Assess the effects of child abuse and neglect on the child, parents, other family members, and society.
Assessment should include
- causes of abuse and neglect, such as adverse childhood experiences
- permanent physical damage
- impairment of mental health and abilities
- impairment of brain development
- inability to self-regulate or control one's behavior
- inability to trust or love others
- lack of self-esteem
- failure in school
- violent and/or other antisocial behavior
- death.
Process/Skill Questions
Thinking
- What is the cost to society of child abuse or neglect?
- What are the legal, ethical, and moral issues brought about by child abuse and neglect?
- What are the statistics for the incarceration of men and women who were abused or neglected as children?
Communication
- Do you think that the media bear some responsibility for cases of child abuse and neglect?
- What do you think are the long-term societal consequences of child pornography on the Internet?
- What values do you think are disregarded by parents who abuse or neglect their children?
Leadership
- What do you think are appropriate penalties for child abusers? Do you think abusive behavior should be treated as a mental illness?
- What leadership skills will help parents to choose positive parenting over abusive or neglectful behavior?
- How can community leaders cope with the outcomes of child abuse and neglect?
Management
- What information does society need to understand the outcomes of child abuse and neglect?
- What steps can parents take to break the cycle of their own abusive behavior?