Psychological maltreatment (PM) is a widespread form of child maltreatment, both in high-risk and maltreating parents, yet there are no intervention programs that target it directly. In this study, the content of parenting programs for high-risk and maltreating parents was assessed to determine whether the program manuals include content on PM.…

Youth in foster care face significant life challenges that make it more likely that they will face negative outcomes (i.e., school failure, homelessness, and incarceration). While the reason(s) for out-of-home placement (i.e., family violence, abuse, neglect and/or abandonment) provide some context for negative outcomes, such negative outcomes…

Families living in urban poverty, enduring chronic and complex traumatic stress, and having difficulty meeting their children's basic needs have significant child maltreatment risk factors. There is a paucity of family focused, trauma-informed evidence-based interventions aimed to alleviate trauma symptomatology, strengthen family functioning, and…

The meaning of human rights for children is a contested issue; the notion of rights for unborn babies poses additional complexity. Drawing on data from a prospective case study of a specialist drug and alcohol obstetric provider and the statutory child protection service, this article discusses family engagement within a child-rights framework,…

The number of people identifying as biracial is rapidly growing, though little is known about the experiences of interracial families. Previous work indicates that biracial children may be at elevated risk of entering the child welfare system. This could underscore additional risks faced by these families. This document includes data from the…

Although existing family preservation program research has focused on identifying the components of effective treatment, we remain far from fully developing empirically supported interventions (Barth, Chamberlain, Reid, Rolls, Hurlburt, Farmer, James, McCabe, & Kohl, 2005; Dufour, Chamberland, & Trocme, 2003). The current longitudinal study…

This study examines the characteristics and patterns of child maltreatment among Cambodian refugee families in Los Angeles and assesses the implications for child welfare practice with Cambodian refugee families. Data were extracted from 243 active Cambodian case files maintained by the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services…

Discusses differences between chronically and nonchronically abused adolescents, provides two illustrative case examples, and explores implications for different approaches to treating each type of case. (RH)

Describes an experimental program in which volunteers provided direct protective services to parents who were involved in cases of child abuse. (DP)

Many child welfare systems are unable to effectively identify and address co-occurring domestic violence and child maltreatment. In response, the Dependency Court Intervention Program for Family Violence implemented a protocol to identify indicators of domestic violence in families involved with child protection proceedings. This article…

This explanatory, descriptive study examines whether a relationship exists between certain psychosocial factors or clusters of factors and parents' or caregivers' behaviors regarding the type of maltreatment inflicted on a child. This study examines physical abuse, neglect, and both physical abuse and neglect cases. Results show that physical…

Presents a framework for preventive action on federal, state and local levels. Obstacles to the provision of preventive services are indicated and lines of action in the areas of policy, legislation, and program capacity building are recommended. (Author/RH)

Reviews the literature on the child welfare system, child maltreatment, interventions for child maltreatment, and family preservation programs. Concludes that the current goal of intensive family preservation services, reducing the number of children in out-of-home placement, should be abandoned. Proposes a new role, new goals, and a new target…

Describes six behaviors which social workers can employ that facilitate exchange of feelings and information: (1) positioning; (2) reaching for feelings; (3) waiting; (4) "getting with" feelings; (5) asking for information; and (6) giving information. (Author/SDH)

Describes a pilot staff development project at Christie School, a residential center with a capacity for 38 emotionally disturbed children. (RH)