ISSN: 0976-3759

Journal of School Social Work Price Rs 20.00

A National School Social Work monthly dedicated to networking of parents and teachers.

Volume VIII Issue 02

Contents

July 2011

Editorial Prof Visvesvaran P K 02 Child Neglect in Automobile Workshops Implications for Social Work Practice Hymavathi K 03- 07 Children of Single Parents Losers or Winners? Vijayalakshmi NK 08-12 Victims of Chronic Neglect The Children of Nomads Dr Sathyanarayanan C R and Premalatha M 13-16 Neglected Children: As the Law Sees Them Prof Visvesvaran P K 17-18 To The Fragile Female: Help is on the Way! Dr Sailaxmi Gandhi 19-21 Combating Neglect Residential Facilities for Victims of HIV/ AIDS Sadhna Jain 22-26 Welfare of Neglected Children Implications for Social Work Practice Jyothi Kiran V 27-29 Impact of Negligence on Adolescents Ashalatha and Dr Shoba Devi R Patil 30-32

Focus: Neglected Children

Hony. Special Editor: Dr (Capt) DVP Raja, MA, DSSA, Ph D, D Litt, Founder and Chairman, Madurai Institute of Social Sciences, RB Charitable Trust, SPREAD and Capt DVR Foundation for HRD, Chairman, Centre for Local Bodies, IIPA, Madurai Branch. Journal of School Social Work, Mobile:
98406 02325 8 (New 14), Sridevi Colony, Seventh Avenue, Ashok Nagar, Chennai 600 083. jssw.india@gmail.com
Note: Views expressed by the contributors are not necessarily the official view of the Journal.

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Editorial

In Love Begotten, Not to be Forgotten

Child Neglect in Automobile Workshops Implications for Social Work Practice

Hymavathi K*
*Dr Hymavathi K, Senior Project Professional, Young Lives (International) Project; Department of Social work, Sri Padmavati Mahila Visvavidyalayam; Tiurpati.517502

Ruth Benedict in her classic weigh so heavily on the victims that studies of primitive cultures says the they may be prevented from average Zui of the Red-Indian tribe behaving normally. Children of the is an affable, friendly, optimistic, nomadic communities suffer neglect peace-loving and cooperative and abuse in innumerable ways. The individual. Why? An important latchkey children and children of reason is every Zui child is adored single parents also dont fare too well. by its family and by the community at The lot of the HIV/ AIDS affected large. children is indeed pitiable and In contrast stands the Dobuan of pathetic but voluntary efforts to Melanesia, hostile, suspicious, provide and care and rehabilitation anxious, irritable, scheming and are not wanting. Women, in general, treacherous. What makes him so? are most vulnerable in our society A variety of factors may contribute to and may suffer neglect at various this but, main among them is the stages of their lives but, once again, adults hatred for the newborn. No the society has woken up to their new arrival is welcome in their needs and has started doing a community. At the earliest number of things to bring back cheer provocation the young child will be into their lives. It is only very clear put to death and sent back to its that the neglected child becomes Maker. either a weakling or grows up with a Help can come from any source warped personality and behaviour but the State has the primary problems unless help arrives in time. responsibility. That there are several All in all, awareness of the plight thoughtful legislations and variety of of the neglected children is growing programmes lined up just for these at a quick pace, not the least because kids indicates States concern. the society has at last realized that Unless preventive measures are put to neglect children is to invite doom in place the deleterious effects of and disaster. Help is on the way, in a neglect on the working childrens self- big way as a writer in this issue has confidence and self-esteem may pointed out. Journal of SCHOOL SOCIAL W R OK July 2011 02

Itouto: nrdcin If the basic needs and requirements of a child are not met, he/she is a victim of neglect. If a child does not get affection, care, food, clothing, medicine or supervision, he can be a neglected child. While neglect may be harder to define or to detect than other forms of child maltreatment, child welfare experts have created common categories of neglect, including physical neglect; medical neglect; inadequate supervision; environmental, emotional, and educational neglect; and newborns exposed to drugs, as well as some newly recognized forms of neglect. Child labour is a very complicated development issue, affecting human society all over the world. It is a matter of grave concern that children do not receive the education and leisure which is important for their growing years; they may not be enjoying their rights properly, because they are sucked into commercial and labour activities Journal of SCHOOL SOCIAL W R OK

which are meant for people beyond their years. Homer Folks defines child labour as any kind of work by children that interferes with their full physical fundamental development and denies opportunities to them for a desirable minimum of education for their needed recreation. Coming to our Indian scenario of child labour we are in fifth position in the world having 12.6 million children in hazardous occupations (UNICEF2007). Particularly in auto mobile workshops and vehicle repair sector there are 49,893 children are working (Report of the Working Group on Child Labour for the 11th Five year plan Planning Commission). These children are abused at work place by the employer and at home by their parents. Cntttoa sfgad: osiuinl aeurs Government of India is committed to ensuring the rights, protection and development of children in the country. To achieve this goal government has enacted various legislations and has been 03 July 2011

