Children and young people affected by abuse, neglect or violence
Children in contexts of out-of-home care, juvenile justice, child protection orders and protective care are likely to have experienced many adversities before reaching this stage, including child abuse and neglect, family violence, homelessness, troubles with the police/ the law, and disruptions to family life.
Children may be vulnerable in terms of relationships with parents. They may have suffered many losses, both direct and indirect, and trauma associated with both these experiences and at times prior engagement with child protection systems.
The experiences of these settings themselves, the institutions and organisations, the experiences of going through processes that lead to this stage of involvement may be experienced as “traumatic”, even though intended for the child’s protection and care. Children in some cultural groups may be more likely to experience contact with the justice system or police as traumatic (for example, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and communities).
The “loss” of family is a central issue for many of these children and young people.
- Child protection and juvenile justice settings need to help the child progress positively despite the traumas and losses that may have affected them.
- The reactions and associated behaviours of children and young people may be such as to lead to further cycles of adversities.
- Compassionate and competent care, a positive culture of care systems, and building effective relationships and resilience for the future, may help to mitigate the negative trajectories of children having such difficulties.
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On this page
Access weblinks or pdf documents
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When to suspect child maltreatment
National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, UK
A summary of the clinical features that may alert healthcare professionals that a child is being maltreated.
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Child abuse and neglect weblinks
Australian Childhood Foundation
Child Wise
Child abuse and neglect resources
Best Interest Series
Department of Human Services, Vic
The best interest principles provide a unifying set of principles across the Family and Placement Services sector, Child Protection and the Children's Court that guide all decision making and service delivery.
Cumulative harm: the effects of chronic child maltreatment
Dr Leah Bromfield
National Child Protection Clearinghouse
Research Centre
Department of Community Services, NSW
Includes research, policy documents and papers in the area of child abuse & neglect, out of home care etc.
Wise up to child sexual abuse
Child Wise
Booklet for parents that helps them to learn about child sexual abuse, how it impacts upon children and what to do to help.
The Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care (SNAICC)
A set of resources, including a workshop kit, guide, information book, and pamphlets.
These are designed for community leaders and families with the goal of developing safer communities for children, and to protect children from the impact of abuse and family violence.
Child protection weblinks
National Child Protection Clearinghouse
An information, advisory and research unit focused on child abuse prevention, child protection and out-of-home care.
Child protection Australia 2006-07
AIHW (2008) provides comprehensive information on state and territory child protection and support services.
Protecting Children is Everyone's Business
National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children 2009–2020. This framework is an Initiative of the Council of Australian Government April 2009.
Australian Centre for Child Protection
Based at the University of South Australia. At their website you will find recent presentations and research papers by the Centre’s experienced team.
Family violence weblinks
Australian
Australian Centre for Child Protection
A joint initiative of the Commonwealth Government and the University of South Australia. The centre conducts research, professional training and advocacy.
Australian Childhood Foundation
This Foundation provides a range of specialist counselling services for children and young people affected by abuse and their families. It also provides community and professional education as well as debriefing programs.
Australian Domestic and Family Violence Clearinghouse
Provides information about domestic and family violence issues and practice. Disseminates information and research.
Australian Family Relationships Clearinghouse
This clearinghouse is through the Australian Institute of Family Studies. It is an information and advisory unit focused on the enhancement of family relationships across the lifespan.
Bursting the Bubble
A resource centre for children and adolescents who are encountering difficulties with domestic violence.
The Child and Family Welfare Association of Australia
The national peak body for child, adolescent and family welfare in Australia.
International
Child Witness to Violence Project
A US site that provides information and resources for children who are bystanders to community and domestic violence.
Institute on Violence, Abuse and Trauma
A US site that is concerned with issues to do with children exposed to violence. Contains information and resources for practitioners.
Violence Prevention
A UK site linked with the World Health Organisation and providing a violence prevention evidence base and resources. Contains information about child abuse, youth violence, and domestic violence.
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