INTERVENTION IN CHILD ABUSE: EXPERIENCE IN LIVERPOOL

Abstract

The subsequent life events and development of 50 abused Liverpool children who were removed from their parents and taken into the care of local authorities were determined. Information was obtained by interviewing the district social worker responsible for each child''s supervision. Medical progress and school performance was assessed in each case. Following their period in care, 26 children had an unsatisfactory outcome indicated by the presence, either alone or in combination, of abnormal physical development, emotional disturbance, poor educational progress and occurrence of further abuse. Rehabilitation at home after varying periods of time was attempted for 25 children, 5 of whom suffered further abuse. The prognosis was worse the older the child on reception into care and the more placements while in care. The children who best survived their experiences after being taken into care were those for whom an early decision was made to sever parental contact and to place the child permanently with a substitute family.