Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Child Abuse And Neglect: A Primer, Judith K. Schwartz

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this specialty paper is to present an overview of child abuse and neglect in the United States. This accomplished by researching previously published literature. Topics investigated include the epidemiological factors, personality characteristics of children and adults, etiology, diagnose and assessment procedures, intervention and treatment options and early identification and prevention. Sexual abuse, foster care and the legal problems associated with a diagnoses of child abuse/neglect are treated, briefly, as separate topics. In addition, critical comments in research methodology and findings and suggestions for further research can be found throughout the body of the paper.