MALTREATMENT OF CHILDREN

Maltreatment of Children

In the present write-up, Erin highlights that those with disabilities do not receive treatment owing to overcrowding in asylums. According to Hibbard and Desch (2007), children with disabilities are more prone to neglect and abuse than children with no disabilities. Conditions associated with disability are inclusive of, but they are not limited to; behavioral problems, physical disability, visual impairment, emotional disturbance, and mental retardation. These are in some scenarios not reported (or are underreported), leading to maltreatment. To avoid the said form of discrimination, Erin notes that there would be need to focus on education i.e. in relation to ensuring that education is offered to all.

It would also be prudent to note that the causes of neglect and abuse in children with disabilities happen to be similar to the causes of neglect among children. Therefore, interventions for maltreatment should involve all children, as Erin points out. Apart from education, there exists other interventions. For instance, children maltreatment can be prevented by providing special healthcare to the said children. According to Hibbard and Desch (2007), special healthcare can be provided in form of multiple caregivers. Essentially, presence of many caregivers would help prevent maltreatment given that the said caregivers would be able to detect signs of abuse and injuries - as compared to a single caregiver. In addition, multiple caregivers would be able to offer additional support to children - which may not be possible if only a primary caregiver is involved (Hibbard and Desch, 2007). However, it is important to note that there is need to ensure that caregivers are selected and screened in a deliberate and careful manner.

References

Hibbard, R. A. & Desch, L. W. (2007). Maltreatment of Children with Disabilities. Pediatrics, 119(5), 1018-25. doi: 10.1542/peds.2007-0565.PMID: 17473105.