NATURE OF CHILD NEGLECT IN HOIMA DISTRICT
A CASE STUDY OF MUSAIJJAMUKURU
VILLAGE -BUHIMBA SUB COUNTY
PREPARED BY GGAYI JOSEPH
ABSTRACT
The study investigated the nature of child neglect on
children in Musaijjamukuru Village Buhimba sub county Hoima district. It was guided
by three objectives namely; to examine the various types of child neglect, to analyze
the causes and effects of neglect on children and to establish the existing
strategies in controlling child neglect. Literature was reviewed in relation
with the research objectives as presented by other researchers.
A survey research design was used for the collection of
data from the community population such as the LCs, respondents, medical
personnel or teachers and other people who endeavored to offer relevant
information for the benefit of this study. The following methods ere used in
data that is to say interviews and questionnaires
The study findings revealed that the major forms of neglect
are physical neglect and this involves the failure to provide a child with
basic necessities of life such as food and clothing; forms of physical neglect,
such as inadequate clothing, exposure to environmental hazards and poor hygiene
may be directly attributed to poverty whereas others are more
cautious in making a direct link.
Basing on the research findings, the researcher recommended
working together, the various sectors of the community health care providers,
community-based organizations, social services agencies, schools, the faith
community, employers, other community practitioners and concerned citizens can
help strengthen families, foster healthy child development, and reduce child
maltreatment.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF TABLES
LIST OF FIGURES
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 Introduction
This chapter availed the background of the study, problems
statement, purpose of the study, objectives, research questions, scope and justification
about nature of child neglect in Kibingo Musaijamukuru , village.
1.2 Background of the study
Child neglect is a global concern. In Uganda, child neglect
is evident in lack of child care, deprival of education, health, malnutrition,
torture among others has been rated the biggest problem. It is unacceptably
increasing with Uganda Police recording 5,693 cases of defilement in 2006
(ANNPPCAN, 2007).
The most evident have been fears, panic
attacks, sleeping problems, nightmares, irritability, outbursts of anger and
sudden shock reactions, addiction to alcohol and other substances, excessive
work or sports, depression, self-destruction and prostitution
Child neglect is a
form of child maltreatment. Child neglect is a deficit in meeting a child’s
basic needs. Furthermore, child neglect is the failure to provide basic
physical health care, supervision, nutrition, emotional nurturing, education or
safe housing. Society generally believes there are necessary behaviors a
caregiver must provide a child in order for the child to develop (physically,
socially, and emotionally). Child neglect depends on how a child and society
perceives the parents’ behavior; it is not how the parent believes they are
behaving towards their child (Barnett et al., p. 84). Parental failure to
provide when options are available is different from failure to provide when
options are not available. Poverty is often an issue and leads parents to not
being able to provide. The circumstances and intentionality must be examined
before defining behavior as neglectful. Child neglect is the most frequent form
of abuse of children, with children that are born to young mothers at a
substantial risk for neglect. In 2008, the U.S. state and local child
protective services received 3.3 million reports of children being abused or
neglected. Seventy-one percent of the children were classified as victims of
child neglect.
Maltreated children/youth were about five times more likely
to have a first emergency department presentation for suicide related behavior
compared to their peers, in both boys and girls. Children/youth permanently
removed from their parental home because of substantiated child maltreatment
are at an increased risk of a first presentation to the emergency department
for suicide related behavior.
According to Lesa Bethea (1999), Child neglect occurs where
the responsible adult does not provide adequately for various needs, including
physical (not providing adequate food, clothing, or hygiene), emotional (not
providing nurturing or affection), educational (not enrolling a child in
school), or medical (not medicating the child or taking him or her to the
doctor). and emotional abuse which the hardest to define, it could include
name-calling, ridicule, degradation, destruction of personal belongings,
torture or destruction of a pet, excessive criticism, inappropriate or
excessive demands, withholding communication, and routine labeling or
humiliation
The immediate physical effects of neglect can be relatively
minor (bruises or cuts) or severe (broken bones, hemorrhage, or even death). In
some cases the physical effects are temporary; however, the pain and suffering they
cause a child should not be discounted. Meanwhile, the long-term impact of
child abuse and neglect on physical health is just beginning to be explored.
According to the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being (NSCAW),
more than one-quarter of children who had been in foster care for longer than
12 months had some lasting or recurring health problem (Administration for
Children and Families, Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation [ACF/OPRE],
2004
Child neglect is a form of child abuse that occurs when
someone intentionally does not provide a child with food, water, shelter,
clothing, medical care, or other necessities. Forms of child neglect include:
Allowing the child to witness violence or severe abuse between parents or
adult, ignoring, insulting, or threatening the child with violence, not
providing the child with a safe environment and adult emotional support, and
showing reckless disregard for the child's well-being. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Child_neglect - cite_note-7
The ability to cope, and even thrive, following a negative
experience is sometimes referred to as "resilience." A number of
protective and promotive factors may contribute to neglected child's
resilience. These include individual characteristics, such as optimism,
self-esteem, intelligence, creativity, humor, and independence, as well as the
acceptance of peers and positive individual influences such as teachers,
mentors, and role models. Other factors can include the child's social
environment and the family's access to social supports. Community well-being, including
neighborhood stability and access to safe schools and adequate health care, are
other protective and promotive factors (Watts-English, Fortson, Gibler, et al
2006).
Child neglect is an ongoing failure to provide the right
care and attention to a child's needs, including food and a safe environment,
or to a child's emotional needs including warmth, security and love. A lack of
these things is likely to result in serious damage to the child's health or
development.
Kibingo Musaijamukuru , village is located in Musaijamukuru
east , Buhimba sub county Hoima district. Hoima District is bordered by Buliisa
District to the north, Masindi District to the northeast, Kyankwanzi District
in the east, Kibaale District to the south, Ntoroko District to the southwest
and the Democratic Republic of the Congo across Lake Albert to the west.
1.3 Problem statement
Neglect
of children is still a rampant phenomenon in Uganda occurring at home and in
schools. According to the Ugandan Human Rights Commission, child neglect tops
human rights abuses in Uganda, Margaret Sekaggya (semptember 2007) presented
that "The most violated right was child neglect, representing 25% of
complaints registered in 2006, an increment of 77% from the previous
period," in the commission's report, by chairperson UHRC to the Speaker of
Parliament
The government of Uganda has put in place enabling policies
and administrative frameworks to ensure child protection for instance with neglect
laws and heavy punishments but still their implementation need to be
strengthened. Although
government and other non-government organizations have set up departments to
deal with the escalating child neglect, the behavior seems to be on the rise in Musaijamukuru child owing to the majority of the
households being single headed either by female or male. The parents do not
value and provide the basic needs of life for their children. This is
exemplified in the number of school drop-outs, forced marriages and
malnutrition. Therefore this has prompted the researcher to investigate the
nature of child neglect on children in Musaijjamukuru Village Buhimba sub
county Hoima district
1.4 Purpose of the study
The main objective of this research is to investigate the
nature of child neglect in Hoima district
1.5 Specific objectives
·
To examine the various
types of child neglect.
·
To establish the
causes and effects of neglect on children.
·
To analyze the existing
strategies to control child neglect.
1.6 Research questions
·
What are the various types
of child neglect?
·
What are the causes
and effects of child neglect on children?
·
What are the existing
strategies to control child neglect in Hoima district?
1.7 Scope of the study
The research that established the forms of child neglect,
causes and effects of child neglect on, and strategies to control child neglect
will be conducted in Kibingo Musaijamukuru village located in Musaijamukuru
east, Buhimba sub county Hoima district. This area was selected given the high
prevalence of child violence and child abuse. The research covered data about
child neglect for a period of five years that is to say between 2006 -2011
since with in this period; various cases of child neglect have been reported.
1.8 Significance/justification of the study
The research may be
significant in the following ways;
To the researcher, it may
serve as evidence for the universities requirement for the award of a
bachelor’s degree in development studies.
The study equipped the researcher with skills of data
collection, analysis, sampling, and interaction with communities for problem
solving.
