Essay Child Abuse and Neglect - 946 Words

Child Abuse and Neglect Abuse of children has become a major social problem and a main cause of many peoples suffering and personal problems. Neglect, physical abuse, and sexual abuse have an immediate and long-term effects on a childs development. The long-term effects of abuse and neglect of a child can be seen in psychiatric disorders, increased rates of substance abuse, and relationship difficulties. Child abuse and neglect is a huge problem. People that abuse are people who have been abused and neglected themselves. There are links between neglect and abuse and later psychological, emotional, behavioral, and interpersonal disorders. The basis for this linkage is the impact that abuse and neglect have on brain development.†¦show more content†¦Abused and neglected children have poorly integrated cerebral hemispheres. This poor integration of hemispheres and underdevelopment of the orbitofrontal cortex is the basis for such symptoms as difficulty regulating emotion, lack of cause-effect thinking, inability to accurately recognize emotions in others, inability of the child to articulate the childs own emotions, an incoherent sense of self and autobiographical history, and a lack of conscience. The brains of abused and neglected children are not as well integrated as the brains of non-abused children. This helps explain why abused and neglected children have significant difficulties with emotional regulation, integrated functioning, and social development. Conscience development and the capacity for empathy are largely functions of the orbito-frontal cortex. When development in this area of the brain is hindered, there are important social and emotional difficulties. It is very interesting that the orbito-frontal cortex is sensitive to face recognition and eye contact. Abused and neglected children frequently have disorders of attachment because of their birth-parents lack of sensitive responsive interactions with the child. Early interpersonal experiences have a profound impact on the brain because the brain circuits responsible for social perception are the same as those that integrate such functions as the creation of meaning, theShow MoreRelatedChild Abuse and Neglect1653 Words   |  7 Pages Child Abuse and Neglect Child abuse, or child maltreatment, is an act by a parent or caretaker that results in or allows the child to be subjected to death, physical injury, sexual assault, or emotional harm. Emotional abuse, neglect, physical abuse, and sexual abuse are all different forms of child abuse. Child abuse is more than bruises and broken bones. While physical abuse might be the most visible, other types of abuse, such as emotional abuse and neglect, also leave deep, lastingRead MoreChild Abuse And Neglect704 Words   |  3 Pagesexperience this feeling, not just for a second, but throughout their childhood. Neglect is child abuse, as well as physical abuse, sexual abuse, and emotional abuse. Child abuse is awful because it causes the child to feel worthless, to lose trust, and to have serious psychological problems early on in life. Neglect is the most common form of child abuse. The parent or caregiver fails to provide basic needs for the child. Neglected children are constantly being told that they are worthless orRead MoreChild Neglect : Neglect As A Form Of Child Abuse2216 Words   |  9 PagesChild Abuse: Neglect Has The Community Done Enough To Reduce Cases Of Neglect As A Form Of Child Abuse? Thesis statement: most scholars and practitioners have elaborated adverse impacts of child abuse, especially child neglect, but the research focuses on the positive side of the discourse; it concentrates on the community contribution and the steps that have helped to reduce and stop the act in many nations. The term child abuse got used in a very broad array of situation that it has become hardRead MoreChild Abuse and Neglect2475 Words   |  10 Pages This paper will discuss child abuse and neglect and the lasting effects left on a child. The main types of abuse and neglect explained are emotional abuse, psychological abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, medical neglect, educational neglect, emotional neglect, and physical neglect. Included are some warning signs of these different types of abuse and neglect and the legal definitions of each. It is important to understand that all of these forms of abuse and neglect are different and containRead MoreChild Abuse And Neglect1612 Words   |  7 PagesAbuse occurs when one person mistreats or misuses other people, showing no care for their health or acknowledging them as a human being. People who abuse others manage to manipulate their victims into submission or make them comply at their will. Children who are abused are more likely to h ave mental health problems than children who are abused. More than likely, the children who are abused tend to struggle academically, but does abuse really hinder a child’s academic career? And if so, what kindRead MoreChild Abuse and Neglect922 Words   |  4 PagesASSIGNMENT 1: SOCIAL ISSUE- CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT KIM CARTER SOCIOLOGY PROFESSOR PATRICIA