Child Protection Research Articles

Analisis Perlindungan Hukum Terhadap Anak Korban Kekerasan Seksual di Dinas Pemberdayaan Perempuan dan Perlindungan Anak Kota Tanjungbalai

The aim of this research is to find out how the Office of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection has attempted to implement legal protection in accordance with Law Number 35 of 2014 concerning Amendments to Law Number 23 of 2002 concerning Child Protection against cases of sexual violence against children, as well as to find out efforts made by the Tanjung Balai City Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Service to help child victims of sexual violence. This research was conducted at the Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Service in Tanjungbalai City, North Sumatra. The method used in this research is a qualitative descriptive research method. The qualitative descriptive method has the main characteristics, namely conducting research involving direct involvement in the field, acting as an observer, creating categories of actors, observing phenomena, recording them in an observation book, not manipulating variables, and focusing on scientific observation. The data collection technique used to obtain data is through interviews and documentation. The results of this research found that the efforts of the Tanjung Balai City Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Department have been running optimally, in accordance with Law Number 35 of 2014 concerning Amendments to Law Number 23 of 2002 concerning Child Protection against cases of sexual violence against children. The form of legal protection used is in the form of preventive and repressive legal protection. One of the programs being implemented is synchronizing and coordinating the prevention of violence against children, which is expected to reduce the number of cases of sexual violence against children in Tajung Balai City.

Prevention of sexual exploitation of children in sport clubs and social work in Switzerland

Abstract The Convention on the Rights of the Child, ratified in 1989, provides a clear normative basis for the protection of children from violence, abuse and exploitation. Despite efforts to protect children, many children and young people are victims of sexual violence. In the extracurricular sector, clubs offer great potential for preventing sexual exploitation. However, obstacles such as the taboo nature of the topic and the clubs’ limited resources make it difficult to develop and independently implement specific prevention offers. The aim of the project was to record the activities and competencies of sports clubs, youth associations and other youth organizations in the area of prevention of sexual assault among children and adolescents in the leisure sector and to determine the need for prevention services in the canton of Zurich in Switzerland. In addition, information was obtained on the impact of existing prevention services as well as information on their further development in terms of content and organization. Together, 979 participants from sports clubs, youth associations and youth organizations (e.g. board members, coaches, leaders) as well as the parents of children who are members of these clubs were surveyed. An impact model was developed for systematic modeling, as proposed by “Health Promotion Switzerland”. The prevention of sexualized violence is seen as a very relevant topic by sports clubs, youth associations, open child and youth work and parents. However, the current implementation of prevention measures also shows that there are still barriers to implementation and room for improvement in prevention work. Participants from all areas would particularly like support with advice on how to deal with suspected cases/incidents, the provision of information materials and the creation of a protection concept. Specific ideas for the further development of prevention work were also generated and will be discussed. Key messages • The prevention of sexualized violence is seen as a very relevant topic by sports clubs, youth associations, open child and youth work and parents. • The study reveals that prevention measures are only partially implemented and identifies barriers and facilitators for improvement.

A ADOÇÃO POR CASAIS HOMOAFETIVOS SOB A PERSPECTIVA DO DIREITO DE FAMÍLIA

Adoption by same-sex couples, from the perspective of Family Law, represents a significant advancement in equality of rights and recognition of diverse family forms. In many countries, Family Law has evolved to include same-sex couples in the adoption process, allowing them to form families and secure rights similar to those of heterosexual couples. Historically, same-sex couples have faced legal and social barriers to adopting children. However, case law and legislation have advanced, reflecting greater acceptance and understanding of same- sex relationships. For instance, Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court has ruled favorably on adoption by samesex couples, recognizing the validity of these unions and ensuring they can legally form a family. The decision to allow adoption by same-sex couples is based on the principle that the child's best interest should prevail. The ability to provide a loving and stable environment is considered more important than the adoptive parents' sexual orientation. Studies have shown that children adopted by same-sex couples develop as healthily as those adopted by heterosexual couples. Furthermore, legal recognition of adoption by same-sex couples contributes to the protection of children’s rights, ensuring they have access to all legal and social benefits provided by law.