To the government and non
government organizations, the findings in this study may help in the fight to
give child abuse a final blow among communities.
To the community of
Mussaijjamukulu, the research will educate the community on the various forms
of child neglect and how they can work together to reduce it prevalence in the
area.
The findings in this
research may serve as literature for future researchers who may opt to carry out
research in a similar field of study.
1.9 Definition of main terms
Child Domestic Violence (CDV) refers to the abuse of children within a domestic/
household domain.
CHAPTER II
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.0 Introduction
This chapter provides an insight on the literature in
relation with child abuse, the various forms of child abuse, causes, effects
and the strategies put in place to curb child abuse all presented by other
researchers.
2.1 Nature of Child neglect
Child neglect is where the responsible adult does not
provide adequately for various needs, including physical (not providing
adequate food, clothing, or hygiene), emotional (not providing nurturing or
affection), educational (not enrolling a child in school), or medical (not
medicating the child or taking him or her to the doctor). (Statham DB et al.
2000).
Messman-Moore, et al (2000). Asserts that “Child abuse is
the physical, sexual, emotional mistreatment or neglect of children”. In the
United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) define
child maltreatment as any act or series of acts of commission or omission by a
parent or other caregiver that results in harm, potential for harm, or threat
of harm to a child. Child neglect can occur in a child's home, or in the
organizations, schools or communities the child interacts with. There are four
major categories of child abuse: neglect, physical abuse,
psychological/emotional abuse, and child sexual abuse.
Different jurisdictions have developed their own
definitions of what constitutes child abuse for the purposes of removing a
child from his/her family and/or prosecuting a criminal charge. According to
the Journal of Child Abuse and Neglect, child abuse is "any recent act or
failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker which results in death,
serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation, an act or
failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm". A person
who feels the need to abuse or neglect a child may be described as a
"pedopath"
2.2 Types of child neglect
Professionals define four types of neglect physical,
educational, emotional and medical.
Physical neglect
Physical neglect accounts for the majority of cases of
maltreatment. Physical neglect generally involves the parent or caregiver not
providing the child with basic necessities (e.g., adequate food, clothing and
shelter). Failure or refusal to provide these necessities endangers the child’s
physical health, well-being, psychological growth and development. Physical
neglect also includes child abandonment, inadequate supervision, rejection of a
child leading to expulsion from the home and failure to adequately provide for
the child’s safety and physical and emotional needs. Physical neglect can
severely impact a child’s development by causing failure to thrive;
malnutrition; serious illness; physical harm in the form of cuts, bruises,
burns or other injuries due to the lack of supervision; and a lifetime of low
self-esteem. (Cantwell, et al A.1990).
Educational neglect
Educational neglect involves the failure of a parent or
caregiver to enroll a child of mandatory school age in school or provide
appropriate home schooling or needed special educational training, thus
allowing the child or youth to engage in chronic truancy. Educational neglect
can lead to the child failing to acquire basic life skills, dropping out of
school or continually displaying disruptive behavior. Educational neglect can
pose a serious threat to the child’s emotional well-being, physical health or
normal psychological growth and development, particularly when the child has
special educational needs that are not met.
Emotional/Psychological neglect
Emotional/Psychological neglect includes actions such as
engaging in chronic or extreme spousal abuse in the child’s presence, allowing
a child to use drugs or alcohol, refusing or failing to provide needed
psychological care, constantly belittling the child and withholding affection.
Parental behaviors considered to be emotional child maltreatment include.
Ignoring (consistent failure to respond to the child’s need
for stimulation, nurturance, encouragement and protection or failure to acknowledge
the child’s presence); Rejecting (actively refusing to respond to the child’s
needs — e.g., refusing to show affection); verbally assaulting (constant
belittling, name calling or threatening);
Isolating (preventing the child from having normal social
contacts with other children and adults); Terrorizing (threatening the child
with extreme punishment or creating a climate of terror by playing on childhood
fears); and Corrupting or exploiting (encouraging the child to engage in
destructive, illegal or antisocial behavior). A pattern of this parental
behavior can lead to the child’s poor self-image, alcohol or drug abuse,
destructive behavior and even suicide. Cohen, J.A et al 2006).
Medical neglect
Medical neglect is the failure to provide appropriate
health care for a child (although financially able to do so), thus placing the
child at risk of being seriously disabled or disfigured or dying. According to
NCANDS, in 2005, 2 percent of children (17,637 children) in the United States
were victims of medical neglect (USDHHS, 2007). Concern is warranted not only
when a parent refuses medical care for a child in an emergency or for an acute
illness, but also when a parent ignores medical recommendations for a child
with a treatable chronic disease or disability, resulting in frequent
hospitalizations or significant deterioration.
Even in non-emergency situations, medical neglect can
result in poor overall health and compounded medical problems. Parents may refuse
medical care for their children for different reasons religious beliefs, fear
or anxiety about a medical condition or treatment, or financial issues. Child
protective services agencies generally will intervene when: Medical treatment
is needed in an acute emergency (e.g., a child needs a blood transfusion to
treat shock); A child with a
life-threatening chronic disease is not receiving needed medical treatment
(e.g., a child with diabetes is not receiving medication); or A child has a
chronic disease that can cause disability or disfigurement if left untreated
(e.g., a child with congenital cataracts needs surgery to prevent blindness).
(Diaz, J., et al 2002).
In these cases, child protection services agencies may seek
a court order for medical treatment to save the child’s life or prevent
life-threatening injury, disability or disfigurement.
Although medical neglect is highly correlated with poverty,
there is a distinction between a caregiver’s inability to provide the needed
care based on cultural norms or the lack of financial resources and a
caregiver’s knowing reluctance or refusal to provide care. Children and their
families may be in need of services even though the parent may not be
intentionally neglectful. When poverty limits a parent’s resources to
adequately provide necessities for the child, services may be offered to help
families provide for their children. (Dolezal, T et al 2009).
2.3 Causes and effects of child neglect
2.3.1 Causes of child neglect
Child neglect is a complex phenomenon with multiple causes.
Understanding the causes of abuse is crucial to addressing the problem of child
neglect. Parents who physically neglect their spouses are more likely than
others to physically neglect their children. However, it is impossible to know
whether marital strife is a cause of child neglect, or if both the marital
strife and the neglect are caused by tendencies in the abuser.
Children resulting from unintended pregnancies are more likely to be neglected. In addition, unintended
pregnancies are more likely than intended pregnancies to be associated with
abusive relationships, and there is an increased risk of physical violence during
pregnancy. They also result in poorer maternal mental health, and lower
mother-child relationship quality.
Substance abuse can be
a major contributing factor to child abuse. One U.S. study found that parents
with documented substance neglect, most commonly alcohol, cocaine, and heroin,
were much more likely to mistreat their children, and were also much more
likely to reject court-ordered services and treatments. Another study found
that over two thirds of cases of child maltreatment involved parents with
substance abuse problems. This study specifically found relationships between
alcohol and physical abuse, and between cocaine and sexual abuse.
Unemployment and financial difficulties are associated with increased rates of child abuse. In 2009
CBS News reported that child abuse in the United States had increased during
the economic recession. It gave the example of a father who had never been the
primary care-taker of the children. Now that the father was in that role, the
children began to come in with injuries. (Dolezal, T. et al, 2009)
Violence in the home and family refers to violence against children that is perpetrated by
biological, adoptive parents or stepparents, or guardians or other relatives or
neighbours. Thus, a broad view is taken
of family - looking at the family and community - rather than at the nuclear
family. Violence in this context includes physical (including corporal
punishment), sexual and emotional neglect, and harmful traditional practices,
amongst others.
The prevalence of violence against children in homes and
families is not known, and lack of reliable information on this type of
violence against children is acknowledged as a gap and problem by all of the
countries in the region. For example,
all of the UNICEF Country Offices identified violence against children at home
and within their families to be a major area of concern. Most governments in the region also view
violence against children in the home to be an issue, and there is agreement
that there is general underreporting of child abuse and sexual abuse and
exploitation, which is seen by some practitioners to be on the increase. (Kemp
AM, et al. 2008).
