Critical Response Paper 3

Marc Schoendorf

University of Connecticut

Critical Response Paper 3

Introduction

This paper takes into consideration different articles that are written to draw attention to some of key social concerns that are widespread in the world. Thes concerns need to be addressed so that the living standards of people can be improved. Improved standards of living enable people to not help themselves, but also the people around them. Overcoming these problems will facilitate the development of unity and harmony in the society (Andrews & Khavinson, 2011).

Discussion

This paper presents a comparative view of child maltreatment and juvenile justice within the context of Women, Families, and Violence based on a wide array of constitutional concepts discussed in the articles. This paper presents an insight of the philosophical underpinnings, including natural law and legal positivism (Laakso & Drevdahl, 2006).

Child Maltreatment

Child abuse and neglect also referred to collectively as child maltreatment, comprises the legal and social definitions of specific typologies, including physical abuse, physical neglect, emotional/psychological neglect, and sexual abuse (Svevo-Cianci, 2010). Legal definitions of the different types of maltreatment vary from state to state, but their source is societal standards of a safe, nurturing environment that ensures a child can grow into a fully functioning, contributing member of society. The definitions below are based on those used by the American Humane Society and other standard sources in the field (Righthand, Kerr & Drach, 2003)

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is the most visible of the maltreatment typologies. It is defined as inflicted, non-accidental physical injury, or the risk of injury, to a child by a caregiver or parent. The injury often results from inappropriate or excessive discipline. Discipline and cultural practices are part of determining what crosses the threshold for the legal definition of abuse. Most of the Western world accepts corporal punishment as a means of discipline. The question becomes how one differentiates between discipline and abuse. Generally, physical abuse is confirmed when the injury goes beyond temporary redness and results in bruises, broken bones, burns, bite marks, internal injuries, disfigurement, impairment of health or daily functioning, or risk of death (Svevo-Cianci, 2010).

Neglect

Neglect, the most often reported maltreatment typology, is an act of omission by the parent or caregiver that is harmful to the child. What constitutes neglect depends on societal mores, community standards and culture, and economic and political values. It is subdivided into physical, medical, educational, and in some cases emotional neglect. (Emotional neglect will be dealt with below as a separate category) .

Medical neglect is a failure to provide needed medical treatment, placing the child at serious risk of death, disfigurement, or disability. Examples of medical neglect include not giving a child with diabetes the required medication or monitoring and not seeking immediate medical care for a child with a severe injury.

Educational neglect includes failure to make an effort to ensure that a child attends school or has a reasonable alternative for pursuing educational requirements (e.g., home schooling). Examples include a parent permitting a child's chronic truancy, failing to enroll a child in ...