Managing child abuse or suspected child abuse in primary care: Results from a qualitative study of general practitioners trained in detecting child abuse: Managing child abuse or suspected child abuse in primary care

IntroductionIdentifying and alerting suspected child abuse enables its investigation and management. In France, anyone can report the situation to child services when child abuse is suspected. However, the number of reports of concern received from physicians is low, and lack of knowledge is a frequent obstacle. This study aimed to explore the practices of trained general practitioners (GPs) regarding the identification and management of suspected child abuse. MethodWe led a qualitative study from February to November 2021 based on a grounded theory approach. We conducted semi-structured interviews with GPs working in the south of France who had received training in identifying child abuse. We performed an inductive analysis using NVivo software. ResultsWe interviewed 10 GPs (data saturation with seventh GP). Despite the training, obstacles seemed to persist, such as apprehension of the parents’ reaction, the technical difficulties of the process, and the lack of feedback after making a report. Being accompanied by a professional who can be directly contacted would facilitate the communication of worrying information. Without direct links to a single referent, doctors would prefer alternative ways of referring their patients to organizations they were familiar with. Discussion and conclusionGPs expressed a need for easy access to childcare professionals to support them in the decision to file a report of suspected child abuse. A multidisciplinary approach and a dedicated point of contact seemed to help the process. Nominating a child protection referent doctor per department and creating specific units in hospitals for children at risk would help GPs get effectual contacts for reporting worrying information and better care for children at risk of abuse.

Attachment goes to court in Sweden: perception and application of attachment concepts in child removal court decisions

ABSTRACT Concerns have been raised regarding misconceptions about attachment theory in child protection settings, but the application of attachment concepts in judicial child protection decisions has not been systematically explored. This study therefore examined the perception and application of attachment concepts in Swedish judicial decision protocols concerning involuntary removals of children (aged 0–2 years) where emotional neglect was a notable concern (n=28). Attachment concepts were frequently misunderstood, and imprecisely articulated. Unsystematic observations of child behavior were used to infer attachment insecurity and, by extrapolation, caregiving deficiencies. Attachment concepts were primarily used to support child removal, and insecure attachment seemed to be viewed as meeting the legally required level of risk to warrant involuntary child out–of–home placement. Our results indicate that misconceptions about attachment theory may be prevalent in judicial decision protocols. We emphasize the need to elaborate on risks in legally relevant ways without incorrect appeals to attachment theory.

Silent group sandplay activates healing

BackgroundThis paper describes the effect of silent group Sandplay (SP) with early adolescents as observed and reported in circumstances of deprivation, neglect and abuse. ObjectiveThe objective was to explore with childcare staff, group SP as an intervention with early adolescent participants. Participants and settingNine childcare staff participated in an in-depth SP exploration involving a series of six group SP sessions with five children at a child protection organisation in a resource-constrained context. MethodsGroup SP offered in a particular way in a protective child and youth care environment facilitated an opportunity for inner processing and self-discovery. In-depth semi-structured interviews with childcare staff conducted both before and after group SP provided descriptions of the SP experience for both children and adult participants. ResultsThe before-SP reports of the children's behaviour and demeanour highlighted wounding and after-SP observations indicated healing patterns. The before-SP topics included overwhelmedness, vulnerability, constrained resources, the need for change and culturally appropriate, accessible interventions. Themed descriptions after SP included a newfound desire to play and activation of healing for both child and adult participants. Healing processes indicated a desire to play, cooperation, openness, increased awareness, adaptation, grounding and belonging. The implications are potentially far-reaching in terms of the accessibility, efficiency and cultural suitability of providing group SP in child protection and community-based settings, particularly in contexts of deprivation, neglect and abuse.