There are various harmful traditional practices found in
the region, including female genital mutilation (FGM) for girls, practiced
primarily in Uganda, Sudan, Somalia, Kenya, Eritrea and Ethiopia. Girls are
forced to leave school when married and./or pregnant. Boys also face initiation rites, which
increasingly are being recognized as a problem as unregulated circumcision
schools lead to HIV/AIDS and/or death for boys every year. All of the countries
in the region have early and forced marriages as a matter of practice, and this
will undoubtedly become more of an issue as the AIDS pandemic worsens, and families
find themselves in deepening poverty. Often, this involves young girls being
forced to marry older men, for example in Kenya. Legislation that permits young girls to
marry contributes to the problem. For
example, in Madagascar girls can marry at 14.
Violence in schools
refers to violence occurring in schools and also in teaching institutions and
other formal and non-formal learning environments. It includes: violence committed by teachers
against students in the name of discipline; using methods of discipline that
are not consistent with a child’s dignity under the CRC; verbal abuse; as well
as sexual and physical harassment. It
also includes violence perpetrated by students against other learners in the form
of bullying as well as sexual and physical harassment and abuse. This is an issue that has received attention
in the region by governments.
The majority (7 out of 11) UNICEF Country Offices
identified violence in schools as an area of concern. Further, many identified
a lack of comprehensive and consistent laws and policies outlawing corporal
punishment as a major gap that needs to be addressed. The use of corporal punishment in schools,
however, is a very controversial issue.
Many people believe that it is acceptable and actually necessary in
order to maintain order in the classroom and to ensure children grow up
disciplined.
Violence in the streets
This area includes violence
against children living and/or working in the streets. Street children are a common sight in almost
all countries in the region. They are
vulnerable to abuse and exploitation, gang violence, and police brutality. The phenomenon of street children is
increasing, and younger children are entering into informal employment to earn
incomes to support their siblings and families, especially with the increasing
toll of illness and death due to AIDS and the vulnerability in post-conflict
situations. However, even here there are
few statistics and data, especially related to violence experienced.
Based on anecdotal information, it is known that street
children are subject to neglect, both physical and sexual, by the police and
others. As the phenomena of street children increases due to the increasing
number of orphans and other vulnerable children in Africa, the governments
become increasingly concerned on how to deal with the problem. Often times, the
way that they deal is simply to round them up, using violent means, and put them
in detention facilities. They are
subjected to continuous abuse by police, and often times, by ordinary people
who see them as criminals and as a nuisance. See for example, information from
Burundi, Rwanda and Kenya. This is one issue that will need to be addressed
further.
2.3.2 Effects of child neglect
Severe neglect of an infant’s need for stimulation and
nurturance can result in the infant failing to thrive and even infant death.
Emotional neglect is often the most difficult situation to substantiate in a
legal context and is often reported secondary to neglect concerns.
There are strong associations between exposure to child abuse
in all its forms and higher rates of many chronic conditions. The strongest
evidence comes from the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE's) series of studies
which show correlations between exposure to abuse or neglect and higher rates
in adulthood of chronic conditions, high-risk health behaviors and shortened
lifespan. A recent publication, Hidden Costs in Health Care: The Economic Impact
of Violence and neglect, makes the case that such exposure represents a serious
and costly public-health issue that should be addressed by the healthcare
system.
Psychological
effects
According to Roosa M.W et al, (1999), Children with a
history of neglect are at risk of developing psychiatric problems, or a
disorganized attachment style. Disorganized attachment is associated with a
number of developmental problems, including dissociative symptoms, as well as
anxiety, depressive, and acting out symptoms. A study by Dante Cicchetti found
that 80% of neglect and maltreated infants exhibited symptoms of disorganized
attachment. When some of these children become parents, especially if they
suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), dissociative symptoms, and
other sequelae of child abuse, they may encounter difficulty when faced with their
infant and young children's needs and normative distress, which may in turn
lead to adverse consequences for their child's social-emotional development.
Despite these potential difficulties, psychosocial intervention can be
effective, at least in some cases, in changing the ways maltreated parents
think about their young children.
Victims of childhood neglect, it is claimed, also suffer from different types of
physical health problems later in life. Some reportedly suffer from some type
of chronic head, abdominal, pelvic, or muscular pain with no identifiable
reason. Even though the majority of childhood abuse victims know or believe
that their abuse is, or can be, the cause of different health problems in their
adult life, for the great majority their neglect was not directly associated
with those problems, indicating that sufferers were most likely diagnosed with
other possible causes for their health problems, instead of their childhood
abuse.
The effects of child neglect vary, depending on the type of
neglect. A 2006 study found that childhood emotional and sexual abuse were
strongly related to adult depressive symptoms, while exposure to verbal abuse
and witnessing of domestic violence had a moderately strong association and
physical abuse a moderate one. For depression, experiencing more than two kinds
of abuse exerted synergetically stronger symptoms. Sexual neglect was
particularly deleterious in its intrafamilial form, for symptoms of depression,
anxiety, dissociation, and limbic irritability. Childhood verbal abuse had a
stronger association with anger-hostility than any other type of neglect studied,
and was second only to emotional abuse in its relationship with dissociative
symptoms. More generally, in the case of 23 of the 27 illnesses listed in the
questionnaire of a French INSEE survey, some statistically significant
correlations were found between repeated illness and family traumas encountered
by the child before the age of 18 years. According Georges Menahem, the French
sociologist who found out these correlations by studying health inequalities,
these relationships show that inequalities in terms of illness and suffering
are not only social. Health inequality also has its origins in the family,
where it is associated with the degrees of lasting affective problems (lack of
affection, parental discord, the prolonged absence of a parent, or a serious
illness affecting either the mother or father) that individuals report having
experienced in childhood. (Noh Anh, Helen, 1994).
Physical effects
Rib fractures in an infant secondary to child neglect
Children who are neglected are likely to receive bone
fractures, particularly rib fractures, and may have a higher risk of developing
cancer. Children who experience child neglect are 59% more likely to be
arrested as juveniles, 28% more likely to be arrested as adults, and 30% more
likely to commit violent crime.
The immediate physical effects of abuse or neglect can be
relatively minor (bruises or cuts) or severe (broken bones, hemorrhage, or even
death). In some cases the physical effects are temporary; however, the pain and
suffering they cause a child should not be discounted. Meanwhile, the long-term
impact of child abuse and neglect on physical health is just beginning to be
explored. The long-term effects can be:
Shaken baby syndrome.
Shaking a baby is a common form of child neglect that often results in
permanent neurological damage (80% of cases) or death (30% of cases). Damage
results from intracranial hypertension (increased pressure in the skull) after
bleeding in the brain, damage to the spinal cord and neck, and rib or bone
fractures (Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 2007).
Impaired brain development. Child neglect have been shown, in some cases, to cause
important regions of the brain to fail to form or grow properly, resulting in
impaired development (De Bellis & Thomas, 2003). These alterations in brain
maturation have long-term consequences for cognitive, language, and academic
abilities (Watts-English, Fortson, Gibler, Hooper, & De Bellis, 2006).
NSCAW found more than three-quarters of foster children between 1 and 2 years
of age to be at medium to high risk for problems with brain development, as opposed
to less than half of children in a control sample (ACF/OPRE, 2004a).
Poor physical health. Several studies have shown a
relationship between various forms of household dysfunction (including
childhood neglect) and poor health (Flaherty et al., 2006; Felitti, 2002).
Adults who experienced abuse or neglect during childhood are more likely to
suffer from physical ailments such as allergies, arthritis, asthma, bronchitis,
high blood pressure, and ulcers (Springer, Sheridan, Kuo, & Carnes, 2007).
On the other hand, there are some children who are raised
in child neglect, but who manage to do unexpectedly well later in life
regarding the preconditions. Such children have been termed dandelion children,
as inspired from the way that dandelions seem to prosper irrespective of soil,
sun, drought, or rain. Such children (or currently grown-ups) are of high
interest in finding factors that mitigate the effects of child abuse.
