Child Abuse & Neglect

Child Abuse & Neglect Amy Salomone Wayne State University

Child Abuse & Neglect Defining Child Abuse and Neglect Child abuse and neglect is a major pandemic affecting not only the United States, but

every country in the world. The guidelines that set forth the margins of what is perceived as child abuse and neglect vary state to state. However, the federal government, through the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA), defines child abuse and neglect as, any recent act, or failure to act, on the part of a parent or caretaker which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation; or an act, or failure to act, which presents an imminent risk of serious harm (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 2008). In simpler terms, child abuse and neglect is any act or behavior that has the potential to put a child in serious risk of harm or death. Many times children are unable to help themselves, whether they are too young, too scared of repercussions, or lack the resources that can get them help. Child abuse is a devastating plague on society, and it is our job as social workers to try bring an end to the abuse and alleviate some of the overwhelming emotional effects it may have on the child. There are many different types of abuse that comprise child abuse and neglect. The first type of child maltreatment is physical abuse. Physical abuse is non-accidental bodily injury inflicted on a child; this can be a result of hitting, choking, beating, punching, biting, or other harm of a child by a parent or caretaker (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 2008). What many do not know is that even if the parent or guardian did not intend to inflict harm on the child, it is still considered abuse. A key argument in mainstream society has been whether spanking a child is considered abuse or not; this is not a form of abuse as long as the spanking is within reason and does not actually cause physical harm to the child. The next type of child abuse is sexual abuse; which covers fondling a childs genitals, penetration, incest, rape,

Child Abuse & Neglect sodomy, indecent exposure, as well as exploitation through prostitution or production of pornographic materials (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 2008, para. 8). A critical problem that has proven to be an international issue is human trafficking. Human trafficking sells children into the sex trade where they are used for prostitution and sexual exploitation. Another type of abuse is emotional abuse, also known as psychological abuse; this

type of abuse affects a childs self-esteem and sense of self-worth. This may include continuous criticism, threats, rejection, as well as withholding of love, support, or guidance (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 2008, para. 9). Emotional abuse is among the most common and damaging types of child abuse because it can persist for long periods of time without notice and it affects the child psychologically. This is because since there is not any physical evidence of emotional abuse; therefore, it is hard to prove that it is actually taking place. The next form of child abuse is neglect; this occurs when a parent or guardian does not provide for a childs primary and fundamental needs. There are various facets of child neglect, this may include physical neglect, in which appropriate supervision, nutrition, or shelter is not provided; medical neglect, in which the proper medical or mental health treatment is not provided; educational neglect, in which a child is not receiving proper education, or education that the child can comprehend; and lastly, emotional neglect, in which a childs psychological needs are ignored (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 2008). Another type of neglect is abandonment in which the child has been left alone without any care or sustenance and the parent or guardian cannot be located for an extended amount of time. Neglect is not always intentional; it may be a result of an uneducated parent, cultural norms, or poverty which causes the parent to be away from the child or to not be capable of properly caring for the child. However, that does not mean that child neglect is excusable; these parents should seek out help

Child Abuse & Neglect and public assistance if they feel they cannot properly care for their children. Child abuse and neglect also encompasses substance abuse which can lead to mistreatment of the child, such as, prenatal exposure to drugs and alcohol; the manufacture, selling, or distributing of illegal substance; or the used of any mind-altering substance that may impair the parent or guardian to appropriately care for a child (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 2008). Many may not think substance abuse affects the child; however, substance abuse is a factor in at least 70 percent of all reported cases of child maltreatment (American Humane Association, 2011). Substance abuse can lead to child mistreatment that causes psychological damage, as well as having the potential to create a situation of physical abuse.

It is difficult to define the prevalence of child maltreatment because of the very nature of the deed. Child abuse and neglect is a very secretive and closeted action, and many times the victims are not able to verbalize the abuse because of age, not knowing any better, or lack of other supporting adults for them to ask for help. This being the case, there are many cases of child abuse and neglect that go unreported to Child Protective Services (CPS). It was estimated in 2005, about twelve out of one-thousand kids, or 899,000 children worldwide under the age eighteen where victims of abuse, neglect, or both (American Humane Association, 2011). But again, the number of abuse and neglect cases is much higher than the amount of cases that are reported each year. The most common form of maltreatment by far is child neglect which accounted for 62.8% of abuse cases in 2005; other prevalent forms of child maltreatment were physical abuse accounting for 16.6%, and other abuse accounting for 14.3% which encompasses abandonment, threats, and substance abuse (American Humane Association, 2011). However, every child that is mistreated by their caretaker can suffer from multiple forms of maltreatment and fall into multiple categories of abuse.

