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Epidemiological Perspectives on Maltreatment Prevention

NCJ Number
228293
Journal
Future of Children Volume: 19 Issue: 2 Dated: Fall 2009 Pages: 39-66
Author(s)
Fred Wulczyn
Date Published
2009
Length
28 pages
Annotation
This paper's objective is to show how data on the incidence and distribution of maltreatment might be utilized to strengthen prevention programs in the face of challenges.
Abstract
Available data on the incidence and distribution of maltreatment points to persistent themes that might be used to target intervention programs. The data is clear with respect to developmental influences, and clear that different communities experience different rates of maltreatment. Prevention programs offer a chance to minimize the effects of maltreatment on the developing child. This paper explores how data on the incidence and distribution of child maltreatment shed light on planning and implementing maltreatment prevention programs. The author begins by describing and differentiating among the three primary sources of national data on maltreatment, and continues by pointing out several important patterns in the data. The need for effective preventive programs is clear. The question is where to invest, on whose behalf, and when in the life cycle. 5 figures and 81 endnotes