Ethical
effects
One of the most challenging ethical dilemmas arising from
child neglect relates to the parental rights of abusive parents or caretakers
with regard to their children, particularly in medical settings. In the United
States, the 2008 New Hampshire case of Andrew Bedner drew attention to this
legal and moral conundrum. Bedner, accused of severely injuring his infant
daughter, sued for the right to determine whether or not she remain on life
support; keeping her alive, which would have prevented a murder charge, created
a motive for Bedner to act that conflicted with the apparent interests of his
child. Bioethicists Jacob M. Appel and Thaddeus Mason Pope recently argued, in
separate articles, that such cases justify the replacement of the accused
parent with an alternative decision-maker.
Goshko M (1991) asserts that “Child neglect also poses
ethical concerns related to confidentiality, as victims may be physically or
psychologically unable to report abuse to authorities”. Accordingly, many
jurisdictions and professional bodies have made exceptions to standard
requirements for confidentiality and legal privileges in instances of child
abuse. Medical professionals, including doctors, therapists, and other mental
health workers typically owe a duty of confidentiality to their patients and
clients, either by law and/or the standards of professional ethics, and cannot
disclose personal information without the consent of the individual concerned.
This duty conflicts with an ethical obligation to protect children from
preventable harm. Accordingly, confidentiality is often waived when these professionals
have a good faith suspicion that child abuse or neglect has occurred or is
likely to occur and make a report to local child protection authorities. This
exception allows professionals to breach confidentiality and make a report even
when the child or his/her parent or guardian has specifically instructed to the
contrary. Child neglect also a common exception to Physician–patient privilege:
a medical professional may be called upon to testify in court as to otherwise
privileged evidence about suspected child abuse despite the wishes of the child
and his/her family.
Fatalities
A child neglect fatality is when a child’s death is the
result of neglect, or when neglects are contributing factors to a child’s
death. In the United States, 1,730 children died in 2008 due to factors related
to neglect; this is a rate of 2.33 per 100,000 U.S. children. Child neglect fatalities
are widely recognized as being under-counted; it is estimated that between
60-85% of child fatalities due to maltreatment are not recorded as such on
death certificates. Younger children are at a much higher risk for being
killed, as are African Americans. Girls and boys, however, are killed at
similar rates. Caregivers, and specifically mothers, are more likely to be the
perpetrators of a child abuse fatality, than anyone else, including strangers,
relatives, and non-relative caregivers. Family situations which place children
at risk include moving, unemployment, having non-family members living in the
household. A number of policies and programs have been put into place to try to
better understand and to prevent child neglect fatalities, including:
safe-haven laws, child fatality review teams, training for investigators,
shaken baby syndrome prevention programs, and child neglect death laws which
mandate harsher sentencing for taking the life of a child. (Lesa Bethea,
1999)
2.4 Existing strategies to reduce child abuse
Prevention
April has been designated Child neglect Prevention Month in
the United States since 1983. U.S. President Barack Obama continued that
tradition by declaring April 2009 Child neglect Prevention Month. One way the
Federal government of the United States provides funding for child-neglect
prevention is through Community-Based Grants for the Prevention of Child
neglect and Neglect (CBCAP).
Resources for child-protection services are sometimes
limited. According to Hosin (2007), "a considerable number of traumatized
abused children do not gain access to protective child-protection
strategies." Briere (1992) argues that only when "lower-level violence"
of children ceases to be culturally tolerated will there be changes in the
victimization and police protection of children.
Treatment
A number of treatments are available to victims of child
neglect. Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, first developed to treat
sexually abused children, is now used for victims of any kind of trauma. It
targets trauma-related symptoms in children including post-traumatic stress
disorder (PTSD), clinical depression and anxiety. It also includes a component for
non-offending parents. Several studies have found that neglected children
undergoing TF-CBT improved more than children undergoing certain other
therapies. Data on the effects of TF-CBT for children who experienced only neglect
was not available as of 2006.
A neglect-focused cognitive behavioral therapy was designed
for children who have experienced physical abuse. It targets externalizing
behaviors and strengthens prosocial behaviors. Offending parents are included
in the treatment, to improve parenting skills/practices. It is supported by one
randomized study.
Child-parent psychotherapy was designed to improve the
child-parent relationship following the experience of domestic violence. It
targets trauma-related symptoms in infants, toddlers, and preschoolers,
including PTSD, aggression, defiance, and anxiety. It is supported by two
studies of one sample.
According to Callahan, M. et al (2009). Other forms of
treatment include group therapy, play therapy, and art therapy. Each of these
types of treatment can be used to better assist the client, depending on the
form of neglect they have experienced. Play therapy and art therapy are ways to
get children more comfortable with therapy by working on something that they
enjoy (coloring, drawing, painting, etc.). The design of a child's artwork can
be a symbolic representation of what they are feeling, relationships with
friends or family, and more. Being able to discuss and analyze a child's
artwork can allow a professional to get a better insight of the child.
Organizations
There are organizations at national, state, and county
levels in the United States that provide community leadership in preventing
child neglect and neglect. The National Alliance of Children's Trust Funds and
Prevent Child neglect America are two national organizations with member
organizations at the state level.
Many investigations into child neglect are handled on the
local level by Child Advocacy Centers. Started over 25 years ago at what is now
known as the National Children's Advocacy Center in Huntsville, Alabama by
District Attorney Robert "Bud" Cramer these multi-disciplinary teams
have met to coordinate their efforts so that cases of child neglect can be
investigated quickly and efficiently, ultimately reducing trauma to the child
and garnering better convictions. These Child Advocacy Centers (known as CACs)
have standards set by the National Children's Alliance.
Other organizations focus on specific prevention
strategies. The National Center on Shaken
Baby Syndrome focuses its efforts on the specific issue of preventing child neglect
that is manifested as shaken baby syndrome. Mandated reporter training is a
program used to prevent ongoing child abuse.
Nurturing and attachment: For a child, being loved and nurtured is necessary when creating a bond
with a caregiver. A healthy bond affects all aspects of behavior and
development. Safe, secure, and predictable interactions with a caregiver helps
the brain and nervous system develop in a healthy way and creates the
foundation for such traits as impulse control, empathy, and compassion.
Knowledge of parenting and of child/youth development: Interactions with a child, including discipline, will go
smoother when parents have a good understanding of child development including
specific behaviors associated with specific ages, and the limits of the child's
abilities. A great deal of frustration occurs for a child when a parent expects
too much, and then withdraws attention or affection when the child does not
respond as the parent wants.
Parental resilience: Resilience
is the ability to successfully handle everyday stressors, as well as recover
from occasional crises. A parent with a positive attitude, flexible problem
solving skills, and an appropriate sense of humor will find it easier to cope
with problems and challenges, and be less likely to respond in an abusive
manner.
Social connections:
Connections to other people provide needed encouragement and assistance when
difficulties occur. Research has found that social isolation and perceived lack
of support frequently leads to child maltreatment. Some of the best support
comes from other parents and adults "who have already been there."
Concrete support for parents: For some parents, just providing basic necessities such as
food, clothing and shelter is difficult. Since all of these factors affect a
family's ability to care for their children, contacting such agencies as SRS,
the local Ministerial Alliance, or the Salvation Army for assistance can be an
important step in being a good parent. (Myers MM et al, 2008).
CHAPTER III
METHODOLOGY OF THE STUDY
3.0 Introduction
The chapter dealt with different methods of gathering
information from various sources in order to accomplish this study. These
methods helped the researcher to come up with a reliable piece of work and
these included research design, population that contributed to work piece, the
method of sample selection from the population, data collection, data quality
control, data presentation and analysis and ethical consideration.
3.1 Research design
A survey research design was used for the collection of
data from the community population such as the LCs, respondents, medical
personnel or teachers and other people who endeavored to offer relevant
information for the benefit of this study. This made it possible to gather
required information on the nature of child neglect in Musaijjamukuru village.
The researcher carried out a pre-test where respondents will be motivated
through finding out their attitudes and responses in relation the study
objectives.
