The holidays are over and the tree is down. For millions of families reality is setting in. Between the bills that will come due in January, the struggling economy and the stress that comes with it, it can be a very dangerous time for children. Experts say many parents who are overwhelmed often take out their anxieties and frustrations on their kids.
Child abuse and neglect can increase when families are under stress, in the middle of a crisis or at the "end of the rope." In the last two years, physicians at the Center for Child and Family Advocacy (CCFA) at Nationwide Children's Hospital, say that child abuse and neglect cases at the hospital are up 40 percent. In 2008 alone, they provided more inpatient consultations for suspected abuse and neglect than any year since the hospital has been compiling data.
In order to create and sustain safe homes for children, the CCFA at Nationwide Children's Hospital provides a nurse home visitation program in which nurses visit the homes of first-time, low-income mothers every week for two and a half years, all free of charge. The nurses are partnered with these women no later then their 28th week of pregnancy through their child's second birthday. The nurses help mom focus on prenatal care and nutrition, and once the baby is born, education and support for caring for their child. The idea is to assist moms in being the best parent they can be by focusing on their child's needs and the importance mom making healthy choices in order to provide for her child in a safe environment. One of the focuses for the nurses is mom's future once the baby is born. The nurse works with mom to reenroll in school or employment.
"When the stress of economic realities clashes with the challenges of raising a child, even parents who have the best intentions can harm or neglect their children," said Yvette McGee Brown, president of the CCFA at Nationwide Children's. "The best way to prevent child abuse and neglect is to provide parents with the support, skills and resources they need to be effective caregivers, particularly during this difficult time."
There is no specific test that can determine if a child is at risk. However, when parents lose employment, worry about paying the rent or feeding their children, they often feel isolated and frustrated. Without support, some parents reach the breaking point and lash out at their children.
It is essential for all of us to be mindful of the risks of child maltreatment within our immediate surroundings and community.