Child maltreatment risks and strategies - Risk Management

Camping Magazine, Sept-Oct, 2002 by Ed Schirick

Risk Assessment

Child maltreatment is a plague in our society This is a fact. Historically, there was a lack of awareness about the scope of the problem. This has changed over time. In the mid-1 980s Americans were shocked to hear the allegations of child sexual abuse and molestation involving a California childcare center. This event brought the issue of child sexual abuse and molestation to center stage.

The impact of this event has been wide and continuous. At the time, it created some panic and overreaction among the public, insurance underwriters, and state regulators. The allegations of child sexual abuse and molestation ruined the lives of some teachers, who were wrongfully accused. Our society was changed by this event. It would never be the same again. Ultimately, the McMartin case served a vital purpose. It increased awareness about the risk of child sexual abuse and molestation, which has lead to a commitment to protect the children. This commitment manifested itself in individuals and businesses serving children and included significant efforts from federal (National Child Protection Act of 1 993; The Volunteers for Children Act in 1998; Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act -- CAPTA) and state government to reduce the risks and protect our children.

Over fifteen years have passed since the reports of sexual abuse at that childcare center made national news, in my opinion, our society has made real progress toward fighting this plague. Unfortunately, events of the past year may cause some to dispute this statement. Others disagree more fundamentally and believe we have not done enough to deal with the problem of child maltreatment. They believe perceptions of progress are illusory. Regardless of opinion, the fact remains, children continue to be neglected by their parents, sexually abused by family members and others, exploited, beaten, bullied, and emotionally abused in shocking numbers.

Scope

There is a lag in the data on child maltreatment and some dispute over the sources. The federal government keeps the statistics. The U. S. Department of Health and Human Service, Children's Bureau, published a report on child maltreatment in 1998, which cited 2.8 million reports of child maltreatment per year. That means that child abuse is reported, on average, every ten seconds! Some experts think the incidence of child maltreatment is actually understated. The data in the report is available for you to review. You can find the report on the internet at www.childhelpusa.org.

Risk Identification

Increased awareness often leads to identification of new risks and new thoughts about old risks, You probably noticed the use of the words child maltreatment, in the past, much of our focus on risk management at camp has been directed toward sexual abuse and molestation and more recently toward sexual harassment. This focused effort runs the risk of developing compartmentalized thinking and of losing sight of the bigger picture. Successful management of the risks of child maltreatment, including sexual abuse and molestation, requires a balanced approach. The focus on sexual abuse and molestation is understandable -- it is one manifestation of our society's frustration over this issue. On the other hand, insurance underwriters have raised the issue and forced attention to it as a precondition to transferring the risk. While this has been valuable and probably necessary, we can't lose sight of the bigger picture of child maltreatment.

Experts have defined child maltreatment to include sexual abuse, exploitation, or molestation (sexual activity between a child and an adult, or a child with an older child), physical abuse (non-accidental injury to a child including hazing and bullying behaviors), emotional abuse (attacking a child's self-worth including belittling, insulting, or manipulating behavior), sexual harassment, and neglect (failure to protect a child from harm, or provide for basic needs). As we consider the implications of this expanded risk definition and broader perspective, a renewed commitment is needed to address these issues in an increasingly complex environment.

Build New Strategies

Prevention of child maltreatment is not a separate strategy It should be integrated with your camp's overall plans for risk management. It is just as important as your plans for prevention and reduction of the risks of accidental injury.

The risk of child maltreatment threatens camps from outside, as well as inside, the camp organization. Perpetrators can be parents who abuse and mistreat their children at home before they come to camp. Other perpetrators can be volunteers, counselors, pedophiles, strangers/intruders, as well as other campers.

How does your camp's risk management plan address the risks in the expanded definition of child maltreatment? Have you identified all possible sources of attack? Are you satisfied, or can you do more? If you think you can do more, take some time now to consider the bigger picture.

Successful risk management plans require support and commitment from management. This includes moral support, as well as, financial and administrative backing. As the director, you must "live" the risk management philosophy you espouse and require it from others if it is to succeed.