3.2 Area and population of the study
This study was carried out among the people of Musaijjamukuru
village. The target population mainly comprised of, 4 LCs (Local Councils)
chiefs, 4 cultural leaders, 22 students, 20 parents/families men and women, 10 NGO’s
and other respondents who had necessary information for the benefit of the
study.
3.3 Sample selection
This was a type of sampling where a researcher selects a
sample that was just convenient without going through random sampling and also
purposive sampling was used to enable the researcher to get more information.
The sample size included 60 respondents among which 10 were doctors, 5 local
council leaders, 10 teachers, 15 parents and 20 children.
3.4 Methods of data collection
Questionnaire
Appropriate information gathered with the help of the
questionnaire, and library work Necessary time was provided to selected people
to answer the questions and enough time was accorded to them for submitting in
their responses. The researcher used both closed and open-ended questions that
enabled respondents to express variations in their response. The researcher
personally was collect the filled questionnaires.
Interviewing:
The researcher employed interview as a method of data
collection. This process was carried out through the use of an interview guide
where various questions was asked as their responses were recorded. Sigh (1394)
noted that, standard interview do not threaten the respondents. The interviewer
establishes a relatively formal and superficial contact with the interview says
she/he takes or allows friendly interest in what the interviewee says without
opening or disagreeing with him or her directly.
The researcher also carried out interviewing by actually
asking questions in the same sequence and in similar situations. This method was
chosen to be the most appropriate since this is a field study where by every
respondent were full occupied by the daily cores since they had no time to sit
and answer write in the questionnaires.
3.5 Reliability and validity
To ensure reliability and validity of the data, the
researcher relied on the supervision and moderation of the experts in the field
of research to look into the questionnaire, collected data and presentation of
the findings.
3.5.1 Reliability
Joppe (2000) defines reliability as: The extent to which
results are consistent over time and an accurate representation of the total
population under study is referred to as reliability and if the results of a
study can be reproduced under a similar methodology, then the research
instrument is considered to be reliable. This shall be ensured by using the
notions that consistency with which questionnaire items are answered or
individual’s scores remain relatively the same can be determined through the
test-retest method at two different times.
3.5.2 Validity
Validity determines whether the research truly measures that which it was intended to measure or how truthful the research results are. The researcher will generally determine validity by asking a series of questions, and will often look for the answers in the research of others.
3.5.3 Research procedure
In order to gather information for this study, the
researcher obtained an introduction letter from the University coordinator.
This was delivered to the institutions, families and offices visited. Copies of
questionnaires were given out. The study involved through reading library
material related to the topic of research that is text books, journals,
encyclicals, newspapers. The material from this was translated in to the
current situation in which the study was made.
3.6 Data processing, presentation and Analysis
3.6.1 Data processing
Raw
data from the questionnaires was edited, coded, analyzed and interpreted into
meaningful information. Data was presented and analyzed to ensure competence,
consistence, and accuracy representation of the information
3.6.2 Analysis of data
Here
quantitative data was analyzed using a computer statistical program called
excel to generate frequency tables and percentages.
3.6.3 Data presentation
Data
was presented in word text format, frequency tables
and percentages plus graphs and pie-charts were used to present the data in an
organized way. Thereafter, the conclusions arrived at enabled the researcher to
come up with some recommendations and suggestions.
3.7 Ethical issues
(a) Throughout
the study, the researcher accorded respect and freedom to her informants as
means of approach while carrying out this study.
(b) The
researcher held confidentiality of all the information from his respondents.
For instance, it was the researcher’s intentions not to discuss any information
by mentioning personalities as contributors to this study. For that matter, the
interpretation and presentation were general without singling out any
individuals’ responses.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION, INTERPETATION AND ANALYSIS
4.0 Introduction
This chapter deals with analysis and interpretation of
research findings, analysis of observations, responses to the questionnaires that were used to investigate
the nature of child neglect on children in Musaijjamukuru Village Buhimba sub
county Hoima district
4.1 Demographic characteristics of respondents.
Source;
Authors’ findings
The figure 2 above reveals that 40% of
the respondents were between 35-44 years, 27% were between 25-34 years, 23 % were between 18-24 years of age while 10% of
the respondents were 45 year and above. These results imply that all the respondents were mature enough to provide valid and reliable
results
Gender of the respondents
For the study to be gender balancing, the researchers
requested the respondents to present their gender and the results are presented
in the table below;
Response
|
Frequency
|
Percentages
|
Male
|
28
|
47%
|
Female
|
32
|
53%
|
Total
|
60
|
100%
|
Source; Authors’ findings
Table
1, Shows that 56% of the respondents were female while 47% of the respondent
were male. This implied that during data collection, the females were more
responsive than males. However there as a different in terms of the gender that
is more neglectful, it is most often women. The higher proportion of females
reported for neglect may reflect the social attitude that mothers are
responsible for meeting the needs of their children.
Source;
primary data 2013
Findings
in the figure above indicate that 44% of the respondents ere married, 22% ere
single while 15% were cohabiting and 12% were widowed. These findings imply
that majority of the respondents were mature and responsible parents thus they
had concrete information about child neglect.
Education level
|
FREQUENCY
|
PERCENT AGE( % )
|
Masters
|
2
|
3
|
Degree
|
30
|
50
|
Diploma
|
20
|
34
|
A level and below
|
8
|
13
|
Total
|
60
|
100
|
Source;
Authors’ findings
Table 2 shows that majority (50%)
of the respondents were educated and had degrees while 34% of the respondents had diplomas, 13% were at A level
and below while 3% of the respondents were at masters. This implied that the all of the respondents were highly educated thus
these respondents had all the necessary and relevant information about the
research variables.
4.2 How neglect occurred in study areas.
Neglect is due to a failure to meet the child’s basic
needs, e.g., not providing enough food, shelter or basic supervision, necessary
medical or mental health treatment, adequate education or emotional comfort.
Child neglect can occur in a child's home, or in the
organizations, schools or communities the child interacts with.
Child neglect occurs where the responsible adult does not
provide adequately for various needs, including physical neglect hereby a present
is not providing adequate food, clothing, or hygiene, emotional by not
providing nurturing or affection, educational where by the care takers are not
enrolling a child in school, or medical, here the responsible personnel is not
medicating the child or taking him or her to the doctor.
4.3 Types of child neglect
Type
|
Frequency
|
Percentage (%)
|
Total
|
|||
Yes
|
no
|
yes
|
no
|
Freq
|
%
|
|
Physical
neglect
|
58
|
2
|
58
|
2
|
60
|
100
|
Medical
neglect
|
43
|
17
|
43
|
17
|
60
|
100
|
Emotional
neglect
|
37
|
23
|
37
|
23
|
60
|
100
|
Educational/
developmental neglect
|
45
|
15
|
45
|
15
|
60
|
100
|
Source; primary data 2013
Findings in the table above 97% of the respondents
mentioned physical neglect as a form of neglects and this involves the failure
to provide a child with basic necessities of life such as food and clothing;
forms of physical neglect, such as inadequate clothing, exposure to
environmental hazards and poor hygiene may be directly attributed to poverty
whereas others are more cautious in making a direct link. While poverty
is believed to increase the likelihood of neglect, poverty does not
predetermine neglect.
Findings
also indicate that 72% of the respondents agreed on medical neglect for example
many caregivers do not meet children’s basic health care needs; such as treatment,
immunization, medical check ups and sanitation requirements to ensure that the
children are free from health risks.
62%
of the respondents agreed that there is also emotional neglect as a type of
child neglect for example parents/ guardians fail to provide emotional support
such as emotional security and encouragement, most parents are work and they
are too busy to give time for the children, they leave the children to maids
thus totally no attention
75%
of the respondents also mentioned educational/ developmental neglect as a form
of neglect encountered, this was explained that parents and guardians fail to
provide children with experiences for necessary growth and development, such as
not sending them to schools or giving them an education opportunity.