Child Abuse & Neglect Surprisingly, boys and girls are equally likely to become victims of child abuse and neglect. Though not shocking, the younger children, ages birth to three years old, are more like to become victims of abuse (Chalk, Gibbons, & Scarupa, 2002). This is particularly devastating because these are the children that are not capable of seeking or asking for help for themselves. White children are most likely to maltreated, accounting for nearly half of the cases reported in the United States; this is followed by African American children at nearly a quarter of reported cases, and Hispanic children accounting for about seventeen percent (American Humane Association, 2011).Another devastating fact is incidence of abuse and neglect among disabled children is twice as high as it is among average children; this includes children with disabilities, such as, mental retardation, emotional disturbances, visual impairment, learning disabilities, physical disabilities, behavioral problems or other medical problems (American Humane Association, 2011, para. 9). This is particularly distressing because maltreated children with

disabilities are considered to not be as credible, or believable, when they do succeed in reporting the abuse. Historical Perspectives on Child Abuse & Neglect Child abuse and neglect is not a modern crisis. Child maltreatment has been a world issue for centuries in all cultures and ethnic groups. Child labor has long been an issue in the United States. During industrialization, children were placed in apprenticeships, workhouses, orphanages, factories, farms, and mines in order to earn money for poverty stricken families (Barriere, 2008). Historically, parents and caretakers have used children for economic gain. This is also the reason why families were so large in the 18th and 19th centuries; the more children in the family, the more little laborers that could be sent to work in farms, factories, or other places to provide extra income. Before 1870, children were regarded as small adults, and childhood

Child Abuse & Neglect did not exist; their work was not seen as exploitation but their duty to family, society, and God (Day & Schiele, 2013, p. 215). Children were expected to start working as soon as they were able to do so. As a result, extremely young children were subjected to long workdays in unsafe, and many times unsanitary working conditions.

The case of Mary-Ellen is considered the very first child abuse case in North America. In 1873, Mary-Ellen was nine years old when a church worker visited her home and found MaryEllen shackled to her bed, grossly malnourished, and badly beaten. Mary-Ellens unfortunate situation led to the establishment of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children in 1875 (Myers, 2008). Before the Society, caretakers had complete power and influence over children. There had been no laws that protected children, and no organizations that held caretakers responsible for repulsive acts of child abuse. The society served as a protective watch for children, so abusers would face the consequences of their behavior. After the World War I, the role of children was redefined into todays view; children roles changed from small adults into more appropriate roles for a child. This was due in part to the end of the war; men were coming home looking for jobs, and a large chunk of jobs were not available because children were working in these positions (Day & Schiele, 2013). Also, women were not having as many kids, so children were more valuable and no longer viewed as disposable. Children in todays society are viewed innocent, precious, and needing protection. All types of child abuse and neglect are abhorred by modern society. Policies and Services that Address Child Abuse & Neglect The most significant policy put in place to prevent child abuse and neglect is the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA). CAPTA was enacted in 1974; it is a policy that gives federal funding to states in order aid prevention, investigation, assessment, prosecution,

Child Abuse & Neglect

and treatment of victims of child maltreatment. Additionally, CAPTA provides grants to public agencies and nonprofit organizations, as well as setting forth a minimum definition of child abuse and neglect (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Children's Bureau, 2011, para. 2). CAPTA not only defines what pertains to child mistreatment, but it also outlines how a professional should act and handle the situation if they were to encounter a client that is a victim of abuse. Child Protective Services (CPS) is a program put in place to investigate and assess suspected cases of child abuse and neglect. Social workers are mandated reports and must report any suspected, witnessed, or confessions of child maltreatment. Many children that are found to be victims of child abuse and neglect are removed from the home and put into foster care. Once a child is put in foster care they may be reunited with their birth parents once the abusive parent has undergone treatment and is deemed fit by the courts; two out of three children taken out of the home will be reunited with their birth parents within two years (American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 2005). Agencies try to make every effort to place children that cannot be placed back in their home with other relatives, so they will remain within the family. Children that cannot be placed with family or relatives remain in the foster care system much longer. African-American children make up approximately two thirds of the foster care population and remain in care longer (American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 2005, para. 3). This unfortunate circumstance is because minorities are not as widely wanted for fostering with the possibility of adoption. Removal from home and the environment a child knows is traumatizing and stressful. About 30% of children in foster care have severe emotional, behavioral, or developmental problems. Physical health problems are also common (American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 2005, para. 3). The child may blame themselves, or