Assessments, assumptions and ableism: examining court-ordered parenting capacity assessments of parents with intellectual disability and cognitive difficulties

ABSTRACT Background Parental intellectual disability is considered a risk factor for child removal internationally. In New South Wales, Australia, authorised clinicians are court appointed experts who assess parenting and cognitive capacity in child protection matters. Method This study examined a sample of 20 assessment orders requesting parenting capacity and cognitive capacity assessments and corresponding authorised clinician reports. Results Authorised clinicians were requested to assess whether parental intellectual disability and cognitive impairment posed the risk of harm to children. Clinicians assessed parents as either “able with support” or “unable” to provide adequate care to their child. Conclusion Our findings highlight the law’s conceptualisation of risk, parenting capacity, and cognitive impairment in binary terms (i.e., risk or no risk, able or unable), which in turn limits casework planning and clinicians’ framing of parents’ abilities. We provide recommendations to improve fair and equitable assessment processes for parents with cognitive difficulties, as well as access to timely and appropriate services.

"They helped me stand on my own two feet": Canadian parents with intellectual disabilities in child protection.

Research on the lived experience of Canadian parents with intellectual disabilities involved in child protection is limited, particularly inclusive research with parents with intellectual disabilities involved in Canada's changing child protection system. This inclusive study was done in collaboration with a co-researcher with intellectual disabilities who had lived experience as a parent. 13 parents from three Canadian regions participated in semistructured interviews about their involvement in child protection. Four major themes emerged in the findings: 1) key supports that contributed to positive outcomes; 2) parents' attitudes toward child protection agencies and perceived attitudes about themselves; 3) systemic barriers impacting accessibility and the child protection experience; and 4) parents' advice to other parents and professionals in child protection. This study provides a promising picture of child protection agencies as a key support despite existing barriers. Implications for social service providers are offered and areas for further exploration are discussed.

Agency support for at-risk families: service provision, challenges and effective elements for intervention

ABSTRACT There is an urgent need to locate effective interventions for parents involved with child protection services (CPS), Oranga Tamariki in Aotearoa New Zealand. This article describes a qualitative research study that sought to understand: (1) the nature of service provision to families; (2) workers’ perceptions of challenges and effective treatment components in delivering intervention; and (3) effective practices for working with Māori. Participants were staff members working within NGOs, providing interventions to families with ongoing Oranga Tamariki involvement. Data comprised responses to semi-structured interviews (n = 9), interpreted using thematic analysis. Findings highlighted that all participants worked within family homes to deliver intervention, and drew on Te Whare Tapa Whā. Challenges included ongoing child maltreatment concerns and participants’ sense of responsibility for keeping children safe whilst being unable to do so adequately within their non-mandated roles. Perceived effective elements were: strong relationships, transparency, and having courageous conversations when needed. For indigenous clients, self-determination and the effects of colonisation were of prime importance. Themes highlighted responsive practice, with a pragmatic understanding that family priorities may not always align with professional views. This is consistent with international findings regarding challenges in delivering parenting interventions and identifies potential essential components for effective practice. HIGHLIGHTS Practitioners’ perceptions of essential elements to effective practice included: strong relationships, honesty, reciprocity, and directness regarding child protection concerns. Effective practices seen to be particular to working with Māori families were trusting, reciprocal relationships and ensuring self-determination and autonomy. Ethical tensions and a sense of complicity and helplessness at times were described, with ongoing child protection concerns evident during intervention for some families. Practitioners took a holistic approach to their work, expressing non-judgment, sympathy for, and understanding of the complex circumstantial and personal challenges faced by Oranga Tamariki-involved parents. Glossary of Māori terms: awhi: embrace, cherish; kaimahi: staff members; kanohi ki te kanohi: face to face; karakia: blessing; kaupapa Māori: Māori approach; kete: basket; kōrero: to speak; mana: prestige; manaakitanga: hospitality; mana whenua: people with rights over the land; marae: meeting house; Pākehā: New Zealander of European descent; pepeha: introduction; pēpi: baby; pono: true; pōwhiri: welcome ceremony; tamariki: children; tangata: people; tika: correct; tikanga: custom; tutū: mischevious; waiata: song; whakapapa: genealogy; whānau: family; whanaungatanga: relationship; whare: house.