This implies that the major forms of neglect are physical
neglect and this involves the failure to provide a child with basic necessities
of life such as food and clothing; forms of physical neglect, such as
inadequate clothing, exposure to environmental hazards and poor hygiene may be
directly attributed to poverty whereas others are more cautious in making a
direct link. There is also emotional neglect as care takers fail to provide
emotional support such as emotional security and encouragement, most parents
are work and they are too busy to give time for the children, they leave the
children to maids thus totally no attention. Another major forma of neglect is
educational/ developmental neglect as parents and guardians fail to provide
children with experiences for necessary growth and development, such as not
sending them to schools or giving them an education opportunity.
4.4 Experience on child neglect
Source; primary data 2013
Findings indicate (25) 42% of the respondents had been
neglected, (20) 33% of the respondents had seen children being neglected, (10) 17%
of the respondents had once experienced child neglect while (5) 8% of the respondents
had not seen, experience or being neglected at all.
Given the fact that majority (92%) of the respondents had
either seen, been neglected or experienced child neglect the findings implied
that these respondents gave valid and reliable information basing on their
experience however even the 8% have good information concerning child neglect.
4.5 The factors that influence child neglect
Factors
|
Frequency
|
Percentage
(%)
|
Total
|
|||
Yes
|
No
|
Yes
|
No
|
Freq
|
%
|
|
Unintended
pregnancies
|
43
|
17
|
72
|
28
|
60
|
100
|
Unemployment
and financial difficulties
|
55
|
5
|
92
|
8
|
60
|
100
|
Violence
in the home and family
|
24
|
36
|
40
|
60
|
60
|
100
|
Violence
in schools
|
20
|
40
|
33
|
67
|
60
|
100
|
Death
of both or single parent
|
60
|
0
|
100
|
0
|
60
|
100
|
Alcohol
and drug abuse
|
53
|
7
|
88
|
12
|
60
|
100
|
Divorce
|
48
|
12
|
80
|
20
|
60
|
100
|
Source; primary data 2013
The findings indicate that 100% of the respondents agreed
that death of both or single parent is an influencing factor to child neglect. Respondents
explained that when the parents of a child die, many relatives, care takers and
guardians most times neglect the children.
92% of the respondents agreed that unemployment and financial
difficulties are causes of child neglect for example many parents become
un-employed or they are retrenched thus they can no longer meet the necessities
of the family thus the children become vulnerable to neglect. Also due to financial
disasters such as declining profits, business closure and inflation.
Findings also indicate that 88% of the respondents agreed
that alcohol and drug abuse also causes child neglect. For example most parents
that are alcoholic spend all the money and time in bars thus they neglect the
children’s basic needs and emotionally.
According to the table, 80% of the respondents also agreed
that child neglect is as a result of divorce which is rampant in the countries.
Most time single parents can not handle all the necessities of the children
thus the children become neglected.
The findings above imply that the major causes of child
neglect are death of both or a single parents, unemployment and financial difficulties,
alcohol and drug abuse, for example most parents that are alcoholic spend all
the money and time in bars thus they neglect the children’s basic needs and
emotionally and divorce which is rampant in the countries.
4.6 The effects of neglect
Effects
|
Frequency
|
Percentage (%)
|
Total
|
|||
yes
|
No
|
Yes
|
no
|
Freq
|
%
|
|
Psychological
effects
|
53
|
7
|
88
|
12
|
60
|
100
|
Physical
effects
|
60
|
0
|
100
|
0
|
60
|
100
|
Ethical
effects
|
34
|
26
|
57
|
43
|
60
|
100
|
Fatalities(death)
|
49
|
11
|
82
|
18
|
60
|
100
|
Source; primary data 2013
Findings in the table above indicate that all (100%) of the
respondents mentioned physical effects for example children who are neglected
are likely to receive bone fractures, particularly rib fractures, and may have
a higher risk of developing cancer. The immediate physical effects of abuse or
neglect can be relatively minor (bruises or cuts) or severe (broken bones,
hemorrhage, or even death). In some cases the physical effects are temporary;
however, the pain and suffering.
Findings indicate that 88% of the respondents agreed upon
psychological effects for example disorganized attachment is associated with a
number of developmental problems, including dissociative symptoms, as well as
anxiety, depressive, and acting out symptoms. Neglected children suffer from
posttraumatic stress disorder and dissociative symptoms which may in turn lead
to adverse consequences for their child's social-emotional development.
82% of the respondents mentioned fatalities (death) as an
effect of child neglect for example fatalities occurs when a child’s
death is the result of neglect, or when neglects are contributing factors to a
child’s death. younger children are at a much higher risk for being killed,
caregivers, and specifically mothers, are more likely to be the perpetrators of
a child abuse fatality, than anyone else, including strangers, relatives, and
non-relative caregivers a family situations which place children at risk
include moving, unemployment, having non-family members living in the household
Lastly, 57% of the respondents mentioned ethical effects
for example there are a number of ethical dilemmas arising from child neglect
that relates to the parental rights of abusive parents or caretakers with
regard to their children, particularly in medical settings. Child neglect also
poses ethical concerns related to confidentiality, as victims may be physically
or psychologically unable to report abuse to authorities.
These findings imply that the major effects of child
neglect are physical effects for example children who are neglected are likely
to receive bone fractures, particularly rib fractures, and may have a higher
risk of developing cancer. Psychological effects also occur for example
disorganized attachment is associated with a number of developmental problems,
including dissociative symptoms, as well as anxiety, depressive, and acting out
symptoms. Fatalities (death) is also mentioned as an effect of child neglect for
example fatalities occurs when a child’s death is the result of neglect, or
when neglects are contributing factors to a child’s death. Younger children are
at a much higher risk for being killed, caregivers, and specifically mothers ethical
effects are also mentioned as effects of child neglect for example there are a
number of ethical dilemmas arising from child neglect that relates to the
parental rights of abusive parents or caretakers with regard to their children,
particularly in medical settings.
4.7 The existing strategies to curb the vice
The respondents provided the following responses on the
existing strategies to cab the vice of child neglect.
Strategies
|
Frequency
|
Percentage (%)
|
Total
|
|||
yes
|
No
|
Yes
|
No
|
Freq
|
%
|
|
Treatment
|
54
|
6
|
91
|
9
|
60
|
100
|
Prevention
|
60
|
0
|
100
|
0
|
60
|
100
|
Nurturing
and attachment:
|
30
|
30
|
50
|
50
|
60
|
100
|
Knowledge
of parenting and of child/youth development
|
36
|
24
|
60
|
40
|
60
|
100
|
Social
connections
|
34
|
26
|
57
|
43
|
60
|
100
|
Concrete
support for parents
|
49
|
11
|
82
|
18
|
60
|
100
|
Source;
primary data
Results in the table above indicate that all respondents
agreed that prevention is the best strategy to cab the vice of child neglect as
this involves community sensitization about the various needs of children and
giving the parent basic protection and child care techniques.
91% of the respondents mentioned treatment as an existing
measure to curb child neglect and this involves guidance and counseling of the
victims and offenders. The treatment also involves providing medical care to
the children to ensure that they heal from the bruises, burns and other health
complications.
82% of the respondents mentioned providing support to
parents and this involves financial and emotional support to single parents, guardians
and widows as measures to control child neglect.
These findings imply that there are early intervention
programs and treatments for child neglect. In addition to individual, family,
group counseling and social support services, behavioral skills training
programs exist to eliminate problematic behavior and teach parents “appropriate”
parenting behavior. A positive parenting program, works with parents whose
children have discernible problems. It is a multilevel, parenting and family
support strategy. Neglectful families often experience multiple problems and
deficits, lack of knowledge, skills and resources. If parents are educated on
“proper” parenting and given the appropriate resources, it could help decrease
the amount of child neglect cases. When deciding whether to leave a child home
alone, you will want to consider your child's physical, mental, and emotional
well-being, as well as laws and policies in your State regarding this issue.
4.8 Suggested measures to control and prevent child neglect
Public awareness, such as PSAs, posters, and brochures that promote healthy
parenting, child safety, and how to report suspected abuse. Public service
announcements (PSAs) aimed at raising awareness about child abuse within the
general population.
Home visitation, which focuses on enhancing child safety by helping
pregnant mothers and families with new babies or young children learn more
about positive parenting and child development
Concrete supports for parents. Parents need basic resources such as food, clothing,
housing, transportation, and access to essential services that address
family-specific needs (such as child care, health care, and mental health
services) to ensure the health and well-being of their children.
Parent education programs focus on enhancing parental
competencies and promoting healthy parenting practices and typically target
teen and highly stressed parents. Some of these programs are led by
professionals or paraprofessionals, while others are facilitated by parents who
provide mutual support and discuss personal experiences.
Be a nurturing parent. Being a nurturing parent involves meeting basic physical
needs as well as consistently seeking to meet your children’s emotional needs.
Each child is different, as is each parent, so a nurturing relationship can
take many forms. Check out these great tips
for being a nurturing parent.
Help a friend, neighbor or relative. Everyone sometimes feels stressed overworked and out of
patience, but these kinds of emotions, if left unabated, can lead to
regrettable parenting decisions. If you notice that a parent you know seems to
be having a rough time, that’s a great cue that they may need a little break.
Even small gestures can mean a lot and relieve a stressful parent. Here are ten ways you can
help out a stressed out parent. Remember, just because a parent is
stressed, doesn’t mean that they are abusing or neglecting their children. But
a little help from a trusted friend may do a lot to help them be the parent
they want to be.
Help yourself and de-stress when
necessary. If you find yourself being
the one who is stressed out, then maybe it’s time to let a trusted friend or
family member in to help on occasion. Here are some ideas for coping
with the stress of raising children. Sometimes a few good nights’ sleep away
for the weekend is all it takes.
Parents should monitor their children’s
media intake. This can include things
like television, YouTube videos, movies, social media activity, and even
texting. Watching violent films and television shows can be harmful to a young
child’s development and can be desensitizing to older children and teens. For
tips on how to decide what your children are allowed to watch, visit CommonSenseMedia.org, and for ideas to set
internet safety rules and boundaries, click here.
Respondents suggested initiating Promote
programs in school. Help the schools
in your community be the source of education about child abuse, not just math,
English and science. Childhelp’s Speak Up Be Safe
program provides an age appropriate curriculum for schools, parents and kids to
take a stand against child abuse.
Volunteer at a local child abuse prevention
program. Another way to get involved
in the fight against child abuse is to volunteer your time. Child help has local chapters and Wings programs which raise funds and
awareness for Child help programs. Without these tireless volunteers, we would
not be able to do what we do.
Report suspected abuse or neglect. Community members are encouraged that if they suspect neglect/abuse
to report the case. Rather than being silent. The police should establish a
child abuse/neglect Hotline for Anyone can call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
at no cost.
Organizations and agencies in fields as varied as
education, maternal and child health, and health and human services, use home
visitation programs to help strengthen families. Home visitation programs offer
a variety of family-focused services to pregnant mothers and families with
newborns. Activities encompass structured visits in the family's home, informal
visits, and telephone calls. Topics addressed through these programs often
include
Schools and local community social service organizations
offer skills-based curricula to teach children safety and protection skills. Most
of these programs focus efforts on preventing child sexual abuse and teaching
children to distinguish appropriate touching from inappropriate touching. Many
curricula have a parent education component to give parents and other
caregivers the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize and discuss sexual
abuse with their children. Curricula may use various methods to teach children
skills including: Workshops and school lessons, Puppet shows and role-playing
activities, Films and videos, Workbooks, storybooks, and comics.
Community-based Organizations should offer a wide range of
services for children and families through Boys and Girls Clubs, scouting
troops, provide social and recreational opportunities for children and
families. Community centers, food banks, emergency assistance programs, and
shelters should also offer various family support services to increase family
resources and decrease stress. Exchange Clubs, fraternal organizations,
advocacy groups, and ethnic, cultural, and religious organizations also support
child maltreatment prevention activities.
CHAPTER FIVE
DISCUSSION, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.0 Introduction
This chapter presents
the discussions on the findings
in chapter four.
This is followed by conclusions and further recommendations. The
presentation of the discussion is in line with the objectives of the study.
5.1 Discussion of the findings
Findings on the causes of child neglect
The findings indicate that 100% of the respondents agreed
that death of both or single parent is an influencing factor to child neglect. Respondents
explained that when the parents of a child die many relatives, care takers and
guardians most times neglect the children. This corresponded with the research
findings by Messman-Moore, et al (2000). As they agreed that unemployment and
financial difficulties are causes of child neglect for example many parents
become un-employed or they are retrenched thus they can no longer meet the
necessities of the family thus the children become vulnerable to neglect. Also
due to financial disasters such as declining profits, business closure and
inflation.
Findings also indicate that 88% of the respondents agreed
that alcohol and drug abuse also causes child neglect. For example most parents
that are alcoholic spend all the money and time in bars thus they neglect the
children’s basic needs and emotionally.
Also 80% of the respondents also agreed that child neglect
is as a result of divorce which is rampant in the countries. Most time single
parents can not handle all the necessities of the children thus the children
become neglected.
Findings on the types of neglect
The study findings indicated that the major forms of
neglect are physical neglect and this involves the failure to provide a child
with basic necessities of life such as food and clothing; forms of physical
neglect, such as inadequate clothing, exposure to environmental hazards and
poor hygiene may be directly attributed to poverty whereas others
are more cautious in making a direct link. This is in line with the findings by
Cantwell and Rosenberg (1990).
There is also emotional neglect as care takers fail to
provide emotional support such as emotional security and encouragement, most
parents are work and they are too busy to give time for the children, they
leave the children to maids thus totally no attention. These findings are in
line with the research by Murphy et al (1991). On "Substance abuse and
serious child mistreatment: prevalence, risk, and outcome in a court
sample". Another major forma of neglect is educational/ developmental
neglect as parents and guardians fail to provide children with experiences for
necessary growth and development, such as not sending them to schools or giving
them an education opportunity.
Findings on the effects of child neglect
These findings imply that the major effects of child
neglect are physical effects for example children who are neglected are likely
to receive bone fractures, particularly rib fractures, and may have a higher
risk of developing cancer. These findings corresponded with the presentation by
Widom (1999). In his journal titled "Post-traumatic stress disorder in
abused and neglected children grown up," American Journal of Psychiatry Psychological
effects also occur for example disorganized attachment is associated with a
number of developmental problems, including dissociative symptoms, as well as
anxiety, depressive, and acting out symptoms.
Fatalities (death) is also mentioned as an effect of child
neglect for example fatalities occurs when a child’s death is the result of
neglect, or when neglects are contributing factors to a child’s death. Similarly,
Diaz, et al (2002). In the survey to establish the current trends in child abuse prevention and
fatalities: asserted that younger children are at a much higher
risk for being killed, caregivers, and specifically mothers ethical effects are
also mentioned as effects of child neglect for example there are a number of
ethical dilemmas arising from child neglect that relates to the parental rights
of abusive parents or caretakers with regard to their children, particularly in
medical settings.
5.2 Conclusions
According to the research findings, the researchers
confirmed that the effects of child neglect can differ depending on the
individual and how much treatment is provided, but generally speaking child
neglect that occurs in the first two years of a child’s life may be more of an
important precursor of childhood aggression compared to later neglect, which
may not have as strong a correlation. Children who suffer from neglect most
often also have attachment difficulties, cognitive deficits, emotional/
behavioral problems, and physical consequences as a result of neglect.
According to the research findings, the researcher revealed
that the major causes of child neglect are death of both or a single parents,
unemployment and financial difficulties, alcohol and drug abuse, for example
most parents that are alcoholic spend all the money and time in bars thus they
neglect the children’s basic needs and emotionally and divorce which is rampant
in the countries.
