Predicting child abuse and neglect: ethical, theoretical and methodological challenges

Journal of Clinical Nursing
Julie TaylorNick Spencer

Abstract

This paper explores the ethical, theoretical and methodological implications of predictive testing in studies of child abuse, neglect and harm. The use of screening instruments to make predictions about children who may later be abused, neglected or at risk of exclusion is promoted in research and policy. The recent UK Action Plan on Social Exclusion suggests that health visitors and community midwives should be trained to use these tools in practice. Position paper. The accuracy of screening instruments to identify children who will be abused or neglected has not been established. Even if the theoretical and methodological challenges of predictive instruments could be overcome, the ethical implications of their use are very difficult for nurses and midwives. Nurses, midwives and health visitors require high levels of awareness of risk factors in working with children and families. We have a responsibility to reach professional judgements about risks of harm for individuals. This is best performed through improving skills in working with parents and carers to identify those factors which may impede their ability to offer safe developmental care to their children.

References

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Citations

Jun 10, 2010·CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association Journal = Journal De L'Association Medicale Canadienne·Kevin PottieUNKNOWN coauthors of the Canadian Collaboration for Immigrant and Refugee Health
Nov 23, 2013·Journal of Pediatric Nursing·Merav Ben-NatanAdi Klein-Kremer
Jun 10, 2010·International Review of Psychiatry·Michael Koelch, Joerg M Fegert
Apr 10, 2013·Journal of Pediatric Health Care : Official Publication of National Association of Pediatric Nurse Associates & Practitioners·Susan Murry, Linda Lewin
Mar 27, 2009·Journal of Clinical Nursing·Julie TaylorJo Corlett
May 27, 2010·Journal of Clinical Nursing·Julie Taylor, Roger Watson
Dec 16, 2010·Journal of Interpersonal Violence·Ebru KutsalUfuk Beyazova
May 27, 2017·Child Maltreatment·Kelli L DickersonJodi A Quas

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