Law Enforcement Against Children Perpetrating Narcotics Crimes in Teluk Bintuni Regency

The child's immaturity in mental health and the way of thinking and behaving that is often hasty in making decisions is a disaster for him, so he falls into the trap of narcotics. When the child is suspected of committing a crime, the existing formal justice system ultimately places the child in the status of a prisoner, which of course has quite significant consequences for the child's growth and development. Based on Law Number 35 of 2014 concerning Child Protection, states that the arrest, detention, or imprisonment of a child is only carried out by applicable law and can only be carried out as a last resort. The criminalization system for children as perpetrators of drug abuse from the perspective of criminal policy cannot be separated from the formulation stage, which includes the definition of drug abuse by children, the background of the development stage by children as subjects of criminal law, and the development of theories of punishment and models for regulating types of criminal sanctions for children as perpetrators of drug abuse. These are also very important because if there are weaknesses in the formulation, it can hinder the enforcement of justice to protect children. Law enforcement against children who commit drug abuse crimes is seen as a diversion path implemented using the provisions of the SPPA Law, namely through penal mediation. Penal mediation is used in the early stages when there is a desire by the child to resolve his/her problems, accompanied by the relevant parties, namely parents, victims and their families, community leaders, and mediators in leading the forum.

The spillover of violence: The gendered relationship between parental physical violence and peers’ bullying victimization

Child welfare and protection are of importance in low- and middle-income countries, yet parental physical violence (PPV) towards children is still widespread in Vietnam. Despite existing research on the adverse consequences of PPV, there is a lack of evidence from developing countries, particularly regarding its peer effects. This study investigated the association between class-level exposure to PPV and an individual student’s risk of bullying victimization. Potential gender differences in the association were also examined. This study utilized nationally representative data from the Young Lives: School Survey, Vietnam, 2011–2012 (YLSSV 2011–2012) (N = 2,508). This study leveraged quasi-exogenous variation arising from the random assignment of students to classes by employing school fixed effects models. The results of this study showed a significant positive association between a higher proportion of classmates exposed to PPV and an individual student’s risk of bullying victimization. This association remained significant even after adjusting for individual-level exposure to PPV and a variety of individual- and class-level covariates. Gender-stratified analyses revealed that PPV among male peers (but not female peers) is significantly associated with bullying victimization risk for both boys and girls. The findings of this study highlight that the negative impacts of violent parenting practices extend beyond the directly affected children, influencing their peers as well. This emphasizes the importance of protecting students from physical violence in the home environment.

The Role of Judicial Powers in Guaranteeing the Right to Education: A Systematic Study of Litigation in Mexico

Abstract This article aims to analyse the role of Mexican District Courts in cases related to the education sector and, specifically, the stance courts take on guaranteeing the right to education. The study is conducted through thematic and frequency analysis of judgments available from indirect amparo trials in administrative and labour matters across the 32 judicial circuits in Mexico during 2019, 2020 and the first semester of 2021. This study arises from the need to understand, from the perspective of judicialisation, the impact that the Mexican education sector has faced in the context of approved structural reforms in recent years, the problems of quality and equality experienced, and any exacerbations provoked by the covid-19 pandemic. The article’s discussion centres on certain paradigmatic and particularly relevant cases for the protection of children’s right to education in Mexico, including the examination of both the claims presented by the claimants and the arguments developed by the adjudicating institutions.

