Back to Annual Meeting

Back to Annual Meeting

APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Melanie A. Nuszkowski, MA¹, Jeffrey H. Coben, MD¹, Jennifer C. Goldcamp, MSW¹, Jennifer M. McGeehan, MPH², and Kelly Kelleher, MD³. (1) Injury Control Research Center, West Virginia University, PO Box 9151, Morgantown, WV 26506-9151, 304-293-6682, mnuszkowski@hsc.wvu.edu, (2) Children's Research Institute, Center for Innovation in Pediatric Practice, 700 Children's Drive, Columbus, OH 43205, (3) Center for Innovation in Pediatric Practice, Columbus Children's Research Institute, 700 Children's Drive, Columbus, OH 43205

Children and adolescents who witness intimate partner violence (IPV) suffer considerably. In fact, children who witness IPV exhibit many of the same behavioral and psychological disturbances as children who are themselves abused. Due to these harmful effects, national organizations recommend that health professionals and especially child welfare agencies assess all families for IPV and child exposure to IPV, and make appropriate referrals. This study examines the extent and variation in policies and practices related to assessment of IPV and child exposure to IPV among Child Welfare System (CWS) agencies across the nation. The objectives of the study were to describe, (1) the polices and practices employed by CWS agencies regarding child exposure to IPV, and (2) factors associated with the implementation of best practice guidelines for childhood exposure to IPV. Structured telephone interviews were conducted with 73 CWS agencies. Approximately two-thirds of the CWS agencies assessed all referred families for IPV, and approximately one-third included guidelines for child exposure to IPV in their risk assessment protocols. Less than one-tenth of the CWS agencies reported having written policies to refer children who have witnessed IPV for a mental health, developmental, physical, or specialized treatment or interventions. However, approximately three-fourths of the CWS agencies reported making such referrals. Future practice should include standardized tools for assessment linked to protection for such children, and future research should identify additional factors that facilitate or impede the recommended assessment and interventions for child exposure to IPV among CWS agencies.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to

• Identify the consequences associated with child exposure to IPV among many children, and the necessity of assessment and interventions for child exposure to IPV.
• Describe the polices and practices employed by 73 CWS agencies across the nation regarding child exposure to IPV.
• Describe factors associated with CWS agency implementation of best practice guidelines for childhood exposure to IPV.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered