The solution to the problems faced in preventing child abuse lies in increasing support for the family unit. Nonaccusatory services for families, such as Parents Anonymous, are needed, rather than continued criminalization of child abuse and reliance on the child protective services system for family services. (Author/PB)

Impact of voluntary versus court-mandated participation in a child abuse and neglect treatment program was evaluated in terms of the quality of affective interaction between parents and children and disciplinary methods used, among other measures. Results indicated that court-mandated treatment does not necessarily render parents less amenable to…

A parent-aide program using volunteers (experienced mothers) to support abusing parents and prevent reabuse of children proved 97 percent effective in Southern Adelaide, South Australia. The cost-benefit ratio of the program appeared very low and the reabuse rate was less than for other clients assessed during the five-year review period.…

Causes of child abuse by parents are discussed. A therapy program in Buenos Aires (Argentina) for abusive parents is described. The program utilizes self-help groups as part of the therapeutic plan and has found them to be promising. Referral, types of interactions with the groups, and short-, medium-, and long-term objectives are discussed. (BRM)

A description of infant capabilities and review of perinatal intervention programs are used to clarify the relationship between enhancing parent-infant interactions and preventing child abuse and neglect. Research data demonstrating the efficacy of the programs are reviewed and suggestions offered for the practical application of the programs.…

Twenty-seven parents with sexually abused children evaluated the effectiveness of a parent support group. Results indicated significant decreases in some of the children's dysfunctional behaviors, increased parental perception of coping skills and confidence as parents, but no change in parents' stress levels. (Author/JDD)