Introduction
Child protection practice is a highly complex and structured process that requires skillfulness, knowledgeability, and training from professionals. The given analysis will focus on two core readings: Dubowitz and DePanfilis’s (1999) Handbook for Child Protection Practice and McCoy and Keen’s (2022) Child Abuse and Neglect. Child protection specialists must conduct a proper initial assessment, be aware of risk factors, be able to distinguish between different abuse forms, and implement precise and effective interventions.
Reporting and Screening
Firstly, the readings provided a nuanced understanding of the initial stages of child protection investigations. Dubowitz and DePanfilis (1999) showcased the challenge and importance of differentiating between cultural parenting practices and genuine child maltreatment during the reporting and screening phase.
In response, I learned about a six-step model since it provides a systematic approach for professionals to navigate the challenges of initial assessments (Dubowitz & DePanfilis, 1999). McCoy and Keen (2022) broadly mention the context of reporting mechanisms and the significance of accurate screenings. I believe that a proper and culturally sensitive approach is critical for professionals during the initial reporting and screening phase.
Neglect, Psychological, Physical, and Sexual
Secondly, my knowledge expanded when it comes to the multifaceted elements of child abuse through the readings. Part IV of Dubowitz and DePanfilis (1999) gives professionals guidelines for identifying sexual abuse, physical abuse, and neglect. The reading showcases the types of medical evaluations available for these forms of abuse and provides directions on how to interpret the results (Dubowitz & DePanfilis, 1999).
McCoy and Keen (2022) elaborate on types of abuse: physical abuse, child neglect, psychological maltreatment, Munchausen by proxy syndrome, fetal abuse, and sexual abuse. Although reading concepts was useful, I believe I gained more knowledge from the cases provided in the reading, such as Parker Jensen’s case.
Maltreatment
Thirdly, I became more knowledgeable about the intricacies of child maltreatment as they became clearer to me. McCoy and Keen (2022) state that psychological maltreatment includes psychological neglect (failing to meet the needs) and psychological abuse (actively harming). Dubowitz and DePanfilis (1999) address the commonalities of maltreatment, which is why its identification relies on observing caregiver behaviors across different interactions.
Probing questions and key observations of caregiver-child dynamics are highly important in noticing the presence of maltreatment (Dubowitz & DePanfilis, 1999). My perspective is that child protection professionals must be exceptional at observing, questioning, and interpreting available data because accuracy in detecting maltreatment is key.
Risk Assessment and Safety
Fourthly, since most forms of child abuse are not evident, the significance of risk assessment cannot be overstated. Risk assessment is a daily practice among child protection practitioners, and this process needs to be approached with precision and carefulness since it has lifelong consequences for the family unit (Dubowitz & DePanfilis, 1999).
McCoy and Keen (2022) state that the key risk elements are cultural, extra-familial, child factors, and family factors. Dubowitz and DePanfilis (1999) add that the data required to assess risk should be gathered from family dynamics, member interactions, and overall household conditions. Hence, I learned that assessing risks requires me to be culturally unbiased, objective, and precise with my analyses.
Types of Abuse
Fifthly, the readings increased my understanding of the different manifestations of child abuse. Munchausen by proxy syndrome, psychological maltreatment, child neglect, physical abuse, fetal abuse, and sexual abuse are the main categories of abuse outlined by McCoy and Keen (2022). Physical abuse is a non-accidental injury, neglect is failing to meet the minimum requirements, neglect is failing to act as a parent, and sexual abuse is engaging in any sexual activity with a child (Greene et al., 2020; McCoy & Keen, 2022).
Dubowitz and DePanfilis(1999) showcase the value of understanding abuse’s physical appearances and psychological effects for accurate assessment. Other nuances, such as fetal abuse and resilience, further show how complex child maltreatment can be to detect, prevent, and counteract. I believe recognizing these key differences in abuse types is critical for professionals because they require a targeted approach.
Emphasis On Child, Families, and Parent
Sixthly, my knowledge expanded massively when it comes to understanding the triad of intervention focuses: the child, the parent/caregiver, and the family unit. Part VII of Dubowitz and DePanfilis (1999) offers detailed guidance on intervention – they state that holistic measures are vital, which means every party must be accounted for in the process.
McCoy and Keen (2022) state that there is no solid evidence that empirically shows how to prevent child maltreatment; however, interventions should account for sleeper effects and mediators (Branco et al., 2021). I think that a child-centered approach is vital in child protection while considering the broader family context.
Child Practitioner Issues
Lastly, the work of a child protection service practitioner is filled with barriers and challenges as well as nuanced. Dubowitz and DePanfilis (1999) address the expectations placed on practitioners; therefore, they, including myself, need to have high levels of knowledge of core competencies, laws, and action steps. McCoy and Keen (2022) emphasize using the gold standard, which is “the best available program and the benchmark against which all other programs are measured” (p. 342). I believe that while child protection is a noble profession that I respect and aspire to become, it is highly demanding, which is why I need to be thoroughly educated, trained, and skilled.
Conclusion
In summary, child protection specialists need to carry out thorough initial assessments, possess an understanding of risk factors, differentiate between different forms of abuse, and execute accurate and efficient interventions. I learned that I need to be highly accurate in how I assess each family or child abuse case. In addition, I need to always account for the triad, which means I must ensure the well-being of the child, family, and parent or caregiver.
References
Branco, M. S. S., Altafim, E. R. P., & Linhares, M. B. M. (2021). Universal intervention to strengthen parenting and prevent child maltreatment: Updated systematic review. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 23(5), 1658-1676. Web.
Dubowitz, H., & DePanfilis, D. E. (1999). Handbook for child protection practice. SAGE Publications.
Greene, C. A., Haisley, L., Wallace, C., & Ford, J. D. (2020). Intergenerational effects of childhood maltreatment: A systematic review of the parenting practices of adult survivors of childhood abuse, neglect, and violence. Clinical Psychology Review, 80. Web.
McCoy, M. L., & Keen, S. M. (2022). Child abuse and neglect(3rd ed.). Routledge.
Loading...
