must be the upgrading of professionals' and concerned citizens' knowledge, technical skills, judgment, and the ability to know when to call for help. Peer review of practice and continuing education for everyone who works in the field is important. A second component of the future strategy for preventing child abuse relates to the development of multidisciplinary units, teams, or organizations that are designed to address specific aspects of the problem. The third component of future child-abuse prevention is a clear statement of child-protection policy that will govern legislation and practice. The fourth component is the development and implementation of prevention programs that work; these evolve from evaluation studies. The fifth component of future prevention strategies is a commitment to research and program evaluation. Any strategy to prevent maltreatment should be child-centered and family focused; children thrive best in families that are able to love and care for them in a way that will permit them to grow to their potential. These families need a supportive and caring society that will provide the policies, programs, and resources that will support families' efforts to grow and develop to their potential also. 3 references