23 Probing bias: Understanding the experiences of Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) caregivers for children with developmental disabilities and their involvement with child protection

Abstract Background In Canada and abroad, a disproportionate number of Black Indigenous and Persons of Colour (BIPOC) experience referral to child protective services (CPS). Children with developmental disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and intellectual disabilities (IDD), are also disproportionately CPS-involved. Recent Canadian research has suggested that almost a quarter of children from a complex care paediatric program are CPS-involved, however there is no known research for ASD/IDD populations seen in a general paediatric clinic. Further, intersections of race/ethnicity and ASD/IDD and CPS involvement have not been examined. Objectives We are conducting a mixed methods study to explore the intersections of race, developmental disabilities and involvement with CPS for our paediatric population. Design/Methods Phase 1: We completed a retrospective cohort study of 349 patients (0-18 years of age) who were seen by a paediatrician and social worker at a large, hospital-based paediatric clinic in Toronto, Canada in 2019. Electronic medical record data was reviewed and the following binary variables (yes/no) coded CPS-involved or referral made, 1+ caregiver identify as BIPOC, and primary language of caregiver(s) not English. Results Preliminary analyses indicate that 11.7% of our sample is CPS-involved. Contrary to over-representation of BIPOC families in the general CPS population, we found that the proportion of families involved with CPS was lower for BIPOC than non-BIPOC families. A similar pattern was observed for primary language, with a trend towards caregivers who reported English as a second language being less likely to be CPS-involved. In our presentation, we will present analyses regarding the type and intensity of CPS involvement and include other demographic characteristics of the family. These findings will be interpreted with findings from Phase 2 (currently underway), which explores lived experiences of 40 caregivers involved with CPS drawn from Phase 1. Conclusion Within an ASD/IDD patient sample, BIPOC families were less likely to be involved with CPS than non-BIPOC families. This finding is in stark contrast to provincial rates that suggest a 2.2 times greater likelihood of CPS-involvement for Black youth. While these results on the surface suggest equity, they may still reflect bias. It is possible that the concerns of BIPOC families are being downplayed in comparison to non-BIPOC families, reducing their access to supportive services.

Child Grooming (Technology-Based Sexual Harassment) in the Context of Indonesian Law

Child grooming is a form of sexual harassment that continues to develop because sexual harassment is often carried out directly by the perpetrator, and is often carried out through social media. The perpetrator manipulates Child Grooming by being kind and attentive so that the child believes that the person he has just met is a good person. In Indonesia, Child Grooming is a new type of crime, and is based on existing regulations. The method used in this study is normative legal research. The approach in the research utilizes a legislative approach. The legal materials used in this study are primary legal materials, secondary legal materials, and tertiary legal materials. In the normative law research that is being carried out, the data collection method is by conducting a bibliographic study. The act of Child Grooming is a form of sexual crime that uses minors as targets. Although the Child Protection Law has regulated the protection of children, the existing articles are still limited in regulating obscene acts in general. And in the regulations in Indonesia there are 10 rules or articles that can be imposed on Child Grooming perpetrators.

Identifying the Challenges in the Detection and Protection of Child Victims of Human Trafficking in Spain: A Case Study of the Southern European Border

Despite the improvements in enhanced child protection, there is an increasing concern about the vulnerability and cases of child trafficking in Spain, the southern gateway to Europe from the African continent. Analyzing 23 interviews with professionals in the field, this article identifies the factors that contribute to high levels of child trafficking in Spain. This study identifies three primary results: (1) The dangers of residential childcare as places of recruitment; (2) The southern European and Spanish border as a place of elevated risk for the recruitment of children; (3) The stereotypes regarding child trafficking make invisible male victims, other types of trafficking for non-sexual purposes, domestic trafficking, and individual trafficking. Therefore, it remains imperative to advance a set of policies that: (i) invest in specific residential childcare resources for child victims either alone or with family members; (ii) invest in smaller residential childcare to prevent abuse; (iii) invest in mentoring programs for children previously under state guardianship; (iv) improve the working conditions and the training of residential childcare staff; (v) increase the visibility and diversity of child trafficking while avoiding stereotypes; (vi) improve the regional coordination; (vii) invest in campaigns to inform children about the dangers involved in running away, exploitation and abuse.