implementing policies and main objectives of the study are to programmes for improving the status understand the socio-economic of children thereby promoting their profile, educational qualifications and wellbeing. The constitutional reasons for school dropout, taking up provisions and some protective of employment and working legislations dealing with the welfare conditions of children in these and protection of children from workshops and finally to draw different forms of work and implications for social work practice. exploitation, namely Article 24. (It It is an exploratory study. The prohibits the employment of children researcher used interviewing and in factories); Article 39 (e) and (1), observation techniques for data (By this, the state is obligated to collection by using of interview safeguard the health of children and schedule. The universe covers the afford opportunities to grow with children working in automobile dignity), and Article 45, provides for workshops in Tirupati town. The free and compulsory education for researcher identified 181 workshops. children. The Child Labour The sample comprises 250 (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, respondents (children) who are 1986 was passed to prohibit the working in these workshops and they employment of children in certain are in the age group of 6-14yrs and occupations and to regulate the their employers (138). conditions of work of children in M j rf n i g a dd s u s o : ao idns n icsin certain other jobs. National Plan of The incidence of child labour is Action for Children 2005 and the very high in developing countries like Commission for the Protection of India, because of population Child Rights Act, 2005 have certain explosion, rapid urbanization, loopholes, limitations and gaps, industrialization, privatization, hence these are not effective in liberalization, globalization, implementation part to tackle this inadequate school facilities, illiteracy problem. and improper implementation of Methodology: legislations. The study is confined to child The results reveal that majority workers in automobile workshops in (40 percent) of the children are in the Tirupati town of Andhra Pradesh. The age group of 10 to 12 years. Their 04 Journal of SCHOOL SOCIAL W R OK July 2011

Hymavathi K

Child Neglect in Automobile Workshops Implications for Social Work Practice

mean age is 10.9. Nearly a third of them belong to Scheduled Caste. These children are from large families of 6 to 8 members (50.4 percent) and from low income families (45.2 percent). These children were forced by their parents to enter into employment for only to supplement the family income for satisfying the minimum needs of the family. Under such conditions these children were involved in the work by withdrawal from mainstream of education. Though poverty of parents cannot be an alibi for condoning child labour, there is definitely a positive correlation between the incidence of child labour and household economic status. A majority (67 percent) of the families of the child workers are migrant. According to the UNICEF Report (2006: 56) roughly 20 percent of the Indian population is considered migrant, of whom the majority are women and children. They are often at greater risk of exploitation and tend to accept jobs on unfair terms. These migrants are deprived of family and community support networks at the site of migration, women and children often suffer most and are frequently denied access to basic services including education. Such migration Journal of SCHOOL SOCIAL W R OK

often involves longer working hours, poor living and working conditions and poor access to basic facilities like education, health and food distribution systems. Prns euainlsau: aet dctoa tts Over a third of the respondents parents are illiterate. NSSO 61st round 2004-05 also gives similar findings. Illiterate and semi-literate parents who struggle to survive use their children as supplementary sources of income. Though the literacy levels are increasing in the country, the incidence of child labour seems to be high among the households where the head of the household is an illiterate. A considerable percentage (41.6 percent) of child workers were recruited through their parents. If the family is not in a position to provide minimum requirements of the children, parents abuse and compel them to take up work. In poor families children are the major supporting hands when the family is at risk or in a crisis. Asha V. Dass (1993), Singh et al, (1980), Sinha and Shukla (1974) state that the child workers suffer from family deprivation and hence found deficient in the acquisition of skills. The existence of nearly half the cases of child 05 July 2011

Hymavathi K

labour is undoubtedly a result of child workers health status is poverty. Asha V. Dass(1993), average (they do not have good Rupleka Borah, Sangitha et al heath). The study shows that the (1993).Dandekar and Rath (1971) child workers are working under report that when a family does not unhealthy and hazardous working get adequate nutrition even when all conditions, with long hours of work. the members spend their time, To cope with heavy work and stress energy and money on bread winning they use hazardous substances activities, it knows poverty as a total which give slight sedation and mental experience. The level of child s relief for a sort period. Children are wellbeing in a state is inversely addicted to cigarettes, gutkha, and associated with the rate of poverty. alcohol. Korbin (1981) states that Compared to other types of child parents and employers abuse maltreatment, neglect is more directly children and they are subjected to associated with poverty. unfavourable working conditions. The study reveals that a majority They are abused in various ways (54.8 percent) of the respondents are resulting in physical injuries, mental working for more than 12 hours a day. trauma, negligent treatment or On account of long working hours, maltreatment and continuous verbal children become very weak, it affects abuse. the childs health and development. A large majority (74.8 percent) of They are working in unhygienic the child workers spend a sizable environment. Due to this they portion of their income on food, frequently contract diseases. because they were deprived of Megrath has reported that the adequate food due to low family imbalance between demands of income. employment and capabilities of the Dandekar and Rath (1971) child causes stress, which has a calculated a minimum consumer depressing effect on the working expenditure that would secure an child. (P.L. Mehta and S.S.Jaswal adequate diet. In the present study, (1995); Juyal (1985); Chander Kanta a majority (51.6 percent) of the child Sharma and Raj Singh (1982)). workers are denied food by their The present study highlights that parents for not contributing their a large majority (62.4 percent) of the income. 06 Journal of SCHOOL SOCIAL W R OK July 2011