Child Abuse & Neglect feel guilty about the sitaution, many are also anxious about what may happen to them now that they are away from family. Unfortunately abuse and neglect is not uncommon within the foster

care system. Professionals that place the children within foster homes also need to take care to do a thorough assessment and investgation of potential foster parents for warning signs of abuse. There are many other programs and organizations that help children of abuse and neglect, such as, the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). Any individual can be a CASA, they do not have to be a professional or a mental health worker. CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to watch over and advocate for abused and neglected children, to make sure they dont get lost in the overburdened legal and social service system (The National CASA Association, 2012, para. 1). CASA volunteers become a very important role in a mistreated childs life. They serve as a constant support in a time of chaos, and give the child a touchstone for which to feel safe. Volunteers stay with each case until it is closed and the child is placed in a safe, permanent home. Independent research has demonstrated that children with a CASA volunteer are substantially less likely to spend time in long-term foster care and less likely to reenter care (The National CASA Association, 2012, para. 2). There are also local child welfare agencies which serve as a safe place for children of abuse and neglect. These agencies act to prevent, advocate, and provide community outreach for ill-treated children. Children of all ethnic backgrounds are entitled to receive help, and to feel safe from their abusers. All programs and agencies aim to keep the children safe regardless of their racial background. The demographic of those children that are helped is dependent on witness accounts and reports, which will enable a proper assessment and investigation, so that the child can be ensured a safe environment for which to live. The stigma of asking for help from child abuse is a complex one. The child may not have the capabilities to ask for help themselves, whether it is

Child Abuse & Neglect because of their young age, or perhaps they are being threatened by their abuser. Those that are able to ask for help may feel they carry some blame and deserve the abuse, or they may fear

being taken from their home and placed within the care of the state and what treatment they may receive there. Individuals that witness maltreatment may feel some loyalty to the abuser and hold off or do not report the abuse at all, hoping that it was a onetime occurrence and will not happen again. Child Abuse and Neglect in the Global Perspective Child abuse and neglect is an international issue. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that almost 53,000 child deaths in 2002 were due to child homicide as a result of abuse and neglect (Kacker, Varadan, & Kumar, 2007). In India, child prostitution, child beggary, arranged child marriage, child labor, and poverty are recognized as abusive. This is because each action involves exploitation of children by adults and deprives the child of achieving their full potential for development. India differs from the United States in that the age group most at-risk for is five through twelve years old; abuse is so prevalent in India that two out of every three children are physically abused (Kacker et al., 2007). India also holds the unfortunate title of having more cases of child sexual abuse than any other country, as well as the most child laborers in the world. The Constitution of India takes care to specifically state the rights of children; they also adhere to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UN CRC) which sets forth guidelines of child abuse internationally. Also, the National Charter for Children 2004, is the intent to secure for every child the right to a healthy and happy childhood, to address the root causes that negate the healthy growth and development of children, and to awaken the conscience of the community in the wider social context to protect children from all forms of abuse, while strengthening the family, society and the nation (Kacker et al., 2007, p.

Child Abuse & Neglect 25). In India, the issue of child abuse is highly concealed; it is a private issue that many do not

