Analyzing the links between disability and child abuse and evaluating the role of Social Services with regards to Disabled Child Protection

Type :

Term papers

Pages :

21 pages

Format :

.doc

Published date :

03/18/2009

Category :

Political science

Sub category :

Social sciences

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Summary :

Introduction
The social construction of disability
Social work and disabled people
The myths of disability and child abuse
Social work and the child protection system
The abuse of disabled children
The implications for social work
Conclusion
References

Abstract

The protection of children is today a high profile issue, within both the voluntary and statutory sectors, although the abuse of disabled children is a matter that has only recently attracted professional interest. Whilst many people find it difficult to believe that disabled children, some of whom are the most vulnerable members of our society can fall victim to abuse, research evidence leaves little doubt that such is in fact the case. (Westcott, 1993) Indeed, whilst research into the abuse of disabled children can be traced back more than two decades, the phenomenon itself has largely been neglected, in both academic and professional circles. Although there is increasing evidence to indicate a growing awareness of the particular vulnerabilities and child protection needs of disabled children, much still remains to be done.

The aim of this piece of work is to explore the links between disability and child abuse and to evaluate the role of social workers and social services departments in the protection of disabled children. disabled children and children with disabilities are terms that will be used interchangeably. The definition of abuse will relate to acts of physical, sexual, emotional abuse and neglect, with the acknowledgement that deliberate acts of abuse can and often are perpetrated by people of both sexes in a variety of different settings. Whilst it is recognized that discrimination and oppression are forms of abuse, the primary definition within this study relates to those actions or omissions that are commonly associated with or attract the term child abuse. Although the study will focus particularly upon children with physical disabilities, research evidence relating to children with learning difficulties will be presented where it is both relevant and appropriate.