No abstract

Infants who are born preterm are at high risk for subsequent maltreatment. This study examines the relationship between family functioning, infant morbidity, parents' experience following their infant's admission to a neonatal intensive care unit, and postdischarge risk of parenting problems. For the sample as a whole, family factors emerged as the best predictors of outcome.

No abstract

An epidemiologic study of sexual abuse of children was made by reviewing Minneapolis Police Department records. Children were involved in 33% of all cases reported. Eighty-five percent of cases involved exposure or indecent liberties. Half of the cases occurred in the summer; half of the cases occurred from 2 to 6 PM. The mean age of victims was 10.7 years, and 88% were girls. All reported offenders were men; their "mean estimated age" was 28 years. The method of study did not allow determination of social relationships between victims and the offenders. Little information regarding the magnitude of the problems of medical, psychological, and social sequelae of sexual abuse of children is available in the literature.

We have attempted to define the spectrum of maltreatment of children seen in our current society. The potential for abuse in the child's caretaker, a child who is somewhat different, and a stressful situation are ingredients which often interact to produce maltreatment. The maltreatment rendered to the child includes many mechanisms ranging from direct blows from a variety of objects, to violently shaking the child, to neglect. The spectrum of the pathological findings is as varied as the means to inflict the trauma or neglect and involves every organ system. The predominate pathology of abuse is located in the central nervous system, bones and cutaneous tissues. The school's role primarily involves awareness of the problem of maltreatment, a method of approach to identify and report "suspected" cases, and the documentation of the injuries or neglect which have been observed. The school plays an important role in the follow-up of individual cases in providing a supporting environment for the child and coordinating with other agencies dealing with the family. The school personnel and all professionals must work together if adequate services are to be provided to protect children and rehabilitate families.