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speak about. This is why many do not seek the help they need and deserve. In fact, there is even a belief there there is no child abuse in India when, however, it is extremely prevalent. Child maltreatment also takes place in the United Kingdom. Many young people in the UK today are experiencing severe child maltreatment, and the shame and guilt associated with abuse then translates into poor emotional wellbeing and delinquent behavior. The United Kingdom also adheres to the United Nations Convention of Rights of the Child, which covers provisions to ensure children have dignity and physical integrity, states responsibilities for the prevention of violence, responses to protect children, to take appropriate measures to promote physical and psychological recovery and to reintegrate victims of violence (Radford et al., 2010). In addition, the National Society of the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) provides local services to children in the United Kingdom that are at a risk of abuse. The NCPCC provides aid to children who experience neglect, physical abuse in high-risk families (those families with violent adults, alcohol and drug abuse and mental health issues); children who experience sexual abuse; children under the age of one; and disabled children (Radford, et al., 2010). Abuse in the United Kingdom is also shrouded in secrecy due to the shame and embarrassment associated with the act. In most cases, children will seek out family and relatives for help and support, but many times they feel too ashamed to seek help. Lastly, child abuse and neglect is also widespread throughout Africa. Types of child maltreatment include the physical abuse, sexual abuse, abandonment, and societal abuse. In Africa, arranged under-age marriages are also common in some parts of the continent and doubt was often expressed as to whether a young girl fully gave consent to being betrothed (Famuyiwa, 1997, p. 337). Many parts of Africa are not modernized; as a result the natives are

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still bound to old cultural norms which may seem taboo to Americans. Child maltreatment that is perpetuated by society through its cultures or values, or by its tendency to accept the existence of a problem is called societal abuse (Elliot & Mayadas, 1998). This is evident in such traditions, such as, female genital mutilation (FGM) also known as female circumcision. FGM involves partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or injury to the female genitals, for cultural, religious or other nonmedical reasons; it is usually performed by traditional practitioners with crude instruments and without anesthetic (Elliot & Mayadas, 1998). FGM is performed on girls when they are quite young, and can have lasting physical and emotional effects on the child. Organizations that aid in child abuse in African include the African Network for the Prevention and Protection against Child Abuse and Neglect (ANPPCAN). ANPPCAN elevates the rights of children by enhancing, in partnership with others, the prevention and protection of children from all forms of maltreatment (ANPPCAN, 2012). Abuse in Africa is viewed twofold; in the cases in which it is classified as societal abuse, it is not seen as an issue because these horrific acts, although damaging to the child, have become a part of the norm of their society. However, abuse such as physical and sexual abuse is very secretive like in other parts of the world. The Impact of Social Perceptions on Child Abuse & Neglect Child Abuse and Neglect tends to be highly publicized on a case by case basis, and only under few circumstances. Children that are very young, white, and female tend to get the most attention from the media; and children abused in excessively ghastly and revolting ways also tend to get much more attention that a child that has only been emotionally abused or abandoned. One of the most famous cases of child abuse is that of Genie, the feral child. Genies case is one of the most widely known cases of child abuse and is often taught in psychology courses; this is

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where I happened to hear about Genie as well. Genie was found by a social worker at the age of thirteen; it was revealed that she spent the first twelve years of her life in a single room often tied to a toilet seat, with her abusive father as her only source of contact with the outside world. Being such a horrific case, Genie garnered plenty of media attention; Genies doctors described her as the most profoundly damaged child I've ever seen Genie's life is a wasteland. Her silence and inability to use language made it difficult to assess her mental abilities, but on tests she scored at about the level of a one-year-old (Cherry, 2008). Genie progressed in treatment with help from her doctors and language pathologists; unfortunately when funding was pulled for helping Genie she was bounced from her mother, who was unable to take care of her, to foster homes where she suffered further abuse and neglect. Any and all progress Genie made during treatment disappeared when she regressed due to the further abuse. Another widely known case of child abuse is that of Dave Pelzer. Pelzer is the author of the book A Child Called It which chronicles his story of being abused at the hands of his alcoholic mother from a young age. Pelzer did not start out as an abused child; it was only after his mother took to alcoholism that he became the scapegoat for her disease. Besides being horribly beaten, Dave was forced to eat his own vomit, swallow soap, ammonia, and Clorox (Craft, 2008, para. 3). I have personally read and own this book; I find it disturbing, fascinating, devastating, grotesque, and inspiring all at the same time. Pelzers story is one that brings attention to the issue of child abuse, whether people read it because they are morbidly interested or are looking for help themselves it was important that it was written. It is unfortunate that the intermittent publicity from the media is what garners attention for this devastating cause. The unfortunate truth about child abuse and neglect is how common it is. Yet the scope of the problem attracts little attention from our national leaders or the national

