Child Abuse

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Recommended: The Negative Impact Of Child Abuse

Can the government protect children from abuse? How far does this protection go? Since the beginning of our nation’s history, child abuse has made an impact of great measures. Many kids have become victims of abandonment, physical or sexual abuse, sex trade working, or criminals by default in order to survive. Though the cause and effect of child abuse can vary, it is a common problem within families. Today countless stories are documented of kids being abused by loved ones, in government programs, by caregivers and in other places deemed safe for children. However, because child abuse is a reoccurring factor in the history of America, the government is currently passing laws that enforce stricter punishment to individuals that cause maltreatment. To predict if a child will be abused is impossible to tell, however there are studies that have compiled a composite of families in which child abuse can potentially occur. According to a maltreatment fact sheet maintained by the CDC, families at risk are those with a disabled child, domestic violence, family economic disadvantages, substance abuse, parents young in age, mental health conditions, or a violent environment. So what has the government done already to stop the spread of this inhuman act? Since the first incident that exposed child abuse in 1874, involving 9 year old Mary Ellen Wilson, citizens and government officials partnered starting societies and foster care systems that prevented the cruelty of children. The struggle with funding and finding adequate caretakers proved to be factors which currently affects relief efforts. According to author Mary Lee Allen, The framework for policies is established by the federal government and the laws they can pass: Child welfare i... ... middle of paper ... ...t the parents as well with their issues, families remained torn and scorned by the effects of child abuse. Through all of the hurdles, the government still tries to provide some assistance and keep this issue in the forefront so others can pitch in to help. The protection and care of kids should initially come from the parents, however as other demons are battled it prevents children from experiencing the love, care, and concern of a family. Until funding, assistance for parents, assistance for kids who have aged out, and foster care programs can be corrected, the government will be aiding in detrimental child outcomes. Family may represent the love and security in a child’s life, but it can also be a prison in which physically, emotionally, and sexually kids may feel punished (Causes and Effects). The government protection can only go as far as the law allows.

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