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Can we protect children from abuse? A review of three cases
C M Hansen1, P Diamond, S Ludwig
1Department of Human Services, Division of Youth and Family Services, Trenton, NJ.
Insights
Child protection failures leave abused infants vulnerable. Professionals struggle to recognize and manage abuse, necessitating system-wide improvements for infant safety.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Child Welfare Studies
- Forensic Medicine
Background:
- Infants are vulnerable to abuse and require robust protective measures.
- Existing child protection systems face challenges in preventing recurrent abuse.
- Professional recognition and management of child abuse are critical for intervention.
Observation:
- Limited professional capacity to identify and manage child abuse cases.
- Three case studies illustrate infants suffering reinjury, including a fatality, due to inadequate protection.
- Systemic failures contribute to ongoing risk for abused infants.
Findings:
- Significant gaps exist in the recognition and management of child abuse by professionals.
- Inadequate protection systems result in severe harm, including fatalities, to at-risk infants.
- Multiple factors contribute to the failure to protect abused infants from further harm.
Implications:
- Urgent improvements are needed across child welfare and community response systems.
- Enhanced training for professionals on recognizing and managing abuse is essential.
- Strengthening societal child protection mechanisms is crucial to prevent infant abuse and ensure safety.
Abstract:
Abused infants at risk of further abuse are not being protected for many reasons. The ability of a variety of professionals to recognize and manage abuse when it occurs is limited. The reasons for this are briefly presented. Three cases in which young infants were reinjured, one fatally, are presented. Continuing efforts to improve all parts of the child welfare system and community response system need to be made. In this way, infants at risk will be better protected in our society.