Session 2

Unit Two: Setting the Context:  The Evolution of Child Abuse & Neglect Laws in the United States

Child Abuse & Neglect Have Always Existed

Session 2 Focus:

• Learn about the child welfare system; it's history, how it works, and the foster and adoptive parent's role in that system.

• Learn about state and federal laws, which affect child welfare cases.

• Be introduced to the case flow continuum.

• Learn about confidentiality issues.

A system is a group of interconnected parts, acting together for a common purpose. The purpose of the child welfare system is to ensure the protection and well-being of at-risk children.

 

Information:

For many people, their cultural history is not one that valued children. There are clear exceptions to this, such as the historical roots of some Native American cultures in which children were respected and protected. However, the following conditions existed in many cultures from ancient times well into the Middle Ages:

Infanticide (the willful killing of a child) was not uncommon—particularly for weak or “deformed” infants and for female children;

Children were viewed as the property (chattel) of the head of the family (the father or senior male householder), who literally had the power of life and death over them;

Abandonment, beatings, whippings, and other forms of severe physical discipline were common practice; and

Children were not recognized as persons and they had no rights.

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