Understanding Child Abuse and Neglect (5th Edition)

This best-selling book offers a comprehensive look at child maltreatment, incorporating history, case vignettes, and the author's own experience as a child protection worker. The author covers the history of child welfare, an overview of families that are both functional and dysfunctional, and contrasts healthy child development with development hampered by abuse and neglect. Every type of maltreatment is discussed, from neglect and physical abuse to sexual abuse, domestic violence, and emotional abuse. The book explains case management procedures and focuses on how various professionals become involved in the child protection process and how treatment is undertaken. The book concludes with a discussion of prevention and a consideration of the future. For social workers or others dealing with victims of child abuse.