Early prevention of child maltreatment is most commonly delivered through home visitation services, with the goal of promoting a positive start in parenting to avert potential child abuse and neglect, Stopping Child Maltreatment Before It Starts introduces best practice principles for early home visiting, examining the contexts from which these strategies arise.
Beginning with a discussion of the nature and etiology of physical child abuse and neglect, Guterman then examines the mechanisms by which child protective and early home visitation services have traditionally operated. The book explores best practice principles by providing a detailed 'inside tour’ of those practices that have been empirically linked with positive outcomes in serviced families. Guterman also discusses in detail ways how home visitation may more adequately address the problem of family substance abuse in reducing child maltreatment risk, and ways visitation can attend to social network and community influences and increase parent empowerment.
An essential text for child welfare courses, Stopping Child Maltreatment Before It Starts will also appeal to practitioners and policy makers in the child abuse and neglect field.
Spis treści
Preface
The Darkness of Maltreatment, the Rays of Light in Prevention
Child Maltreatment and Early Childhood
The Paradox of Child Protection, the Promise of Home Visitation
Inside Early Home Visitation
Core Elements of Service
Making the Connection with Families
Who Receives and Benefits from Home Visitation Services?
Combating Dual Abuse
Addressing Substance Abuse in Home Visitation to Prevent Child Maltreatment
Tapping Social Networks in Home Visitation
Empowering Parents in Home Visitation
Revisiting Home Visiting