Challenges in Child Abuse Investigations- Analyzing Difficult and Easier Aspects of the Process
Investigating child abuse/neglect is a highly sensitive and challenging process that involves numerous difficult aspects. Each phase presents its own set of complexities and emotional tolls. However, the most difficult part can vary depending on the circumstances of the case and the individuals involved. In my opinion, placing a child in foster care is the most difficult part of the process. First, finding suitable foster placements involves extensive assessments and considerations of the child’s needs, background, and preferences. The foster care system in America is extremely underequipped to handle the large number of children in it and, more vitally, the special needs of these maltreated children. As such, placing a child in a good home is very challenging, especially when a child has been through abuse that requires them to get special attention from their caregivers, for instance, getting professional psychological help.
Numerous studies have shown that children placed in foster care are at an increased risk of being maltreated than those who stay at their parent’s home (Hessing, 2022). While neglect is the most common type of maltreatment for children everywhere, foster care data shows that physical and sexual abuse occurs at higher rates in foster care homes than in their own homes (Landers et al., 2021). a study by Canning et al. (2023) showed that sexual predators are using the foster care system to get access to children. This means that placing children in the foster system may not really protect the children; it is more of removing them from harm’s way only to put them in more harm’s way kind of scenario. The constant worry that the children I place in the foster system will be okay is unimaginable.
The easiest part of the investigation may be the administrative tasks involved in documentation and paperwork. While still crucial, these tasks typically involve less emotional involvement compared to direct interactions with victims, perpetrators, or court proceedings.
References
Canning, M., Keenan, M., & Breslin, R. (2023). Protecting against predators: An exploratory study on the sexual exploitation of children and. Canning, Mary, Marie Keenan, and Ruth Breslin. Protecting Against Predators: An Exploratory Study on the Sexual Exploitation of Children and Young People in Ireland. University College Dublin. Geary Institute for Public Policy. Sexual Exploitation Research Programme (SERP), June 22, 2023.
Hessing, A. (2022). Sexual abuse of children in the United States foster care system. Ballard Brief, 2022(1), 5.
Landers, A. L., Danes, S. M., Campbell, A. R., & Hawk, S. W. (2021). Abuse after abuse: The recurrent maltreatment of American Indian children in foster care and adoption. Child Abuse & Neglect, 111, 104805.
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Question 
Chapter 4
Textbook link:
https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/reader/books/82462-1A/pageid/0
After reading Chapter 4 of your textbook, discuss what you believe would be the most difficult part of an investigation of child abuse/neglect and why; initial contact with victim(s), initial contact with the alleged perpetrator(s),
Challenges in Child Abuse Investigations- Analyzing Difficult and Easier Aspects of the Process
removal of children from their parents/home, testifying in court, placing children in foster care, and/or closing a case. What do you think would be the easiest part and why?