Abuse, Neglect and Maltreatment of Children with
Special Needs
Presented by:Shawn Preston, Director of Children’s Services
Tonya Ricker, Coordinator of Family Support Services
Risk Factors for Abuse (1 of 3)
Prior history of child abuse or neglectDisruptions in bonding and attachment
Persistent, serious family stressCaregiver’s negative attitude about parenting
Lack of knowledge about child development that leads to unrealistic expectations of the child
Risk Factors for Abuse (2 of 3)
Inappropriate or severe discipline practices
Involvement with the juvenile justice system
Low income familySingle parent householdTeen pregnancy
Risk Factors for Abuse (2 of 3)
History of family substance abuse
Persistent, serious family conflict Child(ren) or parent(s) with established and/ or developmental conditions that impact their family’s functioning
Family management problemsPoor parental supervision
US CensusAccording to the US Census, Broward County has a higher prevalence of residents with disabilities than the national average
Statistics
• Children with disabilities are now 3.4 times more likely to be maltreated than nondisabled peers
• 9% prevalence rate of maltreatment for nondisabled children
• 31% prevalence rate for the disabled children.
(Sullivan and Knutson)
Factors that Increase Risk for Children with Special Needs (1 of 2)
Significant Family Stress associated with Child’s Needs
Parental lack of appropriate expectations, knowledge and skills to care for the unique and challenging needs of their child(ren) with disabilities.
Lack of Resources
Factors that Increase Risk for Children with Special Needs (2 of 2)
Children unable to report
Significantly higher risk of marital dissolution and unemployment
Isolation
Protective Factors
socialization
Education
Family
Protective Factors
Parental resilience
Social Connections
Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development
Concrete support for parents
Children's social and emotional development (Nurturing and Attachment)
Poverty Alleviation and Pathway to Self-Sufficiency
Family Strengthening
Early Identification of Risks and/or Abuse
Parent EducationParent Skill Development Networking with other Families
and needed ResourcesDevelopment of individually
tailored Strategies and Interventions
ARC Broward Parents as Teachers
Parents are their children’s first and most influential teachers
The early years lay the foundation for children’s success in school and in life.
The program offers child development activities that encourage language development, intellectual growth, social development and motor skills
ARC Broward Parents as Teachers
Teaches Realistic Individually Tailored Expectations of Child
Teaches positive Parenting and Discipline
Reinforces ways to strengthen the parent’s relationship with the child
Provides ABA Therapy and Mental Health Counseling
Links to Community ResourcesBuilds Social and Support Networks
Community Resources for Individuals with Special Needs
and At-Risk Families
Family Strengthening ProgramsCounty Funded Respite CARECSC Funded MOST ProgramsCommunity Mental Health Centers Advocates
Community Resources for Individuals with Special Needs
and At-Risk FamiliesCase Management funded by
CountyEducation/Therapy:
◦Birth to 3 – CDTC◦3-5 FDLRS (Screening/Assessment)Developmental/Public School Preschools
◦Outpatient Therapies
Community Resources for Individuals with Special Needs and At-Risk Families
Leisure/Recreation/Social Parent Network/Support Groups
Faith Based SupportsInformation/Referral (211)
Abuse, Neglect and Maltreatment of Children with Special Needs
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