Citation

Ben-David V. J. Aggression Maltreat. Trauma 2016; 25(7): 721-740.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/10926771.2016.1153549

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This study attempts to expand the knowledge base about neglect by comparing the characteristics of children and parents involved in termination of parental rights proceedings in the Israeli legal system. Cases were classified as neglect (72.7%), abuse (19%) or non-child abuse or neglect (non-CAN; 8%) and were compared on a range of variables. The results show that neglected children have the most developmental problems, and generally come from single-parent families, compared to abused children, who suffer the most mental health problems and come from 2-parent families. Finally, neglect is associated with the mother's history of drug abuse, and abuse is associated with the father's drug abuse and criminal record. In non-CAN cases, the courts criticize the Child Protective Service more than in neglect and abuse cases. Implications of the findings for social work practice as well as future research directions are discussed.

Language: en