Child Abuse Mistreatment, Essay Example

A child can be abused through several ways. However, one common thing in all abuses is that they cause long lasting problems to a child. Such problems may include mental health problems, drug and substance abuse, and eventual death. Abuse may also cause a child to lose trust or have difficulties in relationships. This may make a child feel worthless- low self-esteem. In addition, children who are abused are most likely to also abuse their children when they mature. The cases of child neglect among the preschool children are very common. In US, more than 900,000 children are abused annually, and 1,400 of them end up dead (Ehrensaft et al, 2015).

Child neglect is the most common type of child abuse among the preschools children. A combination of social, individuals, and family factors may cause this. While child abuse and neglect occurs even in happy families, certain situation or factors increase the chance of their occurrence (Penn State Releases Report, 2013). Such factors or situations include poverty, domestic violence, substance abuse, and lack of parenting skills. In addition, parents suffering from mental illness, depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorders are most likely to abuse children.

It is the responsibility of doctors and nurses to promptly report any case of child abuse, or neglect to child protective service agencies. It is important that nurses and other health practitioners inform the parents that report are prepared and that they should expect to be contacted or paid visits at their respective homes (Schwartz-Kenney, McCauley & Epstein, 2001). In New Mexico, suspected child neglect cases are reported to children, youth, and family department (CYFD). After reporting the child, protective agencies investigate the case and make appropriate recommendations. In cases where a child needs an immediate medical assistance, nurses and other social workers help the child support agencies to decide what to do.

References

Ehrensaft, M. K., Knous-Westfall, H. M., Cohen, P., & Chen, H. (2015). How does child abuse history influence parenting of the next generation?. Psychology Of Violence, 5(1), 16-25.

Penn State Releases Report on Sandusky Child Sexual Abuse Allegations. (2013). Historic Documents of 2012,

Schwartz-Kenney, B. M., McCauley, M., & Epstein, M. A. (2001). Child abuse [electronic resource] : a global view / edited by Beth M. Schwartz-Kenney, Michelle McCauley, and Michelle A. Epstein ; foreword by David Finkelhor. Westport, Conn : Greenwood Press