13 Child maltreatment in Canada in the time of COVID-19: Experiences of child protection teams

Abstract Background At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, there were many fears regarding the effect on children’s wellbeing – specifically with regards to increased exposure to violence and potential for abuse and neglect within their homes. Early experiences of child protect teams (CPT) in the literature from one Canadian tertiary care center revealed a number of adaptations in their child abuse programs such as a move toward virtual assessments. Objectives Our descriptive study seeks to understand the perspectives, practices, and experiences of child protection teams in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic with regards to: clinical practice, interactions with child welfare organizations and the justice system, team modes of operating and medical education. These lessons can be applied to child maltreatment and neglect clinical practice in the event of future pandemics, natural disasters, and to provide care to rural areas of Canada. Design/Methods Using a web-based, bilingual, mixed methods survey, we asked both quantitative and open-ended qualitative questions to members of CPTs across Canada. Thematic analysis was completed on qualitative responses. We received a total of 11 responses. Results Respondents unanimously reported a decrease in referrals during the COVID-19 pandemic. 64% endorsed the use of new virtual tools. Virtual tools were used to collaborate amongst members of the CPT as well as with external partners (such as child welfare and justice system). Interestingly, there was minimal adaptation of these tools in patient-facing contexts. 57% of respondents foresee these tools to continue being used in a post-COVID-19 context, and 71% see relevance of these tools for use in rural contexts. Respondents reported that virtual clinical discussions changed the way medical education and case discussion in child maltreatment was delivered. Conclusion These findings describe not only the adaptation of child protection teams to the pandemic, but also robust changes to clinical practice, interactions with partner organizations and the justice system, team modes of operating and medical education in child maltreatment and neglect in Canada.

Vaccinations in pulmonary diseases - part 2: herpes zoste, RSV, pneumococcal infection and pertussis

RSV is a common cause of respiratory tract infections, posing a risk of severe disease, particularly for newborns and infants, as well as in older individuals with pre-existing conditions. Two safe and effective RSV vaccines were approved in 2023. These vaccines elicit protective antibodies and offer robust protection with no additional benefit from annual boosters. Both vaccines have been approved for individuals aged 60 years and older, while one of the vaccines has also been approved in pregnant women to elicit maternal immunity for passive protection of the unborn child. In Germany, RSV vaccination is currently recommended for all individuals aged 75 years and older, as well as people aged 60-74 years of age with severe underlying conditions. PNEUMOCOCCAL INFECTION: Streptococcus pneumoniae is a primary cause of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Since early 2022, a 20-valent conjugate vaccine (PCV20) is approved and recommended for people over 60 years of age and individuals over 18 years of age with risk factors. PCV20 replaces the 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23) previously recommended for those over 60 years of age. Although viewed primarily as a childhood disease, the majority of infections affect adults. Patients with chronic respiratory diseases are at a higher risk for severe clinical course of pertussis infection. It has therefore been recommended that all adults should get a pertussis booster with their next scheduled tetanus vaccination, given as a combination vaccine (Tdap). For risk groups (healthcare personnel, community facilities) a booster vaccination every 10 years is recommended. Herpes Zoster (shingles) is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, and reactivations can lead to painful skin lesions and potential complications such as herpes zoster oticus, meningitis, or postherpetic neuralgia. People with chronic lung diseases such as COPD or asthma are at increased risk of herpes zoster-related complications. A recombinant adjuvanted inactivated vaccine was approved in 2018 and offers robust protection against herpes zoster and its complications. The vaccine is recommended for all people over 60 years of age and for certain risk groups over 50 years of age.

