1. Abuse, Neglect and
Maltreatment of Children with
Special Needs
Presented by:
Shawn Preston, Director of Children’s Services
Tonya Ricker, Coordinator of Family Support Services

2. Risk Factors for Abuse
 Prior
(1 of 3)
history of child abuse or
neglect
 Disruptions in bonding and
attachment
 Persistent, serious family stress
 Caregiver’s negative attitude about
parenting
 Lack of knowledge about child
development that leads to
unrealistic expectations of the child

3. Risk Factors for Abuse
 Inappropriate
(2 of 3)
or severe discipline
practices
 Involvement with the juvenile
justice system
 Low income family
 Single parent household
 Teen pregnancy

4. Risk Factors for Abuse
 History
(2 of 3)
of family substance abuse
 Persistent, serious family conflict
 Child(ren) or parent(s) with
established and/ or
developmental conditions that
impact their family’s functioning
 Family management problems
 Poor parental supervision

5. US Census
According to the US Census, Broward County has a higher
prevalence of residents with disabilities than the national average

6. Statistics
• Children with disabilities are
now 3.4 times more likely to
be maltreated than
nondisabled peers
• 9% prevalence rate of
maltreatment for nondisabled
children
• 31% prevalence rate for the
disabled children.
(Sullivan and Knutson)

7. Factors that Increase Risk for
Children with Special Needs
(1 of 2)
 Significant
Family Stress
associated with Child’s Needs
 Parental lack of appropriate
expectations, knowledge and skills
to care for the unique and
challenging needs of their child(ren)
with disabilities.
 Lack of Resources

8. Factors that Increase Risk for
Children with Special Needs
(2 of 2)
 Children
unable to report
 Significantly
higher risk of marital
dissolution and unemployment
 Isolation

9. Protective Factors
socialization
Education
Family

10. Protective Factors

Parental resilience

Social Connections

Knowledge of Parenting and Child
Development

Concrete support for parents

Children's social and emotional
development (Nurturing and Attachment)

Poverty Alleviation and Pathway to SelfSufficiency

11. Family Strengthening

12. Family Strengthening
Early Identification of Risks and/or
Abuse
 Parent Education
 Parent Skill Development
 Networking with other Families and
needed Resources
 Development of individually tailored
Strategies and Interventions


13. ARC Broward Parents as
Teachers
Parents are their children’s first and
most influential teachers
 The early years lay the foundation for
children’s success in school and in
life.
 The program offers child development
activities that encourage language
development, intellectual
growth, social development and motor
skills


14. ARC Broward Parents as Teachers
Teaches Realistic Individually Tailored
Expectations of Child
 Teaches positive Parenting and
Discipline
 Reinforces ways to strengthen the
parent’s relationship with the child
 Provides ABA Therapy and Mental
Health Counseling
 Links to Community Resources
 Builds Social and Support Networks


15. Community Resources for
Individuals with Special Needs and
At-Risk Families
Family Strengthening Programs
 County Funded Respite CARE
 CSC Funded MOST Programs
 Community Mental Health Centers
 Advocates


16. Community Resources for
Individuals with Special Needs and
At-Risk Families
 Case
Management funded by
County
 Education/Therapy:
◦ Birth to 3 – CDTC
◦ 3-5 FDLRS
(Screening/Assessment)
 Developmental/Public School
Preschools

17. Community Resources for
Individuals with Special Needs and
At-Risk Families
 Leisure/Recreation/Social
Network/Support Groups
 Faith Based Supports
 Information/Referral (211)
Parent

18. Abuse, Neglect and
Maltreatment of Children with
Special Needs