Child Neglect in Automobile Workshops Implications for Social Work Practice

Ipiain fritreto: mlctos o nevnin Social workers are capable of recognizing and understanding the complexity of the social context, and existing problems in the society. Social workers can provide direct services to individuals, couples, families and groups in the form of awareness, counselling. They can undertake policy advocacy (to introduce flexible school hours) and to bring modifications and

amendments in the existing legislations for better implementation, through social mobilization by adopting various methods of community organization. Conclusion: The above situation reveals the need and urgency to bring suitable change in the existing legislations related to prevention of child labour which is possible only through improving the income levels

References Asha V Das and Saxena S B (1993): Child Labour - Multidimensional Problems, New Delhi: Ajantha Publications. Chandarakanth Sarma, Raj Singh (1982): Working Children in Hissar, Social Welfare, Vol.XXIX, No.9, P22. Dandekar and Rath (1971): Child Labour. Do Parents Count it as an Economic Aspect of the Child of India. (Ed.). K. Srinivasan et al., Pp 211-20 Bombay: Himalaya Publication. Juyal B N (1985): Child Labour Twice Exploited in Varanasi City, Sponsored by Committee on Child Labour, Ministry of Labour Government of India. Korbin Jill E (1981): Child Abuse and Neglect, Berkeley: University of California Press. Mehta P L and Jaswal S S (1996): Child Labour and the Law- Myth and Reality of Child Labour Welfare, New Delhi: Deep and Deep Publications. Ruplekha Borah, Sangita Patel, Namita Mishra (1993): Child Labour Multidimensional Problems, New Delhi: Ajanta Publications. Singh et al., (1980): Working Children in Bombay A Study, New Delhi: NIPCCD. Sinha D, Shukla P (1974): Deprivation and Development of Skill for Pictorial Depth Perception, Journal of Cross Cultural Psychological Review, vol.5, Pp 434-450. Sushil Srivasta and H Shroff (1991): Child Labour in Madras and Vellore, Social Welfare, Sep. P.14. UNICEF (2007): The State of the Worlds Children 2006: Excluded and Invisible. New York: UNICEF.

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Children of Single Parents Losers or Winners?

Children of Single Parents Losers or Winners?

Vijayalakshmi NK*
* Vijayalakshmi NK, PhD Scholar, Madras School of Social Work.

Itouto: nrdcin roles and priorities have led to more In every society, the family is women entering the workforce in the considered the basic unit of society last few decades. As a result, the gap that performs valuable functions for between male and female has its members. The most important narrowed and the single-parent responsibility is to provide emotional families have increased. What and psychological security for the happens to the children? They children that are born into the family are forced to grow up within a family and grow up within it. The warmth, with the parent who wins the custody love and companionship that exist of the children, forced to spend the and evolve between parents weekend with the other parent who and children determine the quality, may have visiting rights or spend quantity, strength and durability of weekends with him/ her. this security and stability. The positive Cide o itc fmle: hlrn f nat aiis values are transferred by the older Children living at home with both generation to the younger one. parents grow up with more financial Families in which children are and educational advantages than raised by only one parent are now children raised by single parents. The more common around the world. father works and the mother in the Migration, separation, divorce, and family handles the home front. widowhood are influencing this trend. Children are taken care of by Women who have never been someone in the family. Mostly the married and who live without a father manages the financial aspects, partner also account for an increasing so the mother does not feel the need proportion of single-parent families. to go out for work. They feel Womens increased ability to earn an comforted by the knowledge that their income is also influencing the growth children are safe in the cocoon of in single-parent families. The parental affection. The children also economic need and changes in grow up taking the support system womens perception of their social provided to them. But the scenario is Journal of SCHOOL SOCIAL W R OK July 2011 08

different among the children of single parents. But the situation is changing. Children of single parent (ale stain: erir iuto) Rapid industrialization, urbanization and rapid modernization have changed our life style. Single parent leaves their child at the mercy of servants and in this situation child may fall prey to the problems of neglect. Disturbed interpersonal relationships, overprotection or rejection, family discipline, undesirable parental model and over expectations do play an important role in the life of a child and may lead to Problem Child. Single parents are often left lonely and isolated. They have to work long hours, where they find very little time to spend with their children. Children with single parents find themselves with no support systems to lean on. They often experience many negative changes in their lives and can suffer neglect in the home and in the society. Neglect comes in different forms physical and emotional, and girls suffer more than the boys, with younger children getting neglected most. The children often have to face stigma, ridicule and social problems based on myths, stereotypes, halftruths and prejudices. The children Journal of SCHOOL SOCIAL W R OK

in the single parent families are widely believed to have emotional or behavioural problems such as higher absentee rates at school, lower levels of education, and higher dropout rates (with boys more negatively affected than girls); and more delinquent activity, including alcohol and drug addiction. Society expects those children to do poorly at schools and possess a low self-esteem. Polm o cide o rbes f hlrn f snl prns ige aet Polm o feig rbes f eln (depression, anxiety) Polm o bdl fntos rbes f oiy ucin (psychosomatic disorders)

Problems of behaviour (conduct disturbances, passive-aggressive behaviour)

Problems of performance (learning disorders) Figure: 1. Problems Faced by Cide o Snl Prns hlrn f ige aet July 2011 09

Vijayalakshmi NK

Children of Single Parents Losers or Winners?

Ta l be1 A Ta l o C m a i o I t c F m l a d S n l P r n F m l be f oprsn nat aiy n ige aet aiy Cide wt itc fml hlrn ih nat aiy Its a training ground, where children learn interpersonal skills. Children learn lessons of patience, tolerance, cooperation and adjustment. They also learn to take collective responsibility. Children grow up with appreciating, admiring and loving qualities. Children do not have financial problems. It is shared by both parents. When growing up with both parents, children are looked after by people they love and trust thereby finding it easier to replace the absent parent. Cide wt snl prns hlrn ih ige aet Lack of opportunity for learning interpersonal skills. Individual responsibility emphasized. is

Often children get stuck in patterns of functioning. Financial problems often have to be managed independently, so the child faces lot of problems. Children of single parent rely on peers or indifferent babysitters to fill the void between school time and home time while their single parent is at work. The responsibility for the culture, traditions and values that a child grows up with, lies with the parents. Single parents are unable to devote enough time to this aspect of child rearing.

Culture, tradition and values get transmitted from the parents to children.

The child is not left wanting for Susceptible to seeking for company attention and is being disciplined elsewhere and may end up with regularly by either of the parent. wrong company. 10 Journal of SCHOOL SOCIAL W R OK July 2011

Peetstain rsn iuto: The reality is that single parent families are showing a sharp rise. In India itself around 49% children are living in single-parent homes and despite divorce or remarriages both the parents may be actively involved in parenting or offering their children two separate families. Since the single parent norm has become a common phenomenon, the parents do not feel alienated in the society. Their children actually get the training to handle greater responsibility from their homes themselves. Children of single parents are not unfortunate. In Indian society they are looked at with sympathy but it is necessary to see the other side of the coin. They have been courageous enough to accept the end of a relation and have decided to keep them away from unpleasant quarrels in the family. Children of single parents can become, with assistance, the following: 1.More independent and a multitasking persons. 2.Trained in handling greater responsibility from their homes. 3.Very understanding and cooperative. 4.More focussed. 5.Courageous and supportive. Journal of SCHOOL SOCIAL W R OK

6.Good in studies and behaviour. There is a long list of achievers who are internationally renowned. Indira Gandhi was a single-parent child. She was a single parent herself to sons Rajeev and Sanjay. Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle are single-parents children. What about the South Indian Bharathi Raja Brothers? Satyajit Ray lost his father at the age of two-and-a-half and had no living memories of this parent. Their lives show that though we agree that being the child of a single parent can be more stressful than a child with both parents living under the same roof, success holds no bias against them. They can become as famous, as successful and as powerful as children with both parents. Some of the ways to bring up a positive child by a single parent: Dnthd tefc: o ie h at The single parent, either the mother or the father, should help their child to accept that she/ he has got only one parent. Truth has to be conveyed to them in a way that they will understand. This will help them be prepared to face the society. Delayed and sudden revelation of the truth may have an adverse effect on the childs psychology leading to psychological problems. 11 July 2011

Dntsnietlz: o etmnaie Single parents have to be stronger and make their children feel that they are not unfortunate and that they are not missing on anything. Treat them well and but do not pamper them too much. Fl i tegp il n h a: Both the parents have the same importance in a childs life. Absence of one makes a huge difference to the children. A single parent needs to take up the challenge and try to fill the gap. Single mothers, for example, need to play the role of father by being the earning member of the family, by meeting the needs of education and entertainment of the child, by being the armour of the house and other roles which are typical of the father. Hnl tecid e o i n : a d e h h l s m t o s No matter how much we try, the children are sure to feel the absence of the other parent in their life. They may feel crest-fallen when they see their friends with both their parents. Single parent should be their friend,

so that they can share their joys and sorrows. Never sow hatred: To make children comfortable with single parenthood, it is not necessary that they should hate their other parent. If there is a need to blame someone for the situation, it should not be the ex-partner. Children need to be proud of their parents so that it will help them to grow up to be good adults. Negative thoughts about one parent can get the child to grow negativity about that sex. Conclusions: Single-parent families have been present in all societies and should not be viewed as deviant or problematic, but rather as an alternative family form. Regardless of how family diversity is viewed, the increase in and prevalence of families headed by one parent has a major influence on the social, economic, and political context of family life. A child may be without a parent, but she/he should not and need not become a neglected child on that score.

Vijayalakshmi NK

Victims of Chronic Neglect The Children of Nomads

Sathyanarayanan C R** Premalatha M**
*Dr Sathyanarayana C R, Director, Tribal Research Centre, M. Palada, Ooty, The Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu. **Premalatha M, Lecturer, Department of Social Work, Karpagam University, Eachanari Post, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.

