Abstract
Child abuse and neglect are prevalent problems, affecting an estimated one million children worldwide each year. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate and analyze three potential solutions to reduce the rates of child abuse and neglect. The three programs that were suggested were: improving overall access to healthcare, therapy and counseling, and other support services for children and families who need them, implementing more Nurse-Family Partnerships across the United States for first time mothers with visits from a registered nurse, and increasing parent’s access to economic resources and improving families overall financial security. These programs were researched extensively, and three different criteria (cost-effectiveness, community impact, and accessibility) were used to evaluate the best option using a modified program analysis approach. Upon analysis, it was found that the Nurse-Family Partnership is the most effective method for preventing and reducing child abuse and neglect. However, adopting one program should not be the only solution to end child maltreatment as a multi-faceted approach is needed, such as ending poverty, supporting parents with mental health and substance use issues, and increasing healthcare and mental health services.
Recommended Citation
Heil, Lauren C.
(2025)
"Reducing Rates of Child Abuse and Neglect: An Analysis of Three Potential Solutions,"
The Mid-Southern Journal of Criminal Justice: Vol. 24, Article 2.
Available at:
https://mds.marshall.edu/msjcj/vol24/iss1/2