Reported Child Abuse Research Articles

The Nature and Scope of Reported Child Maltreatment in Euro-CAN Countries: Current Evidence and Future Opportunities

Most European Cooperation on Science and Technology (COST) affiliated countries aim to advance the goal of protecting children from maltreatment. However, despite the increasing numbers of population-based surveys, the development of administrative data systems has lagged. In this study, we aimed to examine the current state of development of administrative data systems in a sample of countries represented in the COST Action 19106 network, Multi-Sectoral Responses to Child Abuse and Neglect in Europe: Incidence and Trends (Euro-CAN). A structured questionnaire was distributed to researchers and professionals within Euro-CAN-affiliated countries, which captured economic, legislative, systemic, and data infrastructure characteristics. Thematic trends for 13 sampled countries were presented descriptively. The implementation of legislative measures such as banning corporal punishment varied substantially, with some countries decades apart. Almost all sampled countries mandate reports of suspected child maltreatment for all or some professionals in contact with children. In most countries, public child protection, health, or law enforcement systems are decentralized, and unsubstantiated/inconclusive incidents of suspected child maltreatment are not systematically collected at the national level. Child maltreatment data is not routinely collected in health sectors in all sampled countries. Where data is collected in different sectors, such as police and child protection agencies, different descriptions are often used. Systematic data linkage remains a seldom occurrence with only a few countries offering this capability. The call for Euro-CAN countries to develop multi-sectoral data systems to capture recorded instances of child maltreatment remains relevant.

Factors Associated with Intention to Report Child Abuse among Early Childcare Providers in North-eastern Preschools, Malaysia

INTRODUCTION: Despite the rising number of child abuse in Malaysia, there are only few studies documenting early childcare providers' (ECPs') intention to report child abuse. ECPs play a vital impact because they closely interact with the children and nearly daily observe them. They should take the lead in ending the cycle of abuse in order to safeguard the children. The aim of our study was to determine the factors that influence ECPs' intentions to report child abuse. MATERIALS AND METHOD: 457 ECPs working in preschools registered under the Community Development Department in Kelantan, the North-eastern part of peninsular Malaysia participated in a cross-sectional study utilising the Early Childhood Educators Child Abuse Questionnaire (ECECAQ) in Malay, which has been validated. RESULTS: Increasing knowledge was significantly associated with the intention to report to the authorities as revealed by multiple logistic regression. CONCLUSION: Our findings justify the need for a comprehensive module and integrated standardized training on child abuse for ECPs in Malaysia to improve their knowledge, thus empowering them to report any child abuse case.

Development and validation of the intention to report child abuse tool: A psychometric research study

BackgroundThere is a lack of comprehensive and concisely validated tools to measure schoolteachers' intention to report child abuse and neglect in an Arabic context. This study aims to develop and evaluate the validity and reliability of the Intention to Report Child Abuse Tool (IRCAT) to measure schoolteachers' intentions to report child abuse and neglect. MethodsThe framework proposed by Benson and Clark (1982) was used to guide scale development. The theory of planned behavior (TPB) and literature review guided the construction of the IRCAT items. Total of 653 Arab female schoolteachers from 200 cycle 1 education schools in Oman were recruited in the study using convenience sampling technique. The validity of the tool was determined by assessing its face validity, content validity, and construct validity. Psychometric properties were tested using exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Inter-item correlations and internal consistency were used to determine the reliability of the tool. ResultsThe newly developed IRCAT demonstrated excellent face and content validity. Using EFA, four factors (i.e., attitudes, perceived behavioral control, subjective norms, and intention to report) were determined for construct validity (KMO = 0.92). The tool also showed good overall internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.82) and acceptable inter-item correlations (varied between 0.003 and 0.62, with about 20% of the correlation coefficients below 0.1). ConclusionThis study suggests that the IRCAT is a valid and reliable tool to assess schoolteachers' intention to report child abuse and neglect in an Arabic context. Implications to practiceIRCAT tool can be utilized by researchers and practitioners interested in investigating the phenomenon of child abuse.

