Neglect and Abuse of Children in Tennessee Child Welfare System

Neglect and Abuse of Children in Tennessee Child Welfare System

  • Submitted By: lemmmt
  • Date Submitted: 04/15/2013 10:52 AM
  • Category: Psychology
  • Words: 366
  • Page: 2
  • Views: 1

Lucy Vanderbilt
Child Psychology
02-14-12

Neglect and Abuse of Children in Tennessee Child Welfare System
The state of Tennessee reported that 120 children were investigated by the department of children services after reports of abuse or neglect died between 2009 and 2011 (Commercial Appeal, 2013). Neglect and abuse of children in the Tennessee department of children issues has been a growing issue for more than a decade. The United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee at Nashville case concerning the complaint-class action for declaratory injunctive relief highlights these issues within the child welfare system.
One of the eight children involved in the class action; identified as Denise E. was removed from her mother’s care at birth. Denise was provided foster care placement for 8 years but was denied the opportunity of potential adoption. She never received services to monitor care, needs, or development. Denise was only visited by the case manager once throughout the 8 year period; during the process of initial removal from her mother’s care.
The obvious neglect of the child welfare structure left Denise in an overcrowded living environment with improper state assistance. This later resulted in the need for a mental health evaluation of the child. As she was not the only child in the overpopulated home environment; the wellbeing of the other children remains unknown. Also, the deliberation and suspension of negligent care of not only Denise but all the children becomes an issue.
In my opinion, the mental state of the child was influenced as she was in an unstable and crowded living situation without prospective adoptive opportunities. The case manager abandoned her duties that should have involved periodical visits and reports on the child’s progress and living conditions. The appropriate resources were not provided and created a detrimental influence in the child’s growth process. If appropriate resources were presented...

Similar Essays