The maltreatment of children: some unresolved problems

Evidence suggests that physical results may be the least important criterion of successful management of maltreated children. Emotional, social, intellectual and personality development results should receive equal attention. The maltreated child may himself be a potential child-batterer and separation from his parents may not alter this prognosis. Professional ignorance, denial and collusion are all barriers to successful management, as are inadequate treatment facilities and a cumbersome legal system whose inappropriate priorities may readily produce tragedy.