Effects of COVID on Mandated Child Abuse Reporting Among Nurses: The Mediating Role of Compassion Fatigue.

Because COVID triggered elevated rates of child abuse, but diminished rates of child abuse reporting, we explored predictors of nurses' attitudes toward reporting suspected child abuse during the COVID pandemic. In particular, we expected that compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction would mediate the effects of COVID-related stressors (i.e., exposure to COVID patient death and suffering; COVID-related family income loss; frequent direct care of COVID patients; and parental burnout) on nurses' negative attitudes toward reporting suspected child abuse. Employing chain-referral sampling, we recruited a sample of 244 registered nurses (83% White; 87% women). Supporting hypotheses, compassion fatigue mediated the effects of job-related COVID stressors (exposure to COVID patient death and suffering; COVID-related family income loss; and frequent direct care of COVID patients) on nurses' negative attitudes toward reporting suspected child abuse. In addition, among nurses who were also parents, nurses' self-reported parental burnout mediated the relation between compassion fatigue and negative attitudes toward reporting suspected child abuse. In addition, compassion satisfaction mediated the effect of nurses' parental burnout on nurses' negative attitudes toward reporting suspected child abuse.

Distinguishing profiles of adversity among child protection investigations in Ontario, Canada: A latent class analysis

BackgroundChild welfare-involved families have diverse and multi-faceted needs. Families who experience poverty and are investigated by the child protection system may represent a particularly vulnerable group. ObjectiveThis study aims to understand the unique profiles of need that exist for families who experience poverty and are investigated by the Ontario child protection system. Participants and settingData from the Ontario Incidence Study of Reported Child Abuse and Neglect 2018 (OIS-2018) was used. The OIS-2018 is a cross-sectional study which collected information on investigations conducted in Ontario, Canada in 2018. MethodsA latent class analysis was conducted to identify and describe distinct classes of adversity among a representative sample of child protection investigations. Indicators of child, caregiver and economic adversity were used. ResultsThis study found evidence for eight distinct classes of adversity. With the exception of a low adversity class which emerged, the identified classes were characterized by distinct profiles of cooccurring adversities and there were several classes where indicators of poverty were probable. Investigation dispositions varied greatly by class. ConclusionsThe findings highlight the importance of ensuring an optimal fit between the distinct needs of investigated families and the child welfare interventions provided. Services and supports that are tailored to the specific constellations of cooccurring adversities that families face may be more effective in reducing the need for future child welfare involvement and/or more intrusive child protection responses. It is likely that investigated families who experience poverty would benefit from a range of economic and concrete supports.

Comparative analysis of child protection investigations in Ontario and Quebec, Canada

BackgroundThe Canadian child protection system is a network of provincial, territorial, and federal systems. Each province and territory has unique child protection legislation and service delivery practices. There is significant variation between the legislations and processes which inevitably determines which children and families are investigated. ObjectiveThis study examines the clinical case characteristics to understand the drivers related to the significant difference in child protection investigation rates occurring in Ontario and Quebec, Canada. Relevant legislations and policies are also examined. Participant and settingThe study uses data from four provincial Incidences Studies: 1) the Ontario Incidence Study of Reported Child Abuse and Neglect-2013 (OIS-2013), 2) the Quebec Incidence Study on Investigations of Child Protection-2014 (EIQ-2014); 3) OIS-2018); and 4) EIQ-2019. These studies are cross-sectional and collect de-identified information on child protection investigations which occurred in the relative province and year. MethodsDescriptive tests were conducted to examine differences between clinical case characteristics of the four Incidence Studies. Incidence rates were calculated using Statistics Canada Census data. Confidence intervals were conducted to test for significant differences. ResultsThere is a statistically significant difference in the investigation rates between OIS-2013 and EIQ-2014, and OIS-2018 and EIQ-2019. There is no statistically significant difference in the substantiation rates between OIS-2013 and EIQ-2014, and no clinical difference in the substantiation rates between OIS-2018 and EIQ-2019. ConclusionsIt is a critical time to examine screening procedures and tools to ensure resources are used effectively and reduce negative impacts on children and families unnecessarily investigated. Keywords: child welfare, policy, provincial comparisons, incidence rates.