Is there a place for ‘community’? Transnational governance, post-socialist authoritarianism, and deinstitutionalization in a child protection NGO in Hungary

With a focus on processes of community building from above and deinstitutionalization, the paper explores how concepts of transnational policymaking become localized in particular societal contexts. Specifically, through a case of recent transformations in a child-protection NGO in Hungary, it inquires into professional discourses of ‘deinstitutionalization’ and ‘community-based care’ in the context of post-socialist authoritarianism. The analysis exposes how financial scarcity pressured the management of the NGO to redefine family-community-institution boundaries, to legitimize the downsizing of services and staff, and to reassign childcare duties to less-paid and less-recognized positions. Austerity measures disguised as emancipatory processes of deinstitutionalization have already been described in numerous European contexts. To nuance this picture, we show how discourses of the East-West slope of modernization emerging in Central-Eastern Europe, and recent discourses of familisation and carefare dominating pubic policies in Hungary enhance such discursive shifts. Through our case study we draw attention to the role of professional and political discourses, transnational and national, in reinforcing restricted imaginaries of care. We also formulate the call for empirical analyses on how the caring for children unfold into hybrid – state and civic dominated - contexts, in practice, beyond simplistic and essentialising ideological categorisations of ‘family’, ‘community’ and ‘institution’.

Penelantaran Anak: Analisis Berdasarkan Hukum Pidana dan Hukum Pidana Islam

The main problem of this study is to analyze the crime of Child Neglect based on Criminal Law and Islamic Criminal Law. This study discusses the legal analysis of the form of the crime of child neglect, starting from the definition, risk factors, signs, and legal sanctions that regulate the crime of child neglect seen in the analysis of criminal law and Islamic criminal law. Research method: This study uses a qualitative method that examines the relationship between the variables studied and the hypotheses that can be tested. The type of research used in this study is normative law research, which uses normative case studies in the form of legal behavior products, such as reviewing laws. The subject of this study is law, which is conceptualized as a norm or rule. The approach used in this study is library research and the literature, which contains theoretical theories relevant to research problems, and shows that, First, in Indonesia's criminal law, the crime of child neglect is regulated by Child Protection Law Number 35 of 2014, where the perpetrator can be subject to prison sanctions and/or fines. Second, from the perspective of Islamic criminal law, child neglect is also seen as an act that violates Sharia, with sanctions that can include ta'zir punishment adjusted to the seriousness of the violation and the condition of the perpetrator.

Mental health-related hospitalisations of adolescents and their contact with child protection services to age 11 years, South Australia: a whole-of-population descriptive study.

To investigate the number of mental health-related hospitalisations of adolescents (12-17 years) in South Australia by level of contact with the child protection system (0-11 years). Whole-of-population descriptive study; analysis of de-identified linked administrative data from the Better Evidence Better Outcomes Linked Data (BEBOLD) platform. Adolescents born in South Australia, 1991-1999; linked SA Department for Child Protection, Admitted Patient Care (SA Health), and South Australian Perinatal Statistics collection (SA Department for Health and Wellbeing) data. Proportion of adolescents (12-17 years) hospitalised with mental health-related diagnoses; proportion of mental health-related hospitalisations of adolescents, by level of child protection contact (0-11 years) (no contact, notification but not screened in, screened-in notification but not investigated, investigation but not substantiated, substantiation, and out-of-home care). Of 175 115 adolescents born during 1991-1999, 5646 (3.2%) had been hospitalised with mental health conditions, and 27 203 (15.5%) had histories of contact with child protection services. The proportion of adolescents admitted to hospital with mental health-related diagnoses increased with the level of prior child protection contact, from 3366 of 147 912 adolescents with no contact (2.3%), to 398 of 6645 with notifications (6.0%), to 209 of 1191 who had been placed in out-of-home care (17.5%). Contact with child protection services was recorded for 2280 of 5646 adolescents admitted to hospital with mental health-related diagnoses (40.4%); 4477 of 10 633 mental health-related hospitalisations (44.9%) were of adolescents with histories of child protection services contact, including 1285 hospitalisations (12.1%) of adolescents for whom substantiated maltreatment (but not out-of-home care) was recorded, and 568 hospitalisations (5.3%) of adolescents who had been placed in out-of-home care. About 45% of mental health-related hospitalisations of 12-17-year-old adolescents were of people who had had contact with child protection services by the age of 11 years, although only 15.5% of all adolescents had histories of child protection contact. The trauma associated with a history of child protection can have longer term sequelae, and this should be considered when adolescents are hospitalised with mental health conditions.