Re: Changes in patterns of child neglect -Reply

[MariaR1947@xxxxxxx]

I have been reading the exchanges on this topic with interest.  I may be naive
but I would hope that the increase in reporting of child neglect would have
something to do with a recognition of the severity of its impact on a child's
emotional health and well being.  In the Child Abuse Review Journal there have
been several papers regretting the fact the children have to endure long term
neglect until either physical or sexual abuse may be indicated.  Perhaps there
might not be so many tragic cases of children enduring years of sustained
severe neglect and being psychologically damaged almost beyond repair.  

I was also intrigued by the comments that younger children were
disproportionately represented in reporting  child neglect.  I am sure I must
have misunderstood the comment as I truly hope that there are not still
professionals out there who doubt the severity of affect of emotional abuse
and neglect on the very young child/infant.  Surely there is enough work now
on the physiology of brain development in the first year plus attachment
theory plus general cognitive development + memory work  to indicate that
early trauma is devastating  - and emotional trauma particularly so? (oh and
that boys are particularly vulnerable!)

Thanks to everyone for their interesting and caring comments which made
thoughtful reading.