Uncovering physical harm in cases of reported child maltreatment

BackgroundChild protection statutes are designed to protect children from harm, yet there is surprisingly limited information available about injuries or other forms of harm documented in cases of reported child maltreatment. ObjectiveTo examine trends in the rate of substantiated child maltreatment investigations in Canada involving physical harm over a twenty-year period. Participants and SettingThe Canadian Incidence Study of Reported Child Abuse and Neglect (CIS) is a cyclical study which uses a file review methodology to collect information about child maltreatment-related investigations from child protection workers across Canada. MethodsWe conducted secondary analysis of data from three cycles of the CIS (1998, 2008, and 2019). Because information on physical harm was not available from Quebec during the 2019 cycle, we limited the analyses to the rest of Canada, excluding Quebec. FindingsThe rate of child maltreatment-related investigations has more than doubled between 1998 and 2019 from 24.53 to 56.03 investigations per 1000 children. Rates of substantiated maltreatment have also increased (from 10.21 to 17.56 investigations per 1000 children), while the rate of substantiated investigations involving documented physical harm has decreased (from 1.81 to 0.79 investigations per 1000 children). ConclusionChild protection agencies in Canada are identifying less physical harm than they were two decades ago although the overall rate of investigations has increased in the same time period. A better understanding of the scope of injuries and the profile of children and families investigated is essential to understanding the extent to which child protection systems are effectively meeting their duty to protect.

Child Maltreatment and Child Protection in the Time of COVID-19

Abstract: Jill Duerr Berrick uses a diverse range of data sources to examine the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on family dynamics and trends in child maltreatment and protection in the United States. While there was a sharp decline in official reports of child abuse and neglect during the height of the pandemic's lockdowns and social restrictions, hospital admissions for injuries to children from suspected maltreatment and abuse increased. Relying on official reports of abuse and neglect does not accurately reflect the experiences of the many children whose families were disrupted by the pandemic. Significantly, the implementation of remote learning meant teachers and other school personnel did not have the advantage of observing daily children's physical and mental condition. But self-reporting by parents and investigators shows heightened stress within families and an increased use of harsh parenting techniques. Berrick also explores the "toxic trio" of domestic violence, substance abuse, and evidence of diminished mental health. Berrick calls for comprehensive efforts to address child and family poverty by recognizing the urgent need to improve support systems for vulnerable populations, especially children in those families, during times of societal upheaval such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Assessment of current child abuse policies in Saudi Arabia within the healthcare context: a comprehensive review

Background Global efforts to protect children from violence have been ongoing since the early 20th century. In Saudi Arabia, several policies were implemented to protect children from abuse and exploitation. Objective This review examines the current landscape of child abuse policies within the healthcare system of Saudi Arabia, evaluating the existing challenges and identifying areas for improvement. Methods This comprehensive review utilized multiple databases, including Google Scholar, Scopus, and PubMed, to identify articles relevant to child abuse, neglect, or adverse childhood experiences in Saudi Arabia. Moreover, Saudi Arabia’s governmental websites were reviewed to retrieve relevant laws and legislative documents. Results Several international agreements and domestic laws were implemented in Saudi Arabia, including the establishment of the National Family Safety Program (NFSP) (2005), Anti-trafficking in Persons Law (2009), Law for Protection from Abuse (2013), Child Protection Law (2014), Anti-Harassment Law (2018), and Juveniles’ Law (2018). Moreover, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) oversees the implementation of these laws and provides support to abuse victims. However, despite existing legal frameworks, detecting and reporting child abuse cases in Saudi Arabia’s healthcare system faces challenges, including a lack of awareness, inadequate training, and the latest child abuse manual established in 2014. Conclusion While progress has been made, efforts are required by a multifaceted approach encompassing training healthcare providers, intersectoral collaboration, awareness campaigns, and developing a revised manual aligned with current laws in the Kingdom.