References: Suparna Chakraborty (2010): Single Parents and Their Children; One India, Wednesday, August 18, 2010, 10:54 [IST] Shoma Chatterji (2011): Children of Single Parents; Society; March 8, 2011. Collymore Y (2001): Conveying Concerns: Women Report on Families in Transition. Washington, D.C., Population Reference Bureau [PRB], MEASURE Communication, 2001 Jan. 24 p

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Itouto: nrdcin Nomadic communities have a long history of marginalization, neglect and oppression, right from colonial rule, to independent India. Research studies highlight the extreme poor and unhygienic condition of the nomads. Nomads are found to live in the outskirts of the villages, towns, railway stations, bus stands and all along the roadways in temporary shelters. The children of nomads undergo extreme forms of neglect or unresponsiveness to their basic emotional needs. In practice, the neglect of nomadic children exists as a continuum ranging from hasty and short term to chronic and unsympathetic neglect. Nomads and their children: Presently, there are thirty to forty million nomads in the world, divided into three types, namely. huntergatherer, pastoral nomads, and peripatetic nomads. The world of Journal of SCHOOL SOCIAL W R OK

nomads is without any roof and boundaries. They view the entire world as one, and they move in and around its corners in accordance with the demands of their lifestyle. The Oxford Advanced Learner s Dictionary (1995: 786) defines nomad as a member of a tribe or people who moves with their animals from place to place and has no permanent home. The Census of India, 1931, listed the nomads in India and titles these people as wandering communities. Many of the nomadic communities like, acrobats, bird trappers, monkey performers, snake charmers, fortunetellers, religious mendicants, and so on, adopt a combination of occupational strategies to earn livelihood and these communities prefer a wandering lifestyle, small in size, devoid of leadership, politically quiet and never constituted a significant vote bank, they have never attracted the attention of the larger 13 July 2011

Sathyanarayanan C R et al

Victims of Chronic Neglect The Children of Nomads

society (Sathyanarayanan, C.R, neglected by their parents as they fail 2010). In Tamilnadu, few examples to supervise and take charge of their of nomads include Narikuravar, children. These nomadic children are chaataiyadikarar, Paambatti (snake casually exposed to violent charmers), Gudugudupaikarar, and environment in the society. Kazhaikoothadi and so on. Atv nget cie elc: The life of nomads is pathetic and It refers to behaviour that is it is obvious that the children of these determined where the parent communities are victims of extreme intentionally withholds care or neglect. These nomadic children are necessities and the neglect may be socially stigmatized and are often motivated by financial gain (Duke.J, labeled as, beggar criminal, and 1991). Researches show that most untouchable. The stigma of of the nomadic children are victims criminality has detached their status of active neglects as they accompany and prestige. There is a greater their parents instead of going to possibility for the nomadic children, school, they perform on road sides, to have dreadfully low self esteem, in cities for example, children playing as their parents normally suffer drums and walking on strings, snake frequent police coercion, arrest, and trappers and monkey performers. detention in prisons and has very less These nomadic children are trained prospect to get a decent job and earn by their parents to exhibit their talents their livelihood. It is certain that these and solicit money. Generally the nomadic children suffer from chronic nomadic children are viewed as neglect. nuisance by the society. But it is Itresnlnget neproa elc: pitiable to note that, for these children Child neglect may be in the form this is the only means to earn their of intrapersonal, an interpersonal or livelihood. family and social or ecological level Psienget asv elc: (Turney, 2005). The children of It refers to the situation in which nomads experience all forms of the parent is unable to fulfill his or neglect like that of physical neglect, her care giving responsibilities as a emotional neglect, educational result if illnesses, disability, stress, neglect and medical neglect. In other ignorance, lack of maturity or lack of words, they are deliberately resources (Duke.J, 1991). It is 14 Journal of SCHOOL SOCIAL W R OK July 2011

obvious that the nomads who are generally living below poverty line, lacking regular employment and permanent shelter have more misfortune to experience illness, disability, stress and also lack necessary resources to take care of their children. Children of nomads are often deprived of their basic necessities like that of balanced nutrition, protection, safe shelter, education and health (Sathya narayanan, C R, 2010). These children are denied of their social approval from community in general and most often they are treated as untouchables and are subjected to discrimination and stigmatization. It develops negative effects on the psychological and social wellbeing of the children. Ngeto nmdccide: elc f oai hlrn Major factors that increase the possibility of neglect may be due to unemployment and poverty parental mental health problems, substance use and domestic violence ( Stone B, 1998 ) Neglectful families often experience a variety or combination of adverse factors. Pvryadnget oet n elc: At the social and ecological level, the association between poverty and neglect is frequently made. The Journal of SCHOOL SOCIAL W R OK

National Society for the prevention of cruelty to children, London, supports the association between neglect and lower socio economic class. Studies have shown that less affluent families are more likely to be found to maltreat their children, particularly in the form of neglect and physical abuse, than affluent families. (Wolock et al, 1979). Many low income families are not neglectful but provide loving homes for their children. However, when poverty coexists with other forms of adversity, it can negatively impact parents ability to cope with stressors and undermine their capacity to adequately respond to their childs need. McSherry, D argues that the relationship between child neglect and poverty should be seen as circular and interdependent. Dsacdprns itne aet: At interpersonal family level, a significant number of neglectful families are headed by a lone mother or have a transient male. (Stevenson.O, 1998). The children of nomads suffer neglect extremely because of poverty which in turn pilot to relative problems. Conclusion and suggestion: The Government of Tamil Nadu provides several welfare schemes like job oriented training programmes, 15 July 2011