Lastly, basing on the research findings, the researcher
discovered that a positive parenting program, works with parents whose children
have discernible problems. It is a multilevel, parenting and family support
strategy. Neglectful families often experience multiple problems and deficits,
lack of knowledge, skills and resources. If parents are educated on “proper”
parenting and given the appropriate resources, it could help decrease the
amount of child neglect cases. When deciding whether to leave a child home
alone, you will want to consider your child's physical, mental, and emotional
well-being, as well as laws and policies in your State regarding this issue.
5.3 Recommendations
Basing on the study findings, the researcher recommended
that Community-based Organizations should offer a wide range of services for
children and families through Boys and Girls Clubs, scouting troops, provide
social and recreational opportunities for children and families.
After analyzing the numerous causes of child neglect, the
researcher recommended organizations and agencies in fields as varied as
education, maternal and child health, and health and human services, use home
visitation programs to help strengthen families.
The researcher recommended Community members to report suspected
abuse or neglect. Community members are encouraged that if they suspect neglect/abuse
to report the case. Rather than being silent. The police should establish a
child abuse/neglect Hotline for Anyone can call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
at no cost.
According to the research findings, the respondents
recommends working together, the various sectors of the community health care
providers, community-based organizations, social services agencies, schools,
the faith community, employers, other community practitioners and concerned
citizens can help strengthen families, foster healthy child development, and
reduce child maltreatment.
REFERENCES;
Cantwell, H. B., & Rosenberg, D. A.
(1990). Child neglect. Reno, NV: National Council of Juvenile and
Family Court Judges.
Cohen, J.A.; Mannarino, A.P.;
Murray, L.K.; Igelman, R. (2006). "Psychosocial Interventions for
Maltreated and Violence-Exposed Children". Journal of Social Issues 62
Diaz, J., Peddle, N., Reid, R., & Wang, C.
(2002). Current trends in child abuse prevention and fatalities: The
2000 fifty state survey. Chicago, IL: Prevent Child Abuse America.
Dolezal, T.; McCollum, D.;
Callahan, M. (2009). Hidden Costs in Health Care: The Economic Impact of
Violence and Abuse. Academy on Violence and Abuse.
Feild, T., & Winterfeld, A. (2003). Tough
problems, tough choices: Guidelines for needs-based service planning in child
welfare. Englewood, CO: The American Humane Association, Annie E. Casey
Foundation, and Casey Family Programs.
Kemp AM, Dunstan F, Harrison S, et
al. (2008). "Patterns of skeletal fractures in child abuse: systematic
review". BMJ 337 (oct02 1):
Lesa Bethea (1999). "Primary
Prevention of Child Abuse". American Family Physician.
Messman-Moore, Terri L.; Long,
Patricia J. (2000). "Child Sexual Abuse and Revictimization in the Form of
Adult Sexual Abuse, Adult Physical Abuse, and Adult Psychological
Maltreatment". Journal of
Interpersonal Violence 489
Murphy JM, Jellinek M, Quinn D,
Smith G, Poitrast FG, Goshko M (1991). "Substance abuse and serious child
mistreatment: prevalence, risk, and outcome in a court sample".
Noh Anh, Helen (1994).
"Cultural Diversity and the Definition of Child Abuse", in Barth,
R.P. et al., Child welfare research review, Columbia University Press, 1994,
Roosa M.W., Reinholtz C., Angelini
P.J. (1999). "The relation of child sexual abuse and depression in young
women: comparisons across four ethnic groups". Journal of Abnormal Child
Psychology 27.
Schechter DS, Coates, SW, Kaminer
T, Coots T, Zeanah CH, Davies M, Schonfield IS, Marshall RD, Liebowitz MR,
Trabka KA, McCaw J, Myers MM (2008).
"Distorted maternal mental
representations and atypical behavior in a clinical sample of violence-exposed
mothers and their toddlers". Journal of Trauma and Dissociation 9 (2)
Statham DB et al. (2000).
"Early sexual abuse and lifetime psychopathology: a co-twin-control
study". Psychological Medicine 30.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,
Administration on Children, Youth, and Families. (2007). Child
Maltreatment 2005. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,
Administration on Children, Youth and Families. (2002). Child
maltreatment 2000: 11 years of reporting. Washington, DC: U.S. Government
Printing Office.
Watts-English, Fortson, Gibler,
Hooper, & De Bellis, (2006). Child Abuse: Law and Policy Across Boundaries.
Oxford University Press.
Widom C.S. (1999).
"Post-traumatic stress disorder in abused and neglected children grown
up," American Journal of Psychiatry. 156(8):
QUESTIONNAIRE TO THE RESPONDENTS
Dear respondent,
I am KAKUNGULU EUNICE RESTY a student of Ndejje University
carrying out a research to establish the NATURE OF CHILD NEGLECT IN HOIMA
DISTRICT. Please I am kindly requesting you to complete this questionnaire
as honestly as you can to enable me form a balanced view of your experiences
about issues related to child neglect, causes and challenges. The information
you will provide will be treated in total confidence for academic purpose only.
SECTION A
(BIOGRAPHICAL DATA)
(Please complete by tick in the appropriate box)
1
Age of
respondent
i.
18-24 iii. 35-44ii. 25-34 iv. 45 and above
2
Sex/gender
i. Maleii. Female
3 Marital status
i. Married iii.
Widowedii. Single IV.
Divorcedv.
Cohabiting
4 Level of
education
Level of
education
i.
Masters iii. Degree
ii.
Diploma IV. A level and
below
Diploma IV. A level and
below
SECTION B
(Please tick the most appropriate answer or fill in the
space provided)
NATURE OF CHILD NEGLECT
5. How
does child neglect happen?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..………………………………..…………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
6. What
are the prevailing types of child neglect?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
SECTION C
(Please tick the most appropriate answer or fill in the
space provided)
THE EFFECTS OF CHILD NEGLECT ON CHILDREN
9. Have
you ever experienced child neglect, neglected or seen any person carrying out
child neglect?
a)
Seen
Seen
b)
Neglected
c)
Experienced
child neglect
Experienced
child neglect
d)
None of the
above
None of the
above
10. What
are some of the factors that influence child neglect
a)
Unintended pregnancies
b)
Unemployment and
financial difficulties
c)
Violence in the home
and family
d)
Violence in schools
e)
Death of both or
single parent
f)
Divorce
All the
above none of
the above some of the
above
11.
Others, please specify
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
12. What
are some of the effects of neglect?
a)
Psychological effects
b)
Physical effects
c)
Ethical effects
d)
Fatalities(death)
All the
above none of
the above some of the
above
Others,
please specify
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
13. What
are the most prevalent physical effects of child neglect in your area
a)
Shaken
syndrome
Shaken
syndrome
b)
Impaired
brain development
Impaired
brain development
c)
Poor health
Poor health
d)
Malnutrition
Malnutrition
e)
Death
Death
f)
Wounds
Wounds
SECTION D
THE EXISTING STRATEGIES TO CONTROL CHILD NEGLECT IN HOIMA
DISTRICT
14.Does child neglect exist in your area
Yes No
15. If yes, have you ever
volunteered to inform the responsible personnel about the occurrence?
Yes No
16. If yes, what was the response
of the personnel?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
17. What are some of the existing
strategies to cab the vice?
a)
Treatment
b)
Prevention
c)
Organizations
d)
Nurturing and
attachment:
e)
Knowledge of parenting
and of child/youth development
f)
Parental resilience
g)
Social connections
h)
Concrete support for
parents
All the
above none of
the above some of the
above
Others,
please specify
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
18. What is the most effective
strategy for controlling child neglect?
a)
Treatment
Treatment
b)
Prevention
Prevention
c)
Organizations
Organizations
d)
Nurturing
and attachment:
Nurturing
and attachment:
e)
Knowledge of
parenting and of child/youth development
Knowledge of
parenting and of child/youth development
f)
Parental
resilience
Parental
resilience
g)
Social
connections
Social
connections
h)
Concrete
support for parents
Concrete
support for parents
19. What have the following key
players done to reduce the vice in your area?
Government
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
NGO’s
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Local leaders
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Parents/guardians
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Schools
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
20. In your own words, please
suggest what can be done to give this vice a final blow
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
MAY GOD BLESS YOU
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