Child Abuse Identification and Reporting:
Iowa Training for Mandatory Reporters

Protective Factors for Child Abuse and Neglect/Maltreatment


Introduction

Who Are the Mandated Reporters?

Abuse and Neglect/
Maltreatment Have Many Presentations

The Disturbing Statistics

Legal Definitions Related to Child Maltreatment

Recognizing Child Abuse

Risk Factors Contributing to Child Abuse and Maltreatment

Protective Factors for Child Abuse and Maltreatment

The Consequences of Child Abuse

Perpetrators of Child Abuse

Dos and Don'ts Regarding Talking with Children about Possible Abuse or Maltreatment

Reporting Child Abuse and Maltreatment

After the Assessment Process

Child Abuse Prevention Services

Safe Haven for Newborns--Overview of the Safe Haven Act

Conclusion

References

Resources

Take Test

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Child Protective Factors

Resilience is a concept that has been identified as an important protective factor among children who have been abused or maltreated. Research has identified that resilience was found to be related to personal characteristics that included a child's ability to: recognize danger and adapt, distance oneself from intense feelings, create relationships that are crucial for support, and project oneself into a time and place in the future in which the perpetrator is no longer present.

Additional protective factors include (CWIG, 2007; CDC, 2007a):

  • Good health, history of adequate development
  • Above-average intelligence
  • Hobbies and interests
  • Good peer relationships
  • Personality factors such as an easy-going temperament
  • Positive disposition
  • Active coping style
  • Positive self-esteem
  • Good social skills
  • Internal locus of control
  • A balance between help seeking and autonomy '

Parental/Family Protective Factors

  • Secure attachment with children; positive and warm parent-child relationship
  • Supportive family environment
  • Parents have come to terms with own history of abuse
  • Household rules/structure; parental monitoring of child
  • Extended family support and involvement, including caregiving help
  • Stable relationship with parents
  • Parents have a model of competence and good coping skills
  • Family expectations of pro-social behavior
  • High parental education

Community Protective Factors

  • Mid to high socioeconomic status
  • Access to health care and social services
  • Consistent parental employment
  • Adequate housing
  • Family religious faith participation
  • Good schools
  • Supportive adults outside of family who serve as role models/mentors to child

Societal Protective Factors

  • Families with two married parents encounter more stable home environments, fewer years in poverty, and diminished material hardship
  • Supportive institutions in the society such as good child care and healthcare

Continue to The Consequences of Child Abuse