Trends in the Annual Incidence Rates of Child Sexual Abuse and Child Maltreatment over the Past 25 Years in the United States

AbstractExperiencing child sexual abuse is associated with increased risk for a range of short‐ and long‐term negative effects. This short report defines and explores the annual incidence rates of child sexual abuse in the United States over 25 years between 1996 and 2021 (the most recent data released) and, comparatively, annual incidence rates of child maltreatment, more generally. A retrospective trend analysis of Child Maltreatment Reports, produced by the Department of Health and Human Services with data from the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System, was conducted to compile and analyse rates of child sexual abuse and child maltreatment over time. In general, the rates of reported child maltreatment and child sexual abuse have declined, on average, since the 1990s. We, then, discuss these trends in connection with research documenting societal and family factors that may have contributed to these declines.

Effects of nursing students’ ability to empathize, recognize children’s rights, and perceive child abuse on their intention to report child abuse

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the factors influencing nursing students’ intentions to report child abuse.Methods: The participants of this study were 151 nursing students who were currently enrolled in nursing departments in Korea and who were at least 18 years of age or older. This study used a descriptive cross-sectional design, and the data were collected from February 16, to March 13, 2023, using an online self-administered survey. The questionnaire included general characteristics, empathy ability, child rights recognition, child abuse perception, and intention to report child abuse. The data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, an independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, Scheffé test, and multiple regression analysis using SPSS Statistics 29.0.Results: The intention to report child abuse showed statistically significant positive correlations with empathy ability (r=.23, p<.001), child rights recognition (r=.34, p<.001), and child abuse perception (r=.63, p<.001). In the multiple regression analysis, the factors significantly related to nursing students’ intention to report child abuse were as follows: awareness of mandatory reporting (yes) (β=.16, p=.021) and child abuse perception (β=.56, p<.001). The explanatory power of these factors was 45.0% (F=20.03, p<.001).Conclusion: Considering the findings of this study, it is necessary to develop and implement educational programs for improving the perception of child abuse and thus enhancing nursing students’ intention to report child abuse.

Associations between nurse characteristics, institutional characteristics and perceived nurse knowledge and self-efficacy of reporting suspected child abuse and neglect.

To determine the association between nurse and institutional characteristics and perceived professional nurse knowledge and self-efficacy of reporting child abuse and neglect. A sample of N = 166 nurses were recruited to respond to the Reporting of Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect (RSCAN) survey. A multiple linear regression examined whether nurse characteristics and institutional characteristics were associated with the two RSCAN survey domain scores. Perceived knowledge of a workplace child abuse and neglect protocol was associated with the knowledge subscale. Education and child abuse and neglect expertise were significant predictors of the self-efficacy subscale. Nurses with a master's or higher degree and those who identified as being either forensic, paediatric or Emergency Department nurses, had less perceived institutional barriers to self-efficacy of reporting child abuse and neglect. This study provides a preliminary insight into the institutional barriers and facilitators of nurses as child abuse and neglect mandated reporters. To encourage innovative education and collaborations to support nurses as fully informed child abuse and neglect mandated reporters. This research identifies the gaps and facilitators of nurses as child abuse and neglect mandated reporters to inform healthcare professionals and academic institutions on the importance of nurse education and experience in nurse knowledge and self-efficacy in reporting suspected child abuse and neglect. The authors of this study have adhered to relevant EQUATOR guidelines: STROBE. There is no patient or public contribution as the study only looked at nurses.

