Child Abuse and Neglect

Child abuse and neglect are examined in this new book - the latest research, what it entails, and how to recognize and report it. Federal law mandates the reporting of suspected child maltreatment by many professionals. This book will appeal to those who one day find themselves in the role of a mandated reporter.

Engaging learning tools are sprinkled throughout:

• Focus on Research boxes provide an in-depth look at research or methodologies.
• Case Examples encourage debate about the gray areas in the field.
• Legal Examples and Focus on Law sections explain judicial rulings including guides for locating relevant state statutes.
• Discussion questions promote dialogue and deepen understanding of the material.
• Bold faced key terms defined when first introduced also appear in the book's glossary.

The book opens with the background on child maltreatment including its history, an overview of the research, and the risk factors. Details about mandated reporting are also explored. Different forms of maltreatment - physical abuse, neglect, psychological maltreatment, sexual abuse, fetal abuse, and Munchausen by Proxy Syndrome - are then examined. Incidence estimates and consequences for each type of maltreatment are provided. Legal issues including forensic interviewing are then reviewed. The book concludes with an example of what happens to a child after a report is filed along with suggestions for preventing child maltreatment.

Intended as a text for courses in Child Abuse and Neglect taught in departments of psychology, human development, education, social work, and medicine, this book will also be an invaluable resource to workers who are mandated reporters of child maltreatment and/or anyone interested in the problem.