PSY FPX 6020 Assessment 4 Policy Examination: The Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act

PSY FPX 6020 Assessment 4 Policy Examination: The Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act

Student Name

Capella University

PSY FPX 6020 Advocacy in Child and Adolescent Development

Prof. Name:

Date

Policy examination

Today, we will assess the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA). This evaluation will cover the formation of this policy, its intended beneficiaries, its goals, and the population it aims to protect. Additionally, we will examine how this law influences a child’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development. We will also discuss the policy’s impact on families and society, its strengths and weaknesses, and potential improvements to better serve the interests and well-being of children.

Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act

The Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) is a significant federal legislation addressing child abuse and neglect, with a history of successful legislative updates (Child Welfare Information Gateway, 2019). Initially enacted in 1974, CAPTA was amended in 2003 and again in 2010 (CAPTA Reauthorization Act of 2010, 2010) to mandate the referral of infants affected by prenatal alcohol or illicit drug exposure to state child protection agencies (CPS).

In 2003, CAPTA was renamed the Keeping Children and Families Safe Act (KCFSA). A key aspect of this Act is that it required state child welfare professionals to offer screenings to children aged three and under who are documented victims of child abuse or neglect (Samuel, 2013). The Act also mandated evaluations and treatments for developmental delays in children aged three and under and their families (Samuel, 2013). The amendment’s purpose was to address the social impact and development of child abuse or neglect victims on a national scale as early as possible (Samuel, 2013).

In response to the rising cases of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome, CAPTA was further amended in 2016 by the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) to remove the term “illegal” concerning reportable drug exposure (Chasnoff et al., 2018). The most recent update, on January 7, 2019, was the Victims of Child Abuse Act Reauthorization Act of 2018, which provides state funding for prevention, evaluation, investigation, prosecution, and treatment activities, and grants for demonstration programs and projects to public agencies and nonprofit organizations, including Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations (Child Welfare Information Gateway, 2019). Initially aimed at abused and neglected children in the United States, reauthorizations have expanded the target demographic to include victims of sex trafficking, homeless or at-risk families, and children with disabilities. This policy was specifically developed to protect children.

Developmental domains

Child abuse or neglect can affect all five domains of a child’s early development: social, emotional, physical, cognitive, and language. This policy has the potential to positively impact these areas of development. When a child is mistreated, it can disrupt their development in numerous ways. The child may withdraw, become isolated, cry frequently, or fall into depression, refusing to communicate with others. Various factors can cause harm following a traumatic event. After reviewing the policy, it appears that it positively influences children’s development by providing treatment and intervention programs for abused and neglected children. Additionally, state funding supports these organizations in continuing to offer services to children in need.

Direct or indirect influence

This policy directly influences a child’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development. Every child who experiences abuse or neglect is likely to face developmental challenges. It is essential to recognize that child abuse encompasses various forms, not just physical abuse. Neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse, and other forms of maltreatment can all be experienced by victims of child abuse and neglect (Stoltzfus, 2009). The number of child maltreatment reports has more than quadrupled since 1976, indicating a long-term upward trend in reporting (Stoltzfus, 2009). However, increased reporting does not necessarily mean an increase in actual abuse or neglect, and some of the significant rise in reporting over the past two to three decades can be attributed to greater public awareness and identification of child abuse and neglect (Stoltzfus, 2009).

Abuse or neglect often stems from the family environment. Developmental factors impact the child as soon as abuse or neglect begins. Children may suffer from developmental issues due to neglectful caregivers or parents. They may experience multiple forms of abuse. In 2000, over 63 percent of child victims were neglected (including medical neglect), while slightly more than 19 percent were physically abused, 10 percent were sexually abused, and 8 percent were emotionally or psychologically abused (Stoltzfus, 2009).

PSY FPX 6020 Assessment 4 Policy Examination: The Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act

Poor parenting, significant mental health issues, domestic violence, and substance abuse were also identified as challenges facing many families investigated for abuse or neglect (Stoltzfus, 2009). Children in households under investigation for abuse or neglect are at higher risk of developmental delays and behavioral problems than children in the general population. This increased risk applies to all children in families investigated for abuse or neglect, not just those in homes where abuse or neglect was substantiated or where children were removed as a result of the investigation (Stoltzfus, 2009). Children in homes under investigation for abuse or neglect were at least twice as likely as children in the general population to be identified as having clinical or borderline clinical levels of problem behavior (Stoltzfus, 2009). Additionally, they exhibited poorer reading and math scores, social and living skills, and higher levels of distress (Stoltzfus, 2009).

Children who have been abused or neglected often suffer from developmental issues. Socially, these children may avoid others, including their abuser, and may isolate themselves from family and friends. Emotionally, they may experience depression to the point of self-harm due to the abuse. Some children may feel ashamed and hopeless, believing suicide is the only escape. Physical abuse can have long-term consequences (Physical abuse/trauma, n.d.). These effects include brain damage, hearing and vision loss, and lifelong disabilities (Physical abuse/trauma, n.d.). Cognitive impairments and severe emotional problems may result from brain injuries caused by abuse (Physical abuse/trauma, n.d.). If children survive physical abuse, they are more likely to develop physical, emotional, and social difficulties as adults (Physical abuse/trauma, n.d.). Physically abused children are more likely to suffer from mental illnesses, become homeless, or engage in criminal behavior (Physical abuse/trauma, n.d.). Depression, learning difficulties, developmental disorders, attachment disorders, and PTSD are all cognitive development issues impacted by abuse or neglect. Attachment patterns influence the quality of information processing throughout a person’s life.

