Emotional And Psychological Effects Of Substance Abuse On A Child

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In addition, sexual abuse also includes activities by a parent or caretaker such as fondling a child’s genitals, penetration, incest, rape, sodomy, indecent exposure, and exploitation through prostitution or the production of pornographic materials. Emotional or psychological abuse is a pattern of behavior that impairs a child’s emotional development or sense of self-worth. This may include criticism, threats, or rejection, as well as withholding love, support or guidance. This type of abuse is almost always present with other types of abuse. It is often difficult to prove and therefore, child protective services may not be able to intervene without evidence of harm or mental injury to the child. Abandonment is considered as a form of …show more content…

Substance abuse is also a form of child abuse and neglect in many states. Circumstances that are considered abuse or neglect include the following as per a publication of Child Welfare information Gateway Parental drug use as child abuse: Prenatal exposure of a child’s to harm due to the mother use of illegal drugs or other substances. Manufacture of drugs in the presence of a child. Selling, distributing or giving illegal drugs or alcohol of a child. Use of controlled substances by a caregiver that impairs the caregiver ability to adequately care for the child. In order to clearly identify that child abuse is a problem, one must recognize the signs of abuse. Some states require all adults to report suspicious cases of child abuse or neglect. In New Jersey, certain types of professionals such as teachers, doctors, nurses are called mandatory reporters and are required to make a report of abuse under specific circumstances.. Some children may directly that they are experiencing abuse or neglect. According to a report from the health department, 676,569 children were victims of child abuse or neglect. (US Department of Health and Human Services, …show more content…

The psychological consequences of child abuse include the immediate effects of isolation, fear and inability to trust. When children cannot trust that someone will be there to meet their needs, they tend to develop low self-esteem, anxiety, depression and hopelessness. These problems can lead to anti-social behaviors and difficulty to keep lifelong relationships. These children are often diagnosed with conduct and personality disorders and are more likely to engage in violent behaviors. Child abuse and neglect may impact the families by developing a sense of guilt. In a case of sexual abuse where one of the parent is the perpetrator, this lead to divorce. Furthermore, when children grow up In homes where their needs are not met and they become parents themselves, they often lack of parenting skills, lack of social skills The impact on the community include the financial costs to respond to reports of child abuse cases, the costs of providing services to families involved in the child welfare system. It is very costly to care for children who have been removed from homes, dealing with court and legal costs. Indirect costs to

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