Caring records: professional insights into child-centered case note recording

The consequences of poorly processed reports of child abuse and neglect, along with governance challenges in child protection systems, are well-documented. Recent research, inquiries and royal commissions emphasise the need for child-centered and participatory practices that support the rights and dignity of children and their families. However, the challenges of quality case recording in child protection systems and contexts remain unclear. This paper reports on the findings from a pilot study that interviewed (n = 22) and surveyed (n = 56) social work students and social work curriculum developers from Australian Universities and practitioners currently working in the Australian child protection service system. By capturing participants' professional insights, we aim to understand the embedded barriers to transforming child-centered systems by focusing on strengths and possibilities in current practices rather than reiterating deficiencies in recordkeeping. This paper reveals insights into how professionals working in the child protection system understand and are supported in child-centered case note recording and recordkeeping practices. It also identifies the possibilities for the crucial role that interdisciplinary collaboration and alignment between social work and recordkeeping informatics can play in transforming and supporting recordkeeping approaches and practices that prioritise and uphold the rights and dignity of the child.

Mediating effect of suicidal ideation in the association between child abuse and premenstrual syndrome among female adults

IntroductionPremenstrual symptoms encompass a range of physical, emotional, and behavioral changes that cyclically occur before menstruation. Childhood abuse has been associated with subsequent mental health challenges, yet its relationship with exacerbating premenstrual symptoms remains an understudied area. Furthermore, suicidal ideation often emerges from traumatic backgrounds such as child abuse, creating another layer of complexity. Given the rising suicide rates in Lebanon, and the concurrent increase in reported child abuse cases, this research focuses on the role of suicidal ideation as a mediator between child abuse and premenstrual syndrome.MethodsThis cross-sectional study involved 915 female university students in Lebanon. Participants completed an online questionnaire encompassing demographic details, health lifestyle, the Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool (PSST), Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS), and Child Abuse Self Report Scale (CASRS-12). The mediation analysis was conducted using PROCESS MACRO v3.4 model 4; three pathways derived from this analysis: pathway A from the independent variable to the mediator, pathway B from the mediator to the dependent variable, Pathway C indicating the direct effect from the independent to the dependent variable.ResultsThe results of the mediation analysis showed that suicidal ideation mediated the association between all types of child abuse and the presence of PMS. Higher psychological (Beta = 0.21; p < 0.001), neglect (Beta = 0.02; p = 0.017), physical (Beta = 0.19; p < 0.001) and sexual (Beta = 0.20, p < 0.001) child abuse were significantly associated with higher suicidal ideation, which was significantly associated with the presence of PMS (Beta = 0.38, p = 0.001; Beta = 0.57, p < 0.001; Beta = 0.45, p < 0.001; and Beta = 0.50, p < 0.001) respectively. Finally, higher psychological (Beta = 0.17, p < 0.001), physical (Beta = 0.11, p = 0.024), but not sexual (Beta = 0.07, p = 0.198) child abuse was directly and significantly associated with the presence of PMS, whereas higher neglect (Beta = -0.06, p = 0.007) was significantly associated lower odds of having PMS.ConclusionThis study highlights the mediating role of suicidal ideation in the complex association between different types of childhood abuse and premenstrual symptoms. The findings emphasize the need for trauma-informed care and tailored interventions to address the diverse impact of these factors. Recognizing the intricate relationships between child abuse, suicidal ideation, and PMS can aid healthcare providers in comprehensively addressing young women’s mental and reproductive well-being. Trauma-informed care, tailored interventions and awareness of potential connections between childhood maltreatment are essential in managing these complex challenges.