Impact on society

Overall, this policy has positively impacted families and society. It provides the resources needed to report abuse and seek help from treatment and prevention programs. Families, teachers, counselors, and caregivers have the support they need to protect children. Policymakers, researchers, and activists have suggested that focusing more on primary prevention and community-based solutions can help reduce child abuse and neglect (Todahl et al., 2019). Community-based initiatives have proven effective in preventing child abuse and neglect (Todahl et al., 2019). These initiatives are successful because they provide the community with someone to talk to, share their problems, and feel heard. Communication is crucial, especially in this context. This policy has given many families and society peace of mind, knowing they have the assistance and tools necessary to help children overcome this tragedy.

Strengths and weaknesses

One of the policy’s most significant strengths is that it is funded by the government. Every state can rely on funding when needed. To the best of our knowledge, there have been no substantial complaints against the Children Act since its inception. The Act has even received positive recognition for its effectiveness. Furthermore, the policy’s focus on the child rather than the parents is a strength. The court’s primary concern is the child’s best interests, not the parents’ conflicts. Another strength is that this policy is regularly updated as new issues arise, ensuring that all aspects of abuse and neglect are addressed, with the child’s well-being as the priority.

CAPTA led to the creation of the National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Unfortunately, as part of the department’s reorganization, this center was reduced to an office with significantly fewer staff (National et al., 2014). CAPTA also established the U.S. Advisory Board on Child Abuse and Neglect, a blue-ribbon expert panel, which was later disbanded after four reports and never reinstated. The Office on Child Abuse and Neglect has continued to provide some funding for child abuse and neglect research (National et al., 2014). A significant issue is the need for additional funding for CPS caseworkers. These caseworkers are overwhelmed with cases and underpaid, leading to many cases going unnoticed until a crisis occurs.

CAPTA has raised concerns about the role of early childhood interventionists (Samuel, 2013). One primary issue is the involvement and engagement of parents. According to Herman-Smith (2011), many children in the child welfare system continue to live with their parents and remain in their custody, meaning that parents have significant influence over the services provided to the child. As mentioned earlier, parents can refuse intervention services, but the court may order an evaluation for the child (Samuel, 2013). We also need to assess whether parents are the abusers and remove children to safer environments. Many incidents go unreported because the Department of Child Protective Services is underfunded. They lack sufficient staff to cover all the interventions and programs offered to children. It is sometimes easier to give a parent (abuser) a slap on the wrist than to remove the child from the home.

Improvement

We must continue to amend the policy to address all forms of abuse and neglect. Every state should request additional funding for the Department of Child Protective Services. We also need more personnel in each state for the same department (CPS). Increased advocacy for child abuse and neglect is necessary in all states and communities. We should also implement these efforts in

schools, daycares, and homes. We must raise awareness about what constitutes abuse and neglect. Everyone should have access to the signs and symptoms of child abuse and neglect to report such cases. Parents should be educated on what constitutes child abuse and neglect, what they can and cannot do, and the potential consequences.

We need more professionals available to intervene when needed. Professionals should be required to attend continuing education courses to stay informed about the latest policy updates and issues. We should also educate children in the classroom about good and bad touch, personal space, and who to report to if they feel violated. Children should feel safe, not fearful or isolated. Child protection policies like CAPTA should aim to help children in need and ensure their safety. If we don’t help children, they may grow up without a sense of safety and security, leading to a continuous cycle of abuse and neglect.

Conclusion

The Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) has successfully protected children from abuse and neglect in various settings. It has helped shape the Child Protective Services program, which is essential in child protection policies. Although it has its flaws, the policy has had a positive impact on the protection and safety of children. As new policies and amendments continue to be passed, the safety and protection of children will continue to improve.

Reference

CAPTA Reauthorization Act of 2010, Pub. L. No. 111-320, § 42 U.S.C. 5101 et seq. (2010).

Child Welfare Information Gateway. (2019). About CAPTA: A Legislative History. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Children’s Bureau. https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/factsheets/about/

Chasnoff, I. J., Wells, A. M., & King, L. (2018). Misuse of substances during pregnancy: Screening and intervention. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 218(3), 326-329.

Herman-Smith, R. L. (2011). Early childhood intervention programs after abuse and neglect: The child’s perspective. Child Welfare, 90(6), 89-108.

National Center for Juvenile Justice. (2014). History of the court’s involvement in child abuse and neglect cases. NCJJ. https://www.ncjj.org

Physical abuse/trauma. (n.d.). American Academy of Pediatrics. https://www.aap.org

PSY FPX 6020 Assessment 4 Policy Examination: The Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act

Samuel, M. (2013). Child abuse prevention and treatment act (CAPTA): Progress, challenges, and next steps. Children and Youth Services Review, 35(10), 1749-1754.

Stoltzfus, E. (2009). Child welfare: The CAPTA Reauthorization Act of 2010. Congressional Research Service. https://crsreports.congress.gov

Todahl, J., Walters, E., & Whitbeck, A. (2019). Primary prevention of child maltreatment: A review of critical components. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 20(4), 458-473.