The public health topic that I chose and think should be added to the public topic list that impact child development is child abuse and neglect. Everyday the security and well-being of a child across the world is jeopardized by child abuse and neglect. This topic of choice is very important to me because in 2004 I became a CASA (Child Advocate of San Antonio) advocate. A CASA advocate is someone “who assist alongside a Case Manager and is a court-appointed volunteer that provides support by advocating for child & youth services and safe placement for abused and neglected” (CASA, 2018). Also, as a teacher I have cared for many foster children over the years who suffered multiple complications and learning disabilities from maternal parents consuming drugs and alcohol,physical abuse from head-to-toe and leaving them in neglectful situations for example, a couple left their 2 & 3 year old locked inside of a closet while they went to the club, because they did not have a babysitter. As Berger stated in our course text “The developing person through childhood”, “neglect may be worse than abuse; it is “the most common and most frequently fatal form of child maltreatment” (Berger, 2016). “Every year more than 3 million reports of child abuse are made in the United States” (Childhelp).
Below are various signs of child abuse. If you know anyone who may be a victim of the any type of abuse listed below please call, the national abuse hotline is available 24/7. 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453. Thank you!
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse of a child is when a parent or caregiver causes any non-accidental physical injury to a child. There are many signs of physical abuse. If you see any of the following signs, please get help right away (Childhelp).
28.3% of adults report being physically abused as a child.
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse occurs when an adult uses a child for sexual purposes or involves a child in sexual acts. It also includes when a child who is older or more powerful uses another child for sexual gratification or excitement (Childhelp).
20.7% of adults report being sexually abused as a child.
Emotional Abuse
When a parent or caregiver harms a child’s mental and social development, or causes severe emotional harm, it is considered emotional abuse. While a single incident may be abuse, most often emotional abuse is a pattern of behavior that causes damage over time (Childhelp).
10.6% of adults report being emotionally abused as a child.
Child Neglect
Child neglect is when a parent or caregiver does not give the care, supervision, affection and support needed for a child’s health, safety and well-being. Child neglect includes:
- Physical neglect and inadequate supervision
- Emotional neglect
- Medical neglect
- Educational neglect
References:
Retrieved from: https://www.casa-satx.org/
Berger, K. S. (20016). The developing person through childhood (7th ed.). New York, NY: Worth Publishers
Retrieved from: https://www.childhelp.org/hotline/
Early Childhood 101 
Child neglect is such a heart crushing subject, this form of child abuse often goes unidentified as many times children are not old enough to speak or feel that this is “normal” and is happening in every home. How amazing that you are an advocate for these children. I agree that this can impact a child’s development and learning.
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