Bshs 407 - Family Violence Across the Lifespan - a Multi-Strata Problem

Scenario Analyses

BSHS/407 Family Violence Across the Lifespan: A Multi-Strata Problem

January 12, 2017

Barbara Burt

Scenario Analyses

Understanding the difference between bad parenting and child neglect can be challenging and at times enigmatic since there is a thin line that divides the two. Depending on the circumstances and situations, neglect and abuse are not always the result of inadequate care. Children may receive poor parenting and care solely based on the economic status of the caregivers, therefore, is unintentional. However, when minimal and indigent care is given to kids willfully and constitutes harm or danger of injury for them, the chances are that neglect and abuse have to be taken into consideration. Circumstances in which minimal level of care clearly indicates a case of child neglect can be found on the evidence of having the caregiver intentionally not providing the necessary and required food, water, shelter, medical, education, emotional support and especially supervision to the child for his or her well-being (Tyler, Allison & Winsler, 2006).

In the case of Howard leaving his 8-month old daughter, while she was asleep, to go to the store to buy a pack of cigarettes, clearly indicates a case of child neglect, since the parent is showing a lack of judgment by leaving the young child alone and unsupervised. In the case of Jane, where her 2-month old baby does not get the proper feeding due to Jane’s battling a weight problem all her life and consequently not wanting the baby to experience the same problem in the future, constitute a case of child neglect as well. The baby losing weight and the constant crying are signs that the young child is not being taken care properly. When a caregiver or parent is not able to respond to the physical needs of a child, such as providing necessary nourishment, in this case, the kid will most likely display symptoms of malnutrition and growth retardation. Failure to thrive (FTT), which is the inability to meet the nutritional needs of children on the part of the parents or any caregiver, is a malnourished condition caused by neglectful underfeeding. In the case of Karen, her distraction while being on the phone, allowed her 2-year old son to climb over the fence and to follow into the pool. The accident was not fatal, but it could have been disastrous. In the case of Bill, his 18-month old child fell on the title floor and was required three stitches. Just like in Karen’s case, Bill’s son’s accident was not fatal, and it did not have any other repercussions. What may seem child neglect at first, can be clearly be demonstrated as bad parenting like in Karen’s case or even a mere accident, just like in the case of Bill. Indicators of child neglect such as poor growth, malnutrition, constant bruises, unattended medical needs or persistent lack of supervision, as well as depressive or aggressive behavior and any other behavioral sign, have to be taken into consideration whenever a case has to be distinguished from bad parenting and child neglect (Wallace & Roberson, 2014).