Sathyanarayanan C R et al

subsidized loans, pre- matric and post-matric scholarships, free education, scholarships, government hostels exclusively to the students of these communities, Free house site pattas to the deprived section. In spite of it, Unfortunately nomadic people are homeless and never settle in one place, they lack the identity card to prove themselves for being the citizen of the country. The Nomadic communities are chased out as they are considered as nowhere people

not only by the mainstream communities, but also by the government machineries. Under the existing circumstances, we can expect a momentous improvement in the livelihood of nomads if only some serious efforts are made by the government to enhance the literacy level and ensure sustainable livelihoods to the members of these communities, ultimately the children of nomads can be rescued from chronic neglect.

Neglected Children: As the Law Sees Them

Visvesvaran P K*
*Prof Visvesvaran P K, Editorial consultant, JSSW.

Reference: Abusaleh Shariff, Maitreyi Krishnaraj,( 2007 ): State, Markets and Inequalities, Orient Longman, New Delhi. Anon (2010): Child Neglect, your Dictionary.com. LoveToKnow, corp.http: www.yourdictionary .com/law/child-neglect. Bovarnick (2007): Child Neglect. NSPCC Child protection research briefing. Daniel B (2005): Introduction to Issues for Health and Social Care in Neglect, Child Neglect Practice Issues for Health and Social Care, Jessica Kinsley Publisher, London. Duke J(1991):A National Study of Self-neglecting Adult Protective Services Clients, Department of Social Services, Richmond VA, Virgina. Leeb R T (2008): Child Maltreatment Surveillance, Uniform Definitions for Public Health and Recommended Data Elements- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http: // www.cdc.gov/ncipc/dvp/CMP/CMP- Surveillance.htm. McSherry D (2004):Which Came First, the Chicken or the Egg? Examining the Relationship between Child Neglect, British Journal of Social Work, Vol.34, issue 1, Pg. 727 -733 Misra and Malhotra (1982): Nomads in India, Anthropological Survey of India, Calcutta. Sathyanarayanan, C.R, (2010): Anomalies in Categorization of Communities and Uneven Development, Inclusive Education in A Social Science Perspective, (Eds) Relton.A, Rock City Publications, Tiruchirappalli. Stevenson O (1998): Neglected children: Issues and Dilemmas, Oxford, Blackwell. Stone B (1998 ): Child Negelct : Practitioners Perspectives. Child Abuse Review Vol. 7 Issue 2,Pg : 87-96.

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Itouto: nrdcin The various categories of neglected children have been elaborately listed out in the Juvenile Justice Act, 2000 (1), along with the kinds of institutional structures being created to deal with their problems. Also spelt out are the ways in which the authorities may deal with them in the youngsters own and the societys best interests. In the present article the above issues will be looked into along with an attempt to identify the role of the social worker in the appropriate settings. I teee o telw n h ys f h a: The JJ Act considers the neglected child as the one in need of care and protection, namely a child Without a home and without anyone to support him/her (hereafter him will include her). Who lives with someone who may hurt or kill him or someone who has done the same to other children (2). Who is terminally ill or is disabled mentally or physically without anyone to support him. Whose guardian is unfit to be one. Journal of SCHOOL SOCIAL W R OK

Whose parents/ guardians are missing (3). Who is in danger of being abused or exploited. Who is a victim of natural or manmade disasters and conflicts. Of course, the neglected child may also be one in conflict with law, that is one who is alleged to have committed an offence. Poiin udrtelw rvsos ne h a: A Juvenile Justice Board will be set up in every district or group of districts consisting of a magistrate, and two social workers, at least one of whom shall be a woman. The JJ Board conducts inquiries into the allegations against the juvenile and makes decisions about the course of action to be taken. An observation home is set up for the temporary reception of the juvenile. A special home is a reformatory institution set up for the re-socialization of the juvenile. The outcome: The juvenile may be allowed to go home after due advice and admonishment followed by counselling for the parents or guardians. Group counselling for the 17 July 2011

Visvesvaran P K

child and parents may also be arranged. Interestingly the juvenile may also be required to engage himself in some form of community service. A fine may be collected from the parents or from the juvenile, if working. Alternatively, the juvenile may be sent home to remain under probation (suspended sentence) and under the supervision of a probation officer. The Act makes further provisions for the rehabilitation and reintegration of the neglected child into the social world. These include such measures as giving the child away in adoption, foster care (short-term care within a family). Sponsorship is securing sustained monetary assistance to the affected family by those who undertake to provide this. A fit-person is the one identified by the authority as someone suitable and capable of looking after the child. Similarly, a fit-institution is an NGO deemed capable of looking after the needy

child. After-care institutions are agencies, governmental or private, that provide training to the child who has been discharged from a Special Home or a fit-institution. Sca wr itreto: oil ok nevnin NGOs could depute social workers to assist probation officers who are dealing with neglected children. They could also help families adopting such children when problems arise in regard to the concerned childs behaviour. They can claim their due positions in the Juvenile Justice Board and Child Welfare Committees as stipulated by law. Social workers can volunteer their services at observation homes, special homes, and after-care homes to organize group activities for the residents as an aid to socialization and in group adjustments. Let not social workers neglect their responsibilities in this regard but make their contributions in full measure.

