Bibliography

Disability and child abuse

Bratel, Joan.
Keeping families with a child with a disability safely together.
In: Ninth Australasian Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect, November 2003: Many Voices, Many Choices - ACCAN papers and presentations. Sydney, NSW: Department of Community Services, 47p, Online only (Powerpoint presentation in PDF format 309K)
http://www.community.nsw.gov.au/docswr/_assets/main/documents/accan/presentations/1s5e-1.pdf

A collaborative project is profiled in this presentation which aimed to discover whether support programs for children with a disability and their families influenced outcomes for the child and family, and to discover which program elements, strategies and/or techniques significantly contributed to positive client outcomes. Measures, the development of which is described, were done pre-intervention, post intervention, 6 months and 12 months after. Quantitative and qualitative results are summarised, and it is concluded that, if governments want to minimize institutional, substitutute care or out of home care, and reduce the abuse potential in family settings, then appropriately resourced intensive support does produce positive outcomes.

Available from: NSW Department of Community Services, Locked Bag 28, Ashfield NSW 1800. Internet http://www.community.nsw.gov.au/html/contact/contact.htm

Briggs, Freda.
Safety issues in the lives of children with learning disabilities.
In: Blossoming of our children: 10th Australasian Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect: papers, presentations and abstracts. Christchurch, NZ: New Zealand Family Violence Clearinghouse, 2006, 15p, tables, Online (PDF 158K)
http://www.nzfvc.org.nz/accan/papers-presentations/PDFs/Wednesday-15-2-06-11am/Research-and-Practice-Connection/Briggs-Freda.pdf

This study aimed to investigate rates of drug use, sexual abuse and violence among children with learning disabilities. Students in New Zealand aged 11 - 17 years in special education units were interviewed. The paper discusses: the participants' vulnerability to the risks of drugs, violence, psychological bullying, pornography and sexual abuse in school and in the home; the need for special attention for the protection of boys; why children with learning disabilities were targeted for abuse; and safety education.

Available from: New Zealand Family Violence Clearinghouse http://www.nzfvc.org.nz/

Briggs, Freda; Hawkins, Russell.
Personal safety issues in the lives of children with learning disabilities.
Children Australia v.30 no.2 2005: 19-27, tables

The aim of this study was to focus on the vulnerability of children with learning disabilities to drugs, sexual abuse and violence. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from 116 students, aged 11-17 years. The study confirmed the vulnerability of children with learning disabilities to the risks of drugs, violence, psychological bullying, pornography and sexual abuse. Significant levels of violence in both schools and the home were found. The study also showed the need for special attention for the protection of boys. The authors argued that it was possible that children with learning disabilities were targeted because they were seen as safer targets in terms of an expectation that they would be less aware of the difference between right and wrong and less likely than other children to make a report about any abusive behaviour. If this speculative hypothesis is correct, it means that children with learning disabilities require even more vigilant forms of protection than other children. (Journal abstract, edited)

Available from: Oz Child: Children Australia, PO Box 7020, Dandenong Vic 3175. Email ChildrenAustralia@latrobe.edu.au.

Chenoweth, L.
Children with disabilities: what evidence do we have for better practice?
In: What Works? Evidence Based Practice in Child and Family Services - ACWA Conference, September 2002, proceedings. Bondi Beach, NSW: Association of Childrens Welfare Agencies, 2002, 6p, tables, figures, Online only (MS Word 50K)
http://www.acwa.asn.au/Conf2002/Conf_proceedings/04%20Lesley%20CHENOWETH.doc

Children with disabilities have largely been excluded from efforts in child protection, with few studies being undertaken into abuse of children with disabilities. However, studies into abuse and assault of people with disabilities suggest that rates of abuse of children with disabilities are much higher than that for children without disabilities. The author argues that risk factors for children with disabilities are similar to those for all children and that there is a need for programs and practice based research to provide evidence on what is effective.