HENNINGTON JANRUARY 29, 2012 Child abuse and neglect The issue of child abuse and neglect is serious, controversial, and is escalating in today’s society. Many people are not aware, but child abuse is rampant in our society. Many child abuse and neglect cases go unreported because a person may not know the signs and symptoms of child abuse and neglect or perhaps the person or person may feel that thisRead MoreChild Abuse and Neglect1678 Words   |  7 Pagestopic of child abuse is one of the hardest topics to write about. It is imperative to have a profound understanding of this topic and its consequences specially when working in the field of human services. Professionally and personally, I have encountered situations where child abuse is present. This reality has touched my life in many ways and these experiences continue shaping me as a human being and as social service provider. I will try to cover in this paper the subject of child abuse, its definitionsRead MoreChild Abuse And Neglect Of A Child817 Words   |  4 PagesC hild Abuse and Neglect The meaning of child abuse is the mistreatment of a child in the form of injury, sexual abuse, neglect or exploitation. The signs of possible child abuse include, but are not limited to sudden behavior change, untreated medical issues, difficulties in school, lack of adult attention, the child makes excuses to stay away from home. Parents can also show signs such as showing little interest in the child, blaming the child for the child’s problems. The parent could ask theRead More Child Abuse and Neglect814 Words   |  4 Pages Child Abuse Child abuse and neglect is frightfully high. As a country this is unacceptable. We need to come up with better ways to fight this â€Å"disease† before we destroy our children, our future. An estimated 903,000 children across the country were victims of abuse or neglect in 2001, according to national data released by the Department of Health and Human Services. The statistics indicate that about 12.4 out of every 1,000 children were victims of abuse or neglect, a rate comparable to the previousRead More Child Abuse and Neglect1102 Words   |  5 Pageswhat effects abuse can have on a child? The effects abuse can have on a child is very serious. Children can obtain serious problems from child abuse. They can develop social problems, depression, and anxiety. There are four types of abuse: physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect. Physical abuse can injure a child severely. Domestic Violence is a worldwide problem and affects the health and well-being of those open to it. Children that are exposed to physical abuse are at risk

A Day with the County Juvenile Probation Officer Essay

A Day with the County Juvenile Probation Officer I followed employees of the County Juvenile Probation Department for a day. I spent most of the day with the Victims Information Coordinator (VIC), although I did get to speak with many probation officers as well as the drug counselor in the department. I learned many things while I was visiting the department. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;For the better part of the day, I spent time with Pat, the Victims Information Coordinator. She is the person that explains the court process to the victims of juvenile delinquent crimes, as well as does all the side work. This work includes filing as well as taking many phone calls from concerned parents, confused kids, and people that just have†¦show more content†¦They are strong willed, dedicated, they know their own strengths and weaknesses and that makes the more able to help others in need. Many of theses people are very unwilling to receive the services this facility offers. Despite the reluctance, the officers do their best to help the kids. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;One major thing that the officers have to deal with is cultural differences. Although Madison County is culturally diverse, most of the probation officers are Caucasian. This proves to be a difficult thing to manage when it comes to dealing with kids of other cultures. From what I saw when I spent the day with them, the officers didnt have any problems with cultural differences, but they did say they had some problems in the past. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;In conclusion, I learned many things when I spent the day at the Madison County Juvenile Probation Facility. They deal with many things throughout the day. They have several appointments, take many phone calls from concerned people, as well as have to make time to finish all the paper work that needs to be done for each kid. The Victims Information Coordinator is a very vital aspect in the probation process. She makes sure that the victims in the juvenile crimes know how and when to get back what has been taken from them. She assures them that they will help them with whatever it is that they need. I enjoyed spending my day withShow MoreRelatedFor My Research Paper, I Desired To Learn More About Juvenile1474 Words   |  6 Pagesdesired to learn more about juvenile delinquency in Frederick County by researching and finding what crimes are most common and what sentences or court dispositions are common for juveniles found guilty of crimes. I know that court d ispositions frequently result in probation and that Frederick County does not have a Juvenile Detention center, therefore I was most interested in how probation was implemented in Frederick County and other counties in Maryland and what other probation programs Maryland currentlyRead MoreRebound Drug Court Intern1110 Words   |  5 Pagesterritory that comprises of DeKalb County (The DeKalb History Center). DeKalb County, also known, as the greenest county in America is located in Georgia. DeKalb County is the third largest county in the state with over 9 cities located inside of it parameters. According to US Census Bureau 691,893 people resided in the county based off of 2010. 