Abused Children May Get Unique Form of PTSD
Joe Mikos / Getty Images Child abuse scars not just the brain and body, but, according to the latest research, but may leave its mark on genes as well. The research, which was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, suggests that abused children who develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may experience [...]
Child Protection Inquiry chief accuses child protection officers of ‘over-reacting’ and seeks review of children in care
The head of Queensland’s Child Protection Inquiry says some children would be better off in risky homes than being sent into state care. Source: Herald Sun SOME children would be better off in an inadequate or even risky home where they were loved rather than being sent to foster care, according to the man behind Queensland’s child [...]
At-risk kids in carer crisis as Department for Child Protection struggles
Child welfare workers are looking after vulnerable kids themselves because of a shortage of foster carers. Source: The Australian CHILD welfare workers are having to take vulnerable children home with them because of a severe shortage of foster families. The Department for Child Protection confirmed this week that staff had had to care for kids in their [...]
Mental health fear for detention kids
The first children’s commissioner to speak freely with teenage asylum seekers in an Australian immigration detention centre has warned they are bored, uncertain and in danger of suffering poor mental health. Tasmanian Commissioner for Children Aileen Ashford says the 137 unaccompanied minors held at the Pontville centre, 30km north of Hobart, fear they will ‘go [...]
Kids most at risk from parents, child deaths report finds
The report found male children were as at-risk as female, though children younger than 12 months faced the highest danger. Photo: Courtesy Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian The chilling results of an investigation into child deaths due to assault or neglect reveal the state’s youngest are most at risk of dying [...]
Nine suggestions to prevent sexual abuse among children
Pediatricians know that when they discuss seat belt, bicycle and water safety during annual wellness visits they are helping to reduce a child’s risk of harm. Those same visits should include messages about personal space and privacy, says Dr. Martin A. Finkel, an internationally known expert in the prevention and treatment of child sexual abuse, [...]
Brother accused of child abuse left unsupervised
Click to play video EIGHT years ago, the mental health of the St John of God brother William Lebler was considered so poor he had to keep a card containing important information handy. His ”early stage dementia” and ”borderline mental retardation” was presented as so bad that a magistrate released him from having to face [...]
Sex-abuse victims risk more problems
LAUREN WILSON From:The Australian VICTIMS of child sexual abuse risk developing a range of mental health problems, including depression, alcohol and drug dependence, eating disorders and problems with anxiety. Research released today by the Australian Institute of Family Studies on the long-term negative consequences for abuse victims also finds sexual abuse by clergy and other powerful [...]
Child Abuse: Why It’s So Hard to Determine Who’s at Risk
Josie Elias / Photodisc / Getty Images Prevention is nearly always preferable to treatment when it comes to our health, and the stakes are even higher in cases of child abuse. But is it even possible to identify children at risk of abuse before it’s too late? That’s the question the U.S. Preventive Services Task [...]
‘Silent’ victims must be heard
MILANDA ROUT From:The Australian THE testimony of the “silent” victims of child sexual abuse should be heard at Julia Gillard’s royal commission, with family members given the right to speak on behalf of people who committed suicide, are homeless or in prison. National peak body Adults Surviving Child Abuse says it is critical that these [...]
