Current research on child maltreatment: Implications for educators

The increasing rate of child abuse and neglect is a special concern for edu cators who are legally mandated reporters of suspected maltreatment, are of ten the first to identify and refer children who have been harmed, are in c ontact with parents and are aware of the family conditions contributing to child maltreatment, and who must often work closely with other professional s in their efforts to support child victims and prevent further abuse. More over, children's emotional or behavioral problems, learning disabilities, o r other difficulties often reflect broader problems that are associated wit h abuse or neglect. Consequently, understanding the causes and consequences of child maltreatment, and contemporary child protection efforts, is essen tial to educators in their efforts to assist victimized children. This arti cle surveys current research on child maltreatment with particular attentio n to the challenges of child protection, the multidimensionality of child m altreatment (distinguishing physical abuse, physical neglect, sexual abuse, and psychological maltreatment), and hopeful new avenues for prevention. T he implications of this research for educational professionals are emphasiz ed.