Child Abuse

Overview

Each day the well being and safety of children across the nation are threatened by abuse and neglect. In Australia, during 2007–08, there were 317,526 reports of suspected child abuse and neglect made to state and territory authorities Children are suffering from a hidden epidemic of child abuse and neglect. Over 3 million reports of child abuse are made every year in the United States. In 2007, approximately 5.8 million children were involved in an estimated 3.2 million child abuse reports and allegations (National Child Protection Clearinghouse, 2009). Intervening effectively in the lives of these children and their families is not a sole responsibility of the parent or the care taker but the responsibility of the whole community. Many community professionals (including health care providers, mental health professionals, educators, and legal and court system personnel) are involved in responding to child abuse and neglect and providing needed services.

Content

This course will equip you with knowledge of legislation surrounding child abuse, an understanding of different forms of child abuse and an ability to identify common signs and symptoms. Methods and processes of response and intervention around child abuse will also be outlined.