A Marginalised Role in Parenting and Maltreatment Risks—A Qualitative Content Analysis of Fathers in Japan Reflecting on their Parenting Experiences

In Japan, many fathers consider their spouse to be their children’s primary parent while casting themselves in a supporting role. Yet, in the majority of reported child maltreatment cases in Japan, the child’s father is recorded as the perpetrator. This may seem somewhat puzzling, given that primary caregivers are recorded as the perpetrator of maltreatment in other cultures. This study qualitatively analyses the parenting experience of 11 Japanese fathers and their reflections on child maltreatment risks. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with fathers of pre-school aged children from middle-class families who had no reported history of child maltreatment. Using qualitative content analysis through a process of condensing, coding and categorising, we arrived at the following theme: fathers aspire to be an active parent, while respecting and supporting their spouses, but anxiety and stress trigger impatience and frustration during parenting. The fathers reported that they are more likely to maltreat their children, especially boys, in situations which triggered anxiety and frustration. Anxiety is particularly heightened when they feared public embarrassment. These findings are discussed with reference to the Japanese social and cultural context, and contrasted with previous research into the parenting experiences of Japanese mothers. The findings indicate that fathers may benefit from tailored support programmes which strengthen their self-efficacy before building resilience for the challenging situations they may encounter as fathers.

Personal Barriers to Reporting Child Maltreatment Among Early Childhood Education and Care Professionals

The current study examined personal barriers that can prevent early childhood education and care (ECEC) professionals from reporting concerns of child maltreatment to child welfare services (CWS). The objectives were to identify different types of personal barriers and to examine differences in reporting according to employee characteristics. Norwegian ECEC professionals (N = 1369; 92% women; mean age, 44 years [SD = 11]) from 170 kindergartens completed e-questionnaires with 25 questions about personal barriers to reporting concerns of child maltreatment and questions about their own personal characteristics. Four barrier factors that underly the 25 different barriers were confirmed with factor analysis. The most endorsed personal barrier factor was “Negative consequences for the child,” which predicted barriers related to fear of negative consequences of reporting (e.g., to CWS). The second most important were the “Relationships” factor (barriers related to concerns about relationships with the child or parents), and the “Competence” factor (fear of misunderstanding and being unsure about guidelines). The least endorsed barrier factor (“Coworkers”) included fear of what superiors and coworkers might think. In general, ECEC professionals with less formal training and less work experience reported more personal barriers to reporting concerns of child maltreatment. The results are consistent with studies involving other professional groups. Better collaboration between ECEC providers and CWS is important to prevent child maltreatment. Future efforts to improve the detection and reporting of concerns of child maltreatment could consider focusing specifically on professionals with little formal training and little work experience.

Information sharing between the dental healthcare and child welfare services regarding child maltreatment-A repeated cross-sectional study in Norway.

Little is known about dental healthcare workers reported suspected child maltreatment to and received inquiry from the child welfare services (CWS). Assess time lag differences in public dental healthcare workers' information sharing with CWS and identify sociodemographic and attitudinal covariates of information sharing with CWS in 2014 and 2019. In 2014 and 2019, a national census of 1542 and 1791 Norwegian dental health care workers, respectively, were invited to participate in an electronic survey. Of them, 1200 (77.8%) and 1270 (70.9%) replied to the questionnaires. Time trends of reported child maltreatment and received inquiries were estimated and adjusted for sociodemographics, attitudes, trust, and collaborative routines in logistic regression analyses. The likelihood of reported child maltreatment to and received inquiry from CWS was higher in 2019 than in 2014 (OR 1.4 [95% CI 1.2-1.7] and OR 1.1 [95% CI 0.9-1.4]). Significant associations occurred with sociodemographic characteristics, attitudes, and collaborative routines. The likelihood of receiving inquiry about whether being employed long versus short term was higher in 2019 than in 2014. Information sharing between dental healthcare workers and CWS improved across time and might promote beneficial outcomes.

Emergency department presentations for deliberate self-harm and suicidal ideation in 25-39 years olds following agency-notified child maltreatment: results from the Childhood Adversity and Lifetime Morbidity (CALM) study.

