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E-Newsletter • April 2023 |
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Editor's E-Note
After fluctuating for several years, the number of children identified as victims of maltreatment has reached a five-year low, according to the annual child maltreatment report of the Children’s Bureau of the Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families.
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— Kate Jackson, editor |
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New Child Maltreatment Report Finds Child Abuse and Neglect Decreased to a Five-Year Low
The Children’s Bureau at the Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families (ACF) recently released the annual child maltreatment report. The report reveals that of the nationally estimated 3,016,000 children who were the subject of a child welfare agency response in fiscal year (FY) 2021, an estimated 600,000 children were determined to be victims of maltreatment, the lowest number of children identified as victims of maltreatment in the last five years.
The number and rate of fatalities have fluctuated during the past five years. An estimated 1,820 children died from abuse and neglect in FY 2021 compared with an estimated 1,770 children whose deaths were determined as due to maltreatment during FY 2020.
When states submit their data to the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System, they have the opportunity to provide additional context on the data that will be published in the report. The additional context in today’s report suggests for the second year in a row, decreases in screened-in referrals of alleged maltreatment may have contributed to the changes noted in the 2021 metrics.
“There is no greater responsibility in our work than protecting the safety of children,” says ACF Assistant Secretary January Contreras. “The child maltreatment report tells us that child protection agencies across the country determined that fewer children were victims of abuse and neglect last year. This is the right direction, but there is still much work to be done. ACF will continue to collaborate with our state and community partners to ensure children are safe and to support families to prevent crisis situations when possible.”
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Volunteering to Combat Loneliness
Loneliness is a risk factor for disease and reduced quality of life. The University of Michigan reports on the role of volunteering in lessening loneliness in older adults.
Growing Options in Advanced Degree Programs
As demand for advanced education in social work grows, the number of master’s programs is increasing. Fortune Education looks at four new offerings.
The Toll of the Pandemic
According to a study published in the journal International Social Work, social workers experienced depression during the pandemic at a rate four times the general population and greater than that experienced by other health care professionals, as well as PTSD and anxiety.
New Leadership of NASW
Meet Anthony Estreet, PhD, the new leader of NASW, an alumnus of Virginia Commonwealth University, and learn about his vision for the future. |
Workbook for Mental Health Support
Written by clinical psychologist Laura Petracek, PhD, LCSW, The DBT Workbook for Alcohol and Drug Addiction draws on the author’s clinical and personal experience to help individuals develop self-management skills and reduce anxiety and stress. It combines cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and distress tolerance skills to reduce symptoms of emotional distress and support sobriety and mental health. Learn more » |
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COVER STORY
Gender-Affirming Care for Trans Youth
With the percentage of trans youth on the rise, social workers can help meet the growing need for access to gender-affirming care and resources.
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