23.9% were represented by individuals that were aged 18 and under (DeKalb Census Bureau). Over the years from 2000-2010, DeKalb County has seen a 3.9 percent increaseRead MoreDefinition Of Adult Probation And Parole953 Words   |  4 Pagesâ€Å"implement the Census of Adult Probation Supervising Agencies (CAPSA), 2014. This will be the first census of its kind in more than 20 years. It will provide current information on the organization and nature of adult probation in the United States† (Community Corrections (Probation and Parole), 2015). Such census would provide valuable information regarding the current state of the community corrections program: probation. As stated before in this research, both probation and parole have imperfectionsRead MoreJuvenile Sentencing974 Words   |  4 PagesJuvenile courts have a wide range of sentencing options (usually called disposition orders) that they can impose on juveniles or youth offenders who are found to be delinquent (that is, finding that the minor violated a criminal law). Typically, disposition options fall into two camps: incarceration and non-incarceration. One non-incarceration option in particular -- probation -- forms the backbone of the juvenile justice system. Read on to learn about the different kinds of sentencing optionsRead MoreThe Origins Of Juvenile Justice1385 Words   |  6 Pagesthe origins of juvenile justice, from the house of refuge to the juvenile programs of today. Ans: In the early nineteenth century, the idea of reforming youth offenders took root in the United States. The House of Refuge in New York, which opened in 1824, was the first juvenile house of reform in the United States. This was the first attempt to house juvenile offenders in a separate facility and other States, like Maryland, would soon follow suit. The idea was not to punish juveniles offenders as adultsRead MoreFederal Law Enforcement Careers Essay1509 Words   |  7 Pagestrainings. A probation officer’s has many duties to fulfill. They are not only supervising the offenders that live within the community, but by monitoring probationers’ progress. The offender must stay away of any trouble, yet comply with the rules and regulations required. A probation officer should help the offender resume a better, productive life for themselves. They should also make it their duty to help them to rehabilitate and be placed back into the society. The officer must be able toRead MoreJunenile Justice System Should Focus on Rehabilitation Essay1729 Words   |  7 PagesJuvenile Justice System Should Focus on Rehabilitation University of Phoenix Juvenile Justice System Should Focus on Rehabilitation Rehabilitation over Punishment, why one is better or more effective than the other, in order to answer this questions one must understand what each means. Punishment is a consequence of doing something that is unacceptable, it is meant to be unpleasant, the problem with punishment is it does nothing to address the social or mental processes that maybe contributingRead MoreRecruiting in Federal and State Law Enforcement Agencies Essay1616 Words   |  7 Pagesare recruiting include the Border Patrol and the Texas Probation. These two fields include some of the most extensive hiring process that is out there. A probation officer has many duties to fulfill. They are not only supervising the offenders that live within the community, but monitoring each probationer’s progress. The offender must stay away of any trouble, and comply with the rules and regulations required. A probation officer should help the offender resume a better, productive lifeRead MoreChoosing A Juvenile Probation Officer2033 Words   |  9 Pagesbecome a Juvenile probation officer. Juvenile probation officers work with youths that have been placed on probation and or have been court order to attend an alternative consequence school to continue their education. Most juvenile probation officers work with youths at a particular stage of their probation process, for an example supervision or investigation. This paper will cover information on the juvenile justice system and my career choice by touching bases with my interviewee a Juvenile ProbationRead MorePositive Effects Of Juvenile Offenders1434 Words    |  6 Pagesaverage cost of $240.99 per day per youth. Imprisoning youth can have severe detrimental effects on youth, their long-term economic productivity and economic health of communities. Youth who are imprisoned have higher recidivism rates than youth who remain in communities, both due to suspended opportunities for education and a disruption in the process that normally allows many youth to Age-out of crime. Detention: The holding of youth, upon arrest, in a juvenile detention facility for two main