To compare prospective reports of child maltreatment (CM) with emergency department (ED) presentations for deliberate self-harm (DSH) and suicidal ideation in individuals aged between 25 and 39 years old. Linked records between the Mater-University of Queensland Study of Pregnancy birth cohort and Queensland administrative health data were used, which included notifications to child protection agencies for CM. ED presentations for individuals aged between 25 and 39 years of age for suicidal ideation, suicidal behaviour or poisoning by paracetamol or psychotropic medications where the intention was unclear were examined using logistic regression analyses. A total of 609 (10.1%) individuals were the subject of one or more CM notifications for neglect or physical, sexual or emotional abuse before the age of 15 years. Of these, 250 (4.1%) presented at least once to ED for DSH and/or suicidal ideation between 25 and 39 years of age. In adjusted analysis, any notification of CM was associated with significantly increased odds of presenting to ED for these reasons (aOR = 2.80; 95% CI = 2.04-3.84). In sensitivity analyses, any notification of CM increased the odds of the combined outcome of DSH and suicidal ideation by 275% (aOR = 2.75; 95% CI = 1.96-4.06) and increased the odds of DSH alone by 269% (aOR = 2.69; 95% CI = 1.65-4.41). All CM types (including emotional abuse and neglect) were associated with ED presentations for DSH and suicidal ideation in individuals between 25 and 39 years of age. These findings have important implications for the prevention of DSH, suicidal ideation and other health outcomes. They also underscore the importance of trauma-informed care in ED for all individuals presenting with DSH and suicidal ideation.

SHADOWS OF THE GLOBAL PANDEMIC: A STUDY OF PERCEIVED CHILD RISK FACTORS PREDISPOSING CHILD ABUSE DURING THE COVID-19 IN LUSAKA, ZAMBIA

The study sought to examine the perceived risk factors contributing to child abuse during the COVID-19 pandemic in Zambia. A mixed-method approach supported by a concurrent triangulation research design was used in the study. The sample was 107; involving 92 service providers and 15 parents/caregivers. The participants were selected using expert and homogeneous purposive sampling approaches. A questionnaire involving closed and open-ended questions was employed in the collection of data. In quantitative analysis, the study used Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) to arrive at primary descriptive statistics and inferential test results. Qualitative data was analysed using a thematic approach. Documentary data analysis was used to arrive at secondary data to supplement primary data. The study revealed that despite a decrease in reported child abuse cases during the pandemic, various risk factors persisted such as: age of the child, gender of the child, lack of parent-child attachment, physical or developmental disabilities, gender disparities, and increasing child vulnerability. It was evident from the study that, pandemic-related child protection services needed targeted strategies that addressed individual, familial, and societal factors, with a focus on prevention, intervention, and support measures to safeguard children. The study, therefore, emphasizes the need for comprehensive child protection interventions, including the creation of safe spaces, community awareness programmes, food security, mental health support, and fast-track court services.&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Article visualizations:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="/-counters-/soc/0011/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Evaluation of Know & Tell®: Increasing Adults' Knowledge of Child Maltreatment and Reporting Responsibilities.

Many educational programs aimed at addressing child maltreatment focus on teaching people how to recognize only one type of child maltreatment, most commonly child sexual abuse, rather than all types of abuse and neglect children might experience. Limited empirical evidence exists on the effectiveness of educational programs that teach adults how to identify all types of child maltreatment, as well as what reporting responsibilities are and how to properly make a report of maltreatment once it is suspected. The goal of the present study was to fill that gap by examining whether an educational program called KNOW and TELL® increased participants' knowledge on how to identify various types of child maltreatment, what the state's mandated reporting laws are, and how to make a report in the event maltreatment is suspected. A comparison of pre-training and post-training assessment results suggests that participants demonstrated improved knowledge on the signs of child maltreatment, reporting responsibilities, and intervention procedures after completing the training. The findings of this research support the development and implementation of state-specific educational programs that raise awareness on child maltreatment and teach adults what their statutorily mandated responsibilities are and how to report child maltreatment when it is suspected.