To The Fragile Female: Help is on the Way!

Sailaxmi Gandhi*
Dr Sailaxmi Gandhi, Assistant Professor at the Department of Nursing, NIMHANS, Bangalore, Karnataka. E-mail: sailaxmi63@yahoo.com

References: 1. Arora Kishan (Ed.) (2003): The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000, New Delhi: Professional Publsihers. 2. Abusive Dad, Aunts of 5-year Old Boy Arrested, Deccan Chronicle, 21st Oct, 2009, p 3 3. Childrens Home Head Faces Kidnap Charges, Absconds, Times of India, 29th Mar, 2010, p 6

18

Journal of SCHOOL SOCIAL W R OK

July 2011

Itouto: nrdcin Deprivation of basic amenities such as food, clothing and shelter alone does not necessarily constitute neglect. Neglect is an abstract term which has many hidden connotations. Child labour, restricted access to education (in spite of RTE), sexual atrocities, gender discriminations, etc. also constitute neglect. Although India is progressing by leaps and bounds in the arena of technology, science, etc. it is still a backward nation when it comes to the issue of gender discrimination! The fairer sex, i.e. the fragile female child is definitely still neglected in many parts of India! Tegne dvd: h edr iie Education: The Right to Education has become a reality. The common man sees education as a key to a golden future. However, there still exists a yawning chasm the gender divide. Illiteracy above age 7 years has been documented among 17.6 crore females when compared to 9.7 crore males in India (2011 census). The legacy of past Journal of SCHOOL SOCIAL W R OK

discrimination against females remains visible even today (TOI, 2011). In the age group 5-29 years, 57% males were enrolled in educational institutions as opposed to only 50% females (NSSO, 200708) Safety Issues: Thomson Reuters Trust, a hub of legal information and legal support for womens rights recruited 213 experts from five continents to rank countries on their overall perception of danger as well as by six key categories of risk, health threats, sexual violence, harmful practices rooted in culture, tradition and/or religion, lack of access to economic resources and human trafficking. India was rated as the fourth most unsafe place in the world due to high levels of female foeticide, infanticide, and sex trafficking (TOI, 2011). 90% of sex trafficking took place within the country and of the three million prostitutes, 40% were children (CBI, 2009). Other forms of exploitation of the girl child include forced labour and forced marriage. 19 July 2011

Sailaxmi Gandhi

To The Fragile Female: Help is on the Way!

NgetdHat: elce elh Council to reserve one seat in all its Although India is the fifth largest post-graduate courses from the economy in the world, her health current academic year and waive profile is closer to under-developed tuition and hostel fees for the single countries in the sub-Saharan Africa girl child. This decision was aimed than countries such as China. Only at curbing practices such as sex 54% of the children (12-23 months) determination and female foeticide. are fully immunised, 79% children (6Aganiyas (salt pan workers) in 35 months) are anaemic, 46% Gujarat move into the desert from children are mal-nourished and the November to May each year to infant mortality rate (IMR) is 50 produce industrial salt silted in the deaths per 1000 live births (2009 land during monsoon. Gavatar, an survey). Every year, 17.26 lakh organization for child rights and children under age five die in India education built Rann shalas (desert despite the Janani Suraksha Yojana schools) and reduced considerably (TOI, 2011). The National Rural the 70% school drop out rate. The Health Mission (NRHM) was school at the workplace and a launched in 2005 and has hired over community hostel in the home village 8.5 lakh women as Accredited Social for very young ones of migratory Health Activists (ASHAs), mostly labourers did the trick! Nearly 3000 village women with minimum class children have passed class X state VIII education. Public health facilities board examinations till date. No utilization has been boosted but the mean feat in an area bereft of even facilities themselves have not been basic amenities! upgraded to take this increased load IIM Ahmadabad started Prayaas which is evident from the dismal a voluntary education programme figures depicting the neglected health as part of its course curriculum. Here, of children in India! their students teach and pay tuition Efrsb scey fot y oit: fees for 30 slum children. Most of One effort at setting right the the funds come from IIM Ahmadabad gender divide in the arena of alumni. Tulasi Munda, (Padma Shri, education worthy of mentioning is the 2001), a 64 years old lady (who has recent decision taken by the never been to school) has set up 20 Bangalore University Academic schools (one high school and the rest Journal of SCHOOL SOCIAL W R OK July 2011 20

are primary schools) in inaccessible hilly areas in Orissas tribal belt. Some are under trees, some in verandas of village homes. Schools hours are as per parents convenience as since children help the parents who work in mines or as labourers.