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media, which tend to focus on the details of individual cases rather than the systemic issues that often allow these tragedies to occur (Day K. , 2012, para. 12). The media benefits more by focusing on individual cases; many people do not personally know a child that has been a victim of abuse, so when childrens stories are put on the news, or written in newspapers and books the public builds a rapport and attachment to this child. Putting a face to the thousands of children that are reported as abused each year makes individuals want to fight to keep them safe. This commonly creates action for this cause that can, in turn, can create important policies that can keep more children safer in the future. My Beliefs about Child Abuse & Neglect My personal beliefs do not differ much from those of society. I believe that children should be allowed to be kids without the threat of being physically or emotionally abused. I think that parents that choose to have children, or individuals that choose to foster or care for children should provide them with their basic primary needs in order to maintain happy, healthy lives. I consider there to be an unspoken agreement when you choose to have or take responsibility for a child, in which you agree to protect and keep that child safe, without inflicting any unnecessary harm upon the child. In my opinion, there are many causes of child abuse and neglect. There is no one issue that can be pinpointed that we can place blame upon; however, we can postulate many different origins of maltreatment. For instance, in the world today we are in an economic downturn, in which many are losing their jobs and are slipping into poverty. I have a couple good friends that work as social workers for an adoption and foster care agency and they told me abuse is a very commons a result of the poor financial management within the home. The parents or guardians are stressed out, this strain causes them to snap and turn to abuse or general neglect of the

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children for which they are supposed to be caring. Another cause of child maltreatment may be ineffective coping mechanisms, the caretaker may be dealing with any number of stressful situations from the child being insubordinate to having a rough day at work; they are unable to deal with the stress and irritation the child imposes on them so they turn to abuse or complete neglect by ignoring the child and their needs. Depending on the situation, the blame can for child abuse and neglect can rest on any one that bears witness, or suspects such a situation and does not to prevent or stop it. Relatives and immediate family need to be aware of warning signs of abuse in other family members. If it is happening within their own family they need to be brave enough to seek help for their cousin, nephew, niece, sibling, or even their own child. Community groups, such as, churches and schools also need to attuned to possible abuses in child members and students. Warning signs, such as, excessive unexplained bruising, fearful or apprehensive attitudes, and adamantly not wanting to return home could be clues to abuse. It is societys job to prevent child maltreatment and help the children that are unable to help themselves There are several steps that can be taken in order to improve the amount of child abuse and neglect that takes place each year. I think the most important step is preventing maltreatment before it takes place. Prevention is crucial in helping children that are in at-risk homes with parents that are overwhelmed and are liable to snap. Preventative techniques could include prevention programs, such as, support groups for parents and caretakers that find themselves under pressure and strain. Being able to talk with a trained professional can teach these individuals ways of coping with their anxiety, so that it does not escalate and affect their children or other family members. Another possible solution to reducing the amount of child abuse and neglect is pregnancy prevention programs, and an increased amount of parenting classes.

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Pregnancy prevention programs, especially for young adults and adolescents, can help reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies. Many young adults that have children are not aware of the amount of time, work, and energy caring for a child will take causing them to become easily overwhelmed and irritated which can result is mistreatment of the child. If these individuals are able to prevent an unwanted pregnancy or learn parenting and basic life skills in the event of a pregnancy I believe this will aid in reducing the amount of child abuse and neglect. Lastly, I believe that an increased number of trained professionals to help assist as-risk families would not only help greatly reduce the amount of child maltreatment, but it would assist in getting children out of abusive homes and getting them into a safe home. My social worker friends have complained on numerous occasions about the amount of time they spend on the phone trying to get a hold of a Child Protective Services agent. They are ethically bound to report and abuse or suspected abuse; however, this may deter many individuals who do not want to spend the time to wait and make a report. More professionals in this field will not only be able to help more children and families, but it will also reduce the amount of people who do not report suspected abuse because they are not able to readily report. Child Abuse & Neglects Association with Social Work Values & Ethics As social work professionals we may be faced with cases of child abuse and neglect. This particular population may conflict with our own values, but it is important to remain unbiased and nonjudgmental especially if put in the position of helping the abuser rehabilitate. The values, as stated in the NASW code of ethics, state we must be respectful and provide service to those in need of help, despite if we agree with the actions that brought them in for help. Careful effort must be made to remain nonjudgmental toward abusers, so that they can feel safe to explore why they lashed out. Social workers must be confident and competent in dealing with

Child Abuse & Neglect victims of abuse. We have a responsibility to help end the abuse, get help for the abuser, and help the abused get to a safe place.

