Predicting Child Abuse Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Predicting Child Abuse - Essay ExamplePredicting youngster curse requires a multisided approach and to a greater extent study is needed to establish causal relationships, though with proper and thorough evaluation of indicators and jeopardize factors, as many as 75% of the child abuse that occurs within the first two years of experience may be identifiable at birth (Epstein, 2001).Risk factors that indicate increased incidence of abuse can be child factors, family factors, and social and environmental factors. (NCCANI, 2005) Family factors include poverty, substance abuse, history of domestic violence, and train of sustainal competency. Children who reside in a single parent home without the support of the absent parent are at greater run a risk than those that reside with two married parents (Bethea, 1999). Single parenting contributes to the likelihood that the child will be in a socio-economic disadvantaged situation which correlates to increased rates of abuse. Care essen tial be taken when evaluating the effects of poverty on the risk factors for abuse. Outside influences associated with poverty may cave in a greater influence than the economic disadvantage itself. ... This may be directly related to the pinched mental capacity of the parent while intoxicated, or it may be a reflection of other factors. Parents who have previously been victims of child abuse have a greater risk of becoming a victimizer. This same set of parents as well as has an increased risk of alcohol and drug use. Substance dependency by the father may create negative attitudes toward the pregnancy and signal that the child is at greater risk (Epstein, 2001). Substance abuse is also correlated in homes that have a history of mental problems, unsatisfactory parenting skills, and previous trauma. Research directly linking substance and alcohol abuse to child abuse is inconclusive and few studies have been undertaken to establish this link (NCCANI, 2005). However, when taken i nto context with other risk factors, it can be effectual as an indication for risk.Other factors that signal an increased risk of abuse by the family are liaison with probation or jail, age of the mother, and number of small children in the home. Positive family factors that reduce the risk of abuse should also be evaluated. A stable home environment with two married parents, household rules, and prenatal reproduction are indicators that reduce the risk of child abuse occurring in the home (WHO, 2006). When measuring risk it is main(prenominal) to consider the childs role in abuse. Younger children are more likely to experience neglect and physiological abuse while older children are at greater risk for sexual abuse (NCCANI, 2005). military rank of the childs condition can also aid in predicting a situation that poses a greater risk for abuse. Premature birth, handicaps, attention disorders, and behavior problems correlate to an