Cross Cultural Reflective Journal Report free essay sample

Introduction Smith stated, â€Å"unity is enhanced not when differences disappear but when people remain committed to one another and use structures and resources to maintain open and ongoing relationships (2004, p. 6). Multiculturalism is about the process of handling differences. Unity recognizes differences and rather than argue about them, it looks for strengths in relationships. Being present, having peace and wisdom are elements that encourage finding strengths. If defensiveness, hostility, contempt, criticism, withdrawal or demands are present, a relationship is at risk of being damaged or destroyed (Smith, 2004). 1968. I was born in a year of hostility, demands and fights for independence and human rights. Americans were fighting in Vietnam, and protesting at home for African-American civil rights. Bra-burning protests demanded women’s rights. Activist Martin Luther King Jr and politician Robert F Kennedy were assassinated for humanitarian beliefs (1968 Timeline, 2013). Amidst the fights for civil rights, independence was granted to a tiny island in the South Pacific, the republic of Nauru. Here I was born, to Australian parents, the first of four children. I was a sixth generation Australian from my Scottish ancestors, also born overseas. At three years old, I came to Australia. As an adult, I took it for granted that all Australians had the same birthrights as me. I thought easy access to education, housing and employment and family unity, were opportunities available for everyone. In doing this course for cross-cultural therapy however, I have come to understand that my ‘white’ privilege is not afforded by all Australians, especially Indigenous ones. I have learned that despite Indigenous and other marginalised non-white Australians having the same hopes as me for birthrights, unfortunately their desires have been denied and taken away. Historically, Aborigines were considered disposable, and not as valuable to society as the white British  people who founded this nation. Now, with my great ‘white’ Australian ancestry, I am left with feelings of shame and sadness for the marginalised Australians who grew up beside me, with less. Sadly, marginalised Australians have been left with feelings of separation, denial and desperation, but through cross-cultural competence, I realise hope is not lost. This report expresses my appreciation for the beauty found in differences and the ever present potential for unity, if diversity can remain. I believe that unity is available and necessary for all, through awareness, knowledge of ‘others’ and their difficulties, expressing empathy, cooperation and a desire for everyone to receive rights of equality, together. Definition of Cross-Cultural Competence Cross-cultural competence is the ability to engage awareness, knowledge and skills, to allow for a meaningful encounter of effective communication between peoples of different cultures (Hopkins, 2013). In becoming cross-culturally competent, Sue (2008) proposes the need for the following competencies in awareness, knowledge and skills. Firstly, to practice awareness of cultural competence, one must identify their own cultural heritage and respect differences in others. Personal values, fears and biases should be considered as they may create barriers. One must be comfortable with differences regarding age, gender, race, socioeconomic status and sexual orientation, which provides an environment whereby clients are free to disclose or not. Consequently, sensitivity to a client needing referral to another professional’s help may be appropriate, when uncomfortable feelings arise. (Sue, 2008). Secondly, Sue recommends gaining knowledge and information on culturally different people and an awareness of a nation’s politics and the affect of marginalisation on minority groups. Particular reference to counselling practices is valuable. Plus, an awareness of institutional difficulties for mental health services. Finally, one needs to utilise skills for verbal and non-verbal reactions, plus have an ability to communicate correctly and with an interpreter where appropriate. In closing, Sue maintains that one must understand personal limits and the affect of different approaches for assisting, whilst  maintaining an open mind for creating new opportunities that still provide help for people. Understanding Culture I grew up in Townsville in the 1970’s and 1980’s, where Eddie Koiki Mabo lived. I was unaware of the fight Mabo was having for independence and land rights for his family (Perkins, 2008). Obliviously pursuing all I knew about culture in ballet and theatre, I was ignorant of racial tensions around me, from the late White Australia Policy (NSW Government, 2013). Politician, Joe Bjelke-Peterson was in the news, but I did not understand the racist attitudes