Conclusion: In spite of proactive measures by all sectors Government, public, private and citizens, a large number of girls continue to be the victims. Fortunately voluntary efforts are much in evidence today to set right the anomaly.

References: Bangalore Mirror Bureau (2011): BU Reserves Seat for Single Girl Child in Every PG Course, Bangalore Mirror, June 16th, 2011, pg.9 Nagarajan Rema (2011): Chronically Ailing Nation, The Times of India, Bangalore, June 10th, 2011, pg.2 Satapathy Rajaram (2011): Tribal Track One woman shows the way, The Times of India, Bangalore, June 16th, 2011, pg.2 Shastri Parth (2011): No Deserting the Rann Shala, The Times of India, Bangalore, June 16th, 2011, pg.2 TOI Staff Reporter (2011): India is Fourth Most Unsafe Place for Women, Says Study, Times of India, Bangalore, June 16th, 2011, pg.11 Varma Subodh (2011): Class Act? Thats a Cruel Joke, The Times of India, Bangalore, June 9th, 2011 pg.2

Correction Slip JSSW June 2011 Issue

Page No: 09 For Read children may show such children may show symptoms like symptoms like Migs woodside Migs Woodside

10 25

as they are not able to 18 children could not contact ... be contacted due to lack of proper address or because they migrated July 2011 21

Journal of SCHOOL SOCIAL W R OK

Combating Neglect Residential Facilities For Victims of HIV/ AIDS

Combating Neglect Residential Facilities For Victims of HIV/ AIDS

Sadhna Jain* *Sadhna Jain is working as Reader in the Department of Family and Child Welfare,
Aditi Mahavidyalaya, University of Delhi.

were selected for the purpose of Itouto: nrdcin When children cannot be cared the study. The sample comprised of for by their family or when, in the 30 children who were in the age childs own interest, the child cannot group of 07-14 years and were living remain in that environment, a multi- with HIV/AIDS in residential pronged approach is required to institutions. The institutional staff with serve the best interests of the child different work responsibility was also and ensure an alternative family the part of the sample. Unstructured environment like care by extended interview guides, observations, family members, community support theme based group discussions, to grandparents and adolescent narratives of children were used to headed households, adoption, foster generate data on care practices in care, sponsorship by public and residential institutions for children private sectors. But such alternative living with HIV/AIDS. Following were care strategies are almost the findings of the study. An attempt nonexistent for children living with has been made to analyse the HIV/ AIDS. We cannot afford to findings in relation to provisions neglect the children made orphan or mentioned in CRC. Results and discussions: vulnerable by HIV/AIDS in the Availability of residential care absence of these strategies. facilities was a boon to children Objectives and methods: Keeping these points in mind a especially the HIV positive children, study was conducted with the the double orphans and also to other objective of gaining insight into the types of orphans. The children were availability of care options to the given a relatively safe and secure children living with HIV/AIDS in place. The HIV positive double residential institutions situated at orphans would have been either on Delhi and National Capital Region streets or in child headed households as they were denied of extended (NCR). Four residential institutions Journal of SCHOOL SOCIAL W R OK July 2011 22

family care and other forms of care. Such circumstances would have increased their vulnerabilities all the more. This provision relates to article 6 Right to life. Children living on their own are more prone to all forms of exploitation impacting every aspect of the life negatively. C i d e s n e s a d i t r s s hlrn ed n neet: There was no stigma and discrimination due to HIV/AIDS in residential institutions. This relates to article 16 of CRC which talks about the right to protection from stigma due to HIV/AIDS. Stigma free environment helped them in regaining their self esteem, confidence in their abilities, personal strength and hence helped in developing positive psychological growth. This was evident from the results of their self evaluation test. The residential institutions also provided them a space which was free from overburden of household work, violence, poverty and lack of access to services. Hat cr fclte: elh ae aiiis The health care facilities were provided by the NGOs, private physicians and hospitals in times of emergencies. Regular health checkups of institutional children were done. Intake of Anti Retro Viral Journal of SCHOOL SOCIAL W R OK

(ARV) and nutritious food tremendously reduced the incidences of opportunistic infections in HIV positive institutional children. The children were able to take their ARV medicines on time in institutions because of strict schedule of activities. Drug adherence was 100 % for the institutional children. The care giving tasks in times of ill health like taking the child to hospital, taking care of the sick child in residential institution were performed by the institutional staff like caretakers, warden, counsellor, nurse, doctor, other fellow children and immediate institutional head. Liueatvte: esr ciiis Residential institutions provided stimulation and purposeful leisure activities for children though it varied from institution to institution. Younger children of residential institution reported, Didi hum bahut maza karte hai (We enjoy a lot). Equal opportunities were given to all children irrespective of their age, gender, caste, HIV status orphanhood, religion etc to the maximum possible extent. Availability of equal opportunities enhances the self confidence and self esteem of the children. This provision is in relation to article 2 of CRC which says Rights July 2011 23

Sadhna Jain

apply to all children. meet children and children to go to Schooling: their homes especially during All children were going to school/ summer vacations, celebrating Non Formal Education (NFE) center festivals, arranging excursions, visits but had gaps in their schooling. This and vocational training. Lessons