Available from: Association of Childrens Welfare Agencies, Locked Bag 13, Haymarket NSW 1240. Email acwa@acwa.asn.au. Internet http://www.acwa.asn.au/

Crundall, Monique; Mudaly, Neerosh; Mitchell, Janise; Evans, Neville; Tucci, Joe.
Dimensions: a pilot program for children with a disability who engage in problem sexual behaviour.
In: Ninth Australasian Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect, November 2003: Many Voices, Many Choices - ACCAN papers and presentations. Sydney, NSW: Department of Community Services, 20p, Online only (Powerpoint presentation in PDF format 140K)
http://www.community.nsw.gov.au/docswr/_assets/main/documents/accan/presentations/1s5e-2.pdf

Key themes in the literature are summarised in this presentation, and it is explained that one impetus for children with disabilities engaging in problem sexual behaviour can be sourced in experiences of abuse, disempowerment, distress and violation. In an exercise mapping the Victorian experience, 88 respondents identified 217 children. Characteristics of these children are summarised, a proposed aetiology of problem sexual behaviours is given, and needs and challenges for parents and carers identified, as are key challenges faced by the service system. Dimensions, a pilot intervention program, is then profiled.

Available from: NSW Department of Community Services, Locked Bag 28, Ashfield NSW 1800. Internet http://www.community.nsw.gov.au/html/contact/contact.htm

'It doesn't happen to disabled children': child protection and disabled children: report of the National Working Group on Child Protection and Disability.
London: NSPCC, 2003. Online only
http://www.nspcc.org.uk/Inform/research/Findings/itdoesnthappentodisabledchildren_wda48257.html

Research shows that disabled children are more vulnerable to abuse than non-disabled children. This report highlights the inadequacies in current policy and practice, and makes recommendations for change. It sets out the research on which these recommendations are based.

Kirkland, Alan.
Children and young people with a disability - towards an inclusive support framework.
In: Ninth Australasian Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect, November 2003: Many Voices, Many Choices - ACCAN papers and presentations. Sydney, NSW: Department of Community Services, 11p, Online only (Powerpoint presentation in PDF format 111K)
http://www.community.nsw.gov.au/docswr/_assets/main/documents/accan/presentations/1s5e-3.pdf

Historically, constructions of disability have focused on 'otherness' and difference. This presentation spells out what this has meant for children and young people with a disability, then outlines steps towards a new concept of disability based on universalism. Policy outcomes from the use of this model by the NSW Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care are summarised, as are key service delivery principles, and some of the challenges faced by the Department in its role in relation to children and young people with a disability.

Available from: NSW Department of Community Services, Locked Bag 28, Ashfield NSW 1800. Internet http://www.community.nsw.gov.au/html/contact/contact.htm

Lambrick, Frank; Glaser, William.
Situational prevention and child sex offenders with an intellectual disability.
In: Wortley, R. and Smallbone, S. eds. Situational prevention of child sexual abuse. Monsey, NY, USA: Criminal Justice Press, 2006, p197-221, figure (Crime prevention studies no.19)

Historically, child sex offenders with an intellectual disability (ID sex offenders) have been viewed as more dangerous than other sex offenders because they are likely to be less responsive to behaviour modification treatment. A treatment approach developed at the Statewide Forensic Service at Fairfield in Victoria combines modified cognitive behavioural, skills based programs with environmental management of ID sex offenders. This chapter reports evidence of successful change in ID sex offenders through the Fairfield intervention program.

Llewellyn, G; McConnell, D; Ferronato, L.
Prevalence and outcomes for parents with disabilities and their children in an Australian court sample.
Child Abuse & Neglect v.27 no.3 Mar 2003: 235-251, tables

Knowledge about parents with disabilities and their children has increased during the last ten years. However, there are still myths surrounding this group, one of which is that parents with psychiatric or intellectual disabilities are perpetrators of child abuse. The aim of the present study was to provide a determination of the prevalence of parents with disabilities by disability diagnosis in an Australian court sample, to determine whether court outcomes vary for parents in the diagnostic groups and whether outcomes experienced by these groups differ significantly from those for families headed by non disabled parents. The authors found that parents with disabilities are over represented in statutory child protection proceedings and that the outcomes of these proceedings vary according to disability type.

Available from: International Society for Prevention of Child Abuse & Neglect, 200 North Michigan Ave, Suite 500/5th Floor, Chicago IL 60601. Internet http://www.ispcan.org

Macleod, Pam; Ball, Alannah; Gregory, Sharyn; Bell, Catherine; Gray, Kathy; Ogden, Glenys; Knight, Liz; O'Brien, Sharon; Butterfield, Nancy.
Managing and delivering early childhood services for children with a disability.
Marrickville, NSW: Community Child Care Co-operative Ltd (NSW), 2002, 32p, table (Children's services managment series no.8)

Written as a guide to good management practice for committee members and staff of children's services that provide early childhood services for children with a disability, this booklet covers the following topics: What is early childhood intervention for a child with a disability?; Standards of quality and good outcomes for families and children; Managing and planning in early childhood intervention services; Working together.

Available from: Community Child Care Co-operative, Locked Bag 19, Newtown NSW 2042. Email info@ccccnsw.org.au. Internet http://www.ccccnsw.org.au/

McConnell, D; Llewellyn, G; Ferronato, L.
Disability and decision-making in Australian care proceedings.
International Journal of Law, Policy and the Family v.16 no.2 Aug 2002: 270-299, tables, figures

Parents with intellectual disability are over-represented in care and protection proceedings and their children are more likely to be placed in out-of-home care. This article reports on an investigation of court process and influences on court outcomes in the care and protection jurisdiction of New South Wales. The purpose was to illuminate how court outcomes are determined and to understand why parents with intellectual disability and their children are subject to more intrusive court outcomes. The analysis draws on information gathered over a period of nine months in 1998-99 in two children's courts in Sydney. The authors also observed the court in process and reviewed court files. The study findings suggest that the concerns raised by legal scholars internationally are justified. Influences other than demonstrated parental shortcomings or substantiated risk of maltreatment are at work.

Available from: Oxford University Press, Great Clarendon St, Oxford OX2 6DP, UK. Internet http://lawfam.oupjournals.org

McConnell, D; Llewellyn, G.
Stereotypes, parents with intellectual disability and child protection.
Journal of Social Welfare and Family Law v.24 no.3 2002: 297-317

Although the number of children born to parents with intellectual disabilities is increasing as a result of the banning of involuntary sterilisation, so too is the rate of child removal from such parents. The authors review the way in which child protection authorities and the courts respond to parents with intellectual disabilities. They suggest that the judgements made by the authorities are informed by stereotypical beliefs about intellectual disability, rather than the individual's parenting capacity and unique circumstances; as a result, these parents suffer disadvantage, discrimination and distress in dealing with the authorities.

Mildon, Robyn; Wade, Catherine; Matthews, Jan.
Intellectual disability and parenting.
Every Child v.12 no.1 2006: 12-13

Parents with an intellectual disability are over represented in child protection services and care proceedings. This article discusses three factors that may contribute to this trend: assumptions people have about disability; high levels of disadvantage faced by these families; and gaps in effective services, support and resources for these families. The article considers the benefits of providing parent skills education in conjunction with other family focused support.

Available from: Early Childhood Australia Inc. http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au

Protecting children and young people with disabilities: a booklet for parents and carers.
Adelaide SA: Department for Families and Communities, 2005, 18p, ill., Online (PDF 711K)
http://www.familiesandcommunities.sa.gov.au/DesktopModules/SAHT_DNN2_Documents/DownloadFile.aspx?url_getfileid=549

In this resource booklet of practical information for parents and carers of children and young people with disabilities, the first section provides information about child abuse and neglect and suggests practical strategies for keeping children safe. The second section is designed as a checklist to consider when choosing a service provider for a child.

