Child Abuse Prevention in a Pandemic - A Natural Experiment in Social Welfare Policy

• 2023

  Log in to bookmark this resource.

  Log in
• Kristine Campbell; Joanne Wood; Rachel Berger
PMID: 37870864DOI: https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2023.4525

---

Access Resources

• Journal ArticleEN
• Ask aRCie About This Resource

About

This editorial discusses a study on abusive head trauma (AHT) in children following COVID-19 shutdowns. It notes a temporary decline in AHT cases during the initial lockdowns but a subsequent rise back towards pre-pandemic levels among infants, who make up the majority of AHT cases. Contrary to predictions, overall child abuse referrals dropped during lockdowns, attributed to decreased exposure to mandated reporters like teachers. The article explores potential reasons for these trends, including social welfare policies like paid family leave and housing security that may have inadvertently prevented child abuse.

---

Tags

Focus Areas: Trauma; Violence

Audiences: Behavioral Health Professionals; Public Health Professionals

Emergency Management Stages: Mitigation; Recovery

Keywords: Child Abuse; Child Welfare; Social Welfare; Pandemics

Institutions: American Medical Association (AMA)

---

More like this

Child Abuse Prevention in a Pandemic—A Natural Experiment in Social Welfare Policy 2023 · American Medical Association (AMA) Association of Rurality With Availability of Youth Mental Health Facilities With Suicide Prevention Services in the US 2020 · American Medical Association (AMA) Participation of Children and Adolescents in Live Crisis Drills and Exercises 2020 · American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

---

The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only. It does not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

---