The School Counselors' Ideas on Features, Determinant and Intervention of Child Negligence and Abuse Cases

Abstract

It is sad to know that many of the child negligence and child abuse cases, which are being frequently encountered in the society today, still remain s unknown. This perhaps is due to lack of information on the part of the administrators, school counselors and other related bodies in the management of such cases. In this study, 50 school counselors o shared their knowledge about features, determinants and intervention on child abuse and neglect. Counselors are key factors in the determination of child negligence and abuse cases. They usually have child psychology knowledge, and are regarded as specialist of such cases. Method: In this study, a qualitative research was carried out and interviewed with 50 school counselors working in Sinop. 350 minutes interview recorded and 60 pages and 26100 words transcribed in the interview recorded. Analysis: Data collected via semi constructed interviews have been subjected to descriptive and content analyses. Three questions asked to participant counselors. Findings: In this study, the counselors have been able to differentiate features and determination of negligence and abuse cases. However, it has been determined that the counselors’ information on intervention is limited. Conclusion: Although counselors have enough information on features and determination of neglected and abused child they think that their knowledge is insufficient. It is apparent that counselors have lack of information on how they intervene to negligence and abuse cases. Counselors should participate in conferences, seminars, symposiums or any information sharing process on child negligence and abuse. Faculties that have counseling and guidance program should open courses as elective or obligatory about negligence and abuse.