Abuse special needs power point nov 13

Abuse, Neglect and Maltreatment of Children with

Special Needs

Presented by:Shawn Preston, Director of Children’s Services

Tonya Ricker, Coordinator of Family Support Services

Risk Factors for Abuse (1 of 3)

Prior history of child abuse or neglectDisruptions in bonding and attachment

Persistent, serious family stressCaregiver’s negative attitude about parenting

Lack of knowledge about child development that leads to unrealistic expectations of the child

Risk Factors for Abuse (2 of 3)

Inappropriate or severe discipline practices

Involvement with the juvenile justice system

Low income familySingle parent householdTeen pregnancy

Risk Factors for Abuse (2 of 3)

History of family substance abuse

Persistent, serious family conflict Child(ren) or parent(s) with established and/ or developmental conditions that impact their family’s functioning

Family management problemsPoor parental supervision

US CensusAccording to the US Census, Broward County has a higher prevalence of residents with disabilities than the national average

Statistics

• Children with disabilities are now 3.4 times more likely to be maltreated than nondisabled peers

• 9% prevalence rate of maltreatment for nondisabled children

• 31% prevalence rate for the disabled children.

(Sullivan and Knutson)

Factors that Increase Risk for Children with Special Needs (1 of 2)

Significant Family Stress associated with Child’s Needs

Parental lack of appropriate expectations, knowledge and skills to care for the unique and challenging needs of their child(ren) with disabilities.

Lack of Resources

Factors that Increase Risk for Children with Special Needs (2 of 2)

Children unable to report

Significantly higher risk of marital dissolution and unemployment

Isolation

Protective Factors

socialization

Education

Family

Protective Factors

Parental resilience

Social Connections

Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development

Concrete support for parents

Children's social and emotional development (Nurturing and Attachment)

Poverty Alleviation and Pathway to Self-Sufficiency

Family Strengthening

Family Strengthening

Early Identification of Risks and/or Abuse

Parent EducationParent Skill Development Networking with other Families

and needed ResourcesDevelopment of individually

tailored Strategies and Interventions

ARC Broward Parents as Teachers

Parents are their children’s first and most influential teachers

The early years lay the foundation for children’s success in school and in life.

The program offers child development activities that encourage language development, intellectual growth, social development and motor skills

ARC Broward Parents as Teachers

Teaches Realistic Individually Tailored Expectations of Child

Teaches positive Parenting and Discipline

Reinforces ways to strengthen the parent’s relationship with the child

Provides ABA Therapy and Mental Health Counseling

Links to Community ResourcesBuilds Social and Support Networks

Community Resources for Individuals with Special Needs

and At-Risk Families

Family Strengthening ProgramsCounty Funded Respite CARECSC Funded MOST ProgramsCommunity Mental Health Centers Advocates

Community Resources for Individuals with Special Needs

and At-Risk FamiliesCase Management funded by

CountyEducation/Therapy:

◦Birth to 3 – CDTC◦3-5 FDLRS (Screening/Assessment)Developmental/Public School Preschools

◦Outpatient Therapies

Community Resources for Individuals with Special Needs and At-Risk Families

Leisure/Recreation/Social Parent Network/Support Groups

Faith Based SupportsInformation/Referral (211)

Abuse, Neglect and Maltreatment of Children with Special Needs