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The Pros and Cons
of Child Protection:
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A DYNAMIC RESOURCE TOOL FOR TODAY'S PARENT
By: Neville E. Solomon
Child Protection
Child protection is the act of ensuring that all children are kept safe from abuse and/or neglect. It is the responsibility of the Social worker and the community at large to make certain that this mandate is met in society.
1. Abuse is the willful act of causing harm to a child, and/or the failure to protect a child from another individual who willfully intends to cause harm to a child (duty to report).
Examples
a. Physical Abuse - beatings, molestation, and unreasonable punishments.
b. Emotional Abuse - threatening, belittling, and instances of domestic violence.
2. Neglect is the non-willful act of causing harm to a child, and/or placing a child in a dangerous or hazardous environment.
Examples
a. Physical Neglect - lack of supervision, dirty house, and lack of personal hygiene.
b. Emotional Neglect - loneliness, lack of structure, and low self-esteem.
Major Contributing Factors for Abuse and Neglect in the family
a.
Corporal Punishment (See section 43 of the criminal code)
b.Anger Management Issues
c.Domestic Violence
d.Substance Abuse
e.Mental Health Issues
f.Criminal charges and/or convictions
g.Lack of Education
h.Lack of Social Supports
i.Laziness
j.Lack of a Spiritual life/relationship with God
