Maltreatment of Children With Disabilities

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Child Welfare
• Disability Studies

Background:

• Increased awareness of child maltreatment over the past decade.
• Pediatric providers educated on child vulnerability factors.
• Previous 2007 American Academy of Pediatrics report on maltreatment of children with disabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• Recognize children with disabilities as a population at increased risk for maltreatment.
• Update existing knowledge on the incidence and risk factors of abuse and neglect in children with disabilities.
• Provide guidance for pediatricians and healthcare professionals caring for children with disabilities.

Main Methods:

• Review of new information and research since 2007.
• Identification of specific disabilities conferring higher risks of abuse or neglect.
• Analysis of the role of the medical home in early identification and intervention.
• Description of community resources and preventive strategies.

Main Results:

• Expanded understanding of the incidence of abuse in children with disabilities.
• Identification of specific subpopulations of children with disabilities at greatest risk.
• Guidance on risk factors for various disabling conditions.
• Strategies for medical homes to aid in early identification and intervention.

Conclusions:

• Children with disabilities are a vulnerable population at increased risk for maltreatment.
• Updated information aids in recognizing specific risk factors and high-risk subpopulations.
• The medical home plays a crucial role in prevention, identification, and intervention.
• Community resources and preventive strategies are essential for reducing maltreatment risk.