being perpetuated that Australia was still better off ‘white’ than as a multicultural place to live. I am embarrassed now at my sheltered and ignorant upbringing during times of Indigenous racial attacks and discrimination. Just as embarrassing is the racial abuse being hidden from school lessons in Australian history, as though ignorance of Indigenous suffering might be acceptable to consider. Watching the film, â€Å"Looking for Alibrandi† (Woods, 2000), gave me another perspective on culture and other tensions, not between cross cultures, but more between individuals and generational cultures. The film highlighted the tensions felt by adolescents as they struggled to gain identity and independence from their parents. Peer pressure norms dominated, leaving teenagers fighting for new individual values of their own. However, just as adolescents were fighting for their identity to be separate and identifiably different from their parents, the adults were also struggling for their individual needs to be met. It seemed that everyone was struggling with a desire to be someone important, in his or her own right, even if the struggle was within the family or individually. I think this is no different for anyone of us, within any culture. We are all struggling to be heard, valued, wanted, loved and needed by others, no matter what age, gender, ethnicity or social status. Ap preciating the value of differences with diversity gives individuals unity in developing themselves and families. Developing Awareness Karen Anderson (personal communication, August 14, 2013) suggested we are shaped by the culmination of our thoughts about events and social interactions. Knowing our self is being aware of what has shaped us and who we are. Cross-cultural competence requires self-knowledge, before we can begin to relate to or understand others in their experiences. Watching a YouTube Blue Eyes Brown Eyes experiment by Jane Elliot (South, 2013) certainly opened my eyes on prejudice and racism. This film vividly displayed in role-play, the spoken and unspoken power struggles that occur between inferior marginalised groups and superior dominating groups. I listened to the superior authority figure hurl false accusations of idiocy at the inferiors and I felt the powerless humiliation of the inferior people being told to shut up. This was reminiscent of the same pain the Indigenous people suffered during the invasion and occupation of their land, from white colonialists (Cunneen, 2010). Coming to an understanding of the power of prejudice and discrimination that occurs almost naturally between groups of unequals, helps me appreciate the powers of social influence where ostracism continues to offend people in struggles for power (Sue, 2008). I can personally relate to this where I have felt ostracised by church friends. Since I decided to stop going to church and I have felt inferior or less than them, because I no longer attend church. I have had limited and even restricted in formation regarding my children who remain in the church. This experience has been quite discriminatory against me, considering I am still a mother and believe a relationship with my children is still important. Becoming a multiculturally competent professional requires an awareness of power struggles, knowledge of cultural differences and skills in communicating these relationships of supremacy and inferiority to people, in ways that engender change for the better (Hopkins, 2013). In realising this, I have discovered the kernel of starting with myself, to develop awareness of my own positions of power and powerlessness. I appreciate that by knowing me and my biases, I can better help people to know themselves and the implicit and explicit struggles they face, as they continue to work through challenges that are solvable and unsolvable. Appreciating the value of differences with diversity gives individuals unity within families and with others. Gaining Knowledge Since 1814 Aboriginal assimilation into white domination has been practiced, with the hope of breeding out Aboriginality from Indigenous people (Fact Sheet, 2013; Saggers, 2003). The movie, Rabbit Proof Fence (Noyce, 2002) depicts this in the 1930’s with the inhumane enforcement of removal of Indigenous children from their families, under the Aboriginal Protection Act of 1915. Two hundred years later, the impact of this destructive policy has lead to chronic grief and shorter life spans for the Indigenous (Reconcilliaction, 2007). Gaining this knowledge was disturbing, but without it, hope of understanding the plight of Indigenous and other minorities would continue to have me living in ignorance. Van Krieken, 2005 suggests individuals encounter personal problems from public issues when unaware of their association with communal, financial and governmental change. Thompson (2004) adds that personal peace for individuals is not readily available in the face of psychological blindness. Thompson suggests when individuals become aware of the external forces that impact their psychological blindness; an expansion of awareness can help ease the distress experienced. For example, Eddie Koiki Mabo was a unique individual