Available from: Department for Families and Communities http://www.familiesandcommunities.sa.gov.au/

Scott, Dorothy.
Confronting the issues of supporting parents with a disability.
In: Strengthening every family: forum on supporting parents who have learning difficulties: proceedings of the Strengthening Every Family Forum, hosted by the Office of the Public Advocate and the Victorian Parenting Centre: the Hotel Y, Melbourne, 9th July 2003. Carlton, Vic: Victorian Parenting Centre, 2003, p22-34, Online only (whole proceedings 56K)
http://www.parentingrc.org.au/staging/files/11082004110831Proceedings%20of%20the%20Strengthening%20every%20family%20forum.pdf

In this keynote address the author looks for evidence of support and collaboration between disability services and child protection services, as a fruitful and positive direction in dealing with issues surrounding parents with a disability and child welfare. She finds that at most points at which the two areas intersect, the primary focus is on child protection. While agreeing that the interests of the child should take priority, she argues that this could often be better achieved through a focus on services to support the parent. She observes that although the child and family welfare system is looked to for support for parents with a disability and their children, the responsibility belongs to a whole raft of health, education and social welfare services. She believes that cooperation and collaboration across services will achieve the best results for both parent and child.

Available from: Victorian Parenting Centre, 24 Drummond Street, Carlton Vic 3053. Email vpc@vicparenting.com.au. Internet http://www.vicparenting.com.au

Swain, Phillip; Goodfellow, Jonathon; Lee, Jeanette; Cameron, Nadine; Bennett, Wendy.
Pride and prejudice: a snapshot of parents with disabilities experience of the child protection system in Victoria: final report of the Disability Parenting and the Law project.
Melbourne, Vic: Disability Discrimination Legal Service Victoria, 2002, 144p, tables, figures

This is the final report of the Disability, Parenting and the Law project conducted by Victoria's Disability Discrimination Legal Service and Yooralla's Parents with a Disability Community Project. It contains findings and recommendations that follow from research into the discrimination experiences of parents with disabilities whose children have had contact with the child protection system. The report covers the project background, the literature and research background, explanation of the Children's Court file audit, and presentation of the views of parents and professionals. The authors found that parents with a disability are over represented in child protection proceedings before the Children's Court. They make several recommendations concerning the treatment of and processes related to this group.

Available from: Disability Discrimination Legal Service Inc. Victoria, First floor, 212 King St, Melbourne, Vic 3000. Email coordinator@ddls.org.au Internet http://www.ddls.org.au

Sykes, David.
Confronting the challenge: the need for a different approach to families where the parent has an intellectual disability.
In: Strengthening every family: forum on supporting parents who have learning difficulties: proceedings of the Strengthening Every Family Forum, hosted by the Office of the Public Advocate and the Victorian Parenting Centre: the Hotel Y, Melbourne, 9th July 2003. Carlton, Vic: Victorian Parenting Centre, 2003, p35-67, Online only (whole proceedings 56K)
http://www.parentingrc.org.au/staging/files/11082004110831Proceedings%20of%20the%20Strengthening%20every%20family%20forum.pdf

Drawing on the experience of the Victorian Office of the Public Advocate, the author comments on key elements of promoting and protecting the rights of parents with disabilities, with a particular focus on child protection. He describes cases of child removal despite positive assessments of the parent's ability to care for the child, reflecting a tension between the goals of disability services and child protection services. He also debunks a set of myths commonly held about the capabilities of parents with intellectual disabilities. He calls for a whole of government approach to implement preventative strategies for the support of all vulnerable families, including parents with a disability, believing that current the framework discriminates against and further disadvantages parents with an intellectual disability.

Available from: Victorian Parenting Centre, 24 Drummond Street, Carlton Vic 3053. Email vpc@vicparenting.com.au. Internet http://www.vicparenting.com.au

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