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In conclusion, child abuse and neglect is an international social welfare issue in the world today. This is particularly devastating because many times children cannot seek out help for themselves because they lack the skills, they feel ashamed, or they fear being put under the care of the state. Although, child abuse and neglect is one of the most despicable crimes one can commit, it is the social workers duty to provide an honest and unbiased environment for abusers seeking help, as well as a safe and caring environment for the victims of abuse.

Child Abuse & Neglect References American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. (2005, May). Foster Care. Retrieved November 7, 2012, from Facts for Families: http://www.aacap.org/cs/root/facts_for_families/foster_care

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American Humane Association. (2011). Child Abuse and Neglect Statistics. Retrieved October 26, 2012, from American Humane Association: http://www.americanhumane.org/children/stop-child-abuse/fact-sheets/child-abuse-andneglect-statistics.html ANPPCAN. (2012). Our Vision. Retrieved November 19, 2012, from ANPPCAN: African Network for the Prevention and Protection against Child Abuse and Neglect: http://www.anppcan.org/our_vision Barriere, D. (2008). History of Child Abuse. Retrieved October 26, 2012, from Child Abuse Effects: http://www.child-abuse-effects.com/history.html Chalk, R., Gibbons, A., & Scarupa, H. J. (2002, May). The Multiple Dimensions of Child Abuse and Neglect: New Insights into an Old Problem. Retrieved October 23, 2012, from Child Trends Research Brief: http://www.childtrends.org/files/childabuserb.pdf Cherry, K. (2008). Genie: The Story of the Wild Child. Retrieved November 18, 2012, from About.com Psychology: http://psychology.about.com/od/historyofpsychology/a/genie.htm Craft, C. (2008). A Child Called " It": One Child's Courage to Survive. Retrieved November 18, 2012, from About.com Adoption/Foster Care: http://adoption.about.com/od/guidereviews/fr/childcalledit.htm Day, K. (2012). What Will It Take to End Child Abuse Fatalities in the United States? Retrieved November 18, 2012, from Social Work Today: http://www.socialworktoday.com/archive/exc_042911.shtml

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Day, P. J., & Schiele, J. (2013). A New History of Social Welfare (7th ed.). Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson. Elliot, D., & Mayadas, N. (1998). International Child Welfare in a Global Ecomony. Arlington, Texas, United States of America: University of Texas at Arlington School of Social Work. Retrieved November 12, 2012 Famuyiwa, O. O. (1997). Child abuse and neglect in sub-Saharan Africa. The Psychiatrist, 21, 336-338. Retrieved November 19, 2012, from http://pb.rcpsych.org/content/21/6/336.full.pdf Kacker, L., Varadan, S., & Kumar, P. (2007). Study on Child Abuse INDIA 2007. Ministry of Women and Child Development. Retrieved November 12, 2012, from http://wcd.nic.in/childabuse.pdf Myers, J. E. (2008, Fall). A Short History of Child Protection in America. Family Law Quarterly, 42(3), pp. 449-463. Retrieved October 26, 2012, from http://www.americanbar.org/content/dam/aba/publishing/insights_law_society/ChildProte ctionHistory.authcheckdam.pdf Radford, L., Corral, S., Bradley, C., Fisher, H., Bassett, C., Howat, N., & Collishaw, S. (2010). Child abuse and neglect in the UK today. NSPCC. Retrieved November 12, 2012, from http://www.nspcc.org.uk/Inform/research/findings/child_abuse_neglect_research_PDF_w df84181.pdf The National CASA Association. (2012). How Do CASA Volunteers Help Children? Retrieved November 7, 2012, from CASA Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children: http://www.casaforchildren.org/site/c.mtJSJ7MPIsE/b.5301303/k.6FB1/About_Us__CAS A_for_Children.htm

Child Abuse & Neglect U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (2008). What Is Child Abuse and Neglect? Retrieved October 23, 2012, from Child Welfare Information Gateway: http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/factsheets/whatiscan.cfm U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Children's Bureau. (2011). About CAPTA: A legislative history. Retrieved Novemeber 7, 2012, from Child Welfare Gateway: http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/factsheets/about.pdf

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