who seemed to be psychologically fully sighted, in light of the government restrictions precluding him from possessing his land of inheritance on Murray Island. Determined to claim what was rightfully his land, he pressed forward in an unknown legal land of racial justifications. Mabo took his claim to the high court and by so doing helped many Indigenous people reclaim their lands and seas from the institutional power of Terra Nullius (Perkins, 2008). By contrast, the movie of Samson and Delilah (Thornton, 2009), demonstrates the psychological blindness Thompson speaks of where Indigenous people are blindly living lives of poverty, financial, sexual and drug abuse. Sadly, this movie illuminates the chronic sorrow of descendants from the Stolen Generations (NSW Government, 2013). Adolescents are unaware of the external source causing their grief and ongoing difficulties, which is really born of financial, political and institutional racism. In 2007 the Government delivered an official apology for the devastation of identity for Indigenous families (Reconcilliaction, 2007). Despite Government attempts for reconciliation, Roos (2002) predicts that people who remain in grief about incomplete losses, will continue to experience stress and disorders. This is where Sue’s ideology to use  perception in understanding difference would be useful, rather than what is right or wrong (2008). The value of perception could help with institutional problems experienced by people in ethnic and racial groups. Readings from Van Krieken (2005) on the social identities of colonialism, capitalism and globalism helped me appreciate my own cultural history. I now perceive that appreciating individual differences with diversity allows for unity with others, despite racial world-views. Practising Multiculturalism Remembering what has culturally shaped us, knowing the differences, and maintaining respect for individual differences, is being aware of multiculturalism (Hopkins, 2013). Sue and Smith argue that the art of practising multiculturalism is having a mutual relationship of sensitivity for cultural differences, care and concerns for power and beliefs, and respect for diversity between client and counsellor. This environment offers most potential for growth between all parties (2004; 2008). Understanding for identity values, world-views, security, mental health and of socio-political factors helps to stimulate positive interactions as well (Hopkins, 2013). Where these elements exist with openness and trust, a client is more inclined to disclose or not; and an individual’s most precious thoughts and feelings may be realised, in finding relief and growth (Karen Anderson, personal communication, September 19, 2013). A competent multicultural counsellor is also sensitive to institutional and individual issues and works to make them known in gentle ways, that provide support and strength (Sue, 2008). Where necessary, a competent multicultural counsellor employs an interpreter to help bridge any communication gaps for cultural differences (Sue, 2008). Using a particular counselling approach of the relational perspective helps benefit the personal growth potential for the counselling relationship. In this way, personal choices are invited which help promote self-development and responsibility in the client-counselling relationship (Hopkins, 2013). In reflection of my expectations for being culturally competent when I began this course, I note that I personally have changed and developed in my world-views on external authority and power struggles. For twenty years I had a religious belief in God, as a Mormon. I left that patriarchal faith last year. In the  process, I am freed of that authority, yet with children still in the church, I am still tied to the religious power of abuse and hypocrisy. I recognise my personal losses for children separated from me, but I am not without hope. Through employing Sue’s ideology of noticing my perceptions, I have come to appreciate there is beauty for diversity in life for people who celebrate differences (2008). In practising multiculturalism, I continue to find a greater unity within myself and with others. I appreciate that my experiences carry great resources that can strengthen others who also endure marginalisation and separation. Strengths of mutual difficulties in past, present or future circumstances shared with clients, will help to encourage unity from differences in diversity. Conclusion Thinking about differences with an open mind encourages creativity and growth for experiences in our own lives and with others. As a multicultural counsellor I am preparing to value others as I value myself. I will listen attentively and as I notice my own responses arise for cultural privileges, inequities, needs and biases, I will work to reduce them. I respect that I need to remain aware of my own views whilst allowing others their views and by listening thoughtfully, I will increase my knowledge of a client’s perspective. In developing myself, I can help others develop and together we can help to grow a greater consciousness for all, that there is beauty in unity, where differences in diversity can remain.