Keywords

child abuse and neglect, child maltreatment, child maltreatment and forensic nursing, child maltreatment education for healthcare providers, child maltreatment prevention, child maltreatment screening, child maltreatment teams

 

Authors

  1. Jordan, Kathleen Sanders DNP, MS, RN, FNP-BC, ENP-BC, SANE-P

Abstract

Abstract: Child maltreatment is a significant public health problem and described as one of the greatest threats facing the health, welfare, and social well-being of children (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2012). The effect of child maltreatment on the children involved, their families, and society as a whole is substantial. Despite mandatory reporting laws, the poignant reality is that child maltreatment is significantly underrecognized and underreported. Interventions must be designed, tested, and implemented to fulfill the goal of child maltreatment prevention. Forensic nurses are uniquely qualified to assume a leadership role and work collaboratively with children, their caregivers, and all members of the interdisciplinary team to ensure the safety and protection of children. The purpose of this article is to present an evidence-based discussion of the scope of the problem of child maltreatment, contributing barriers to recognition and reporting, and suggestions for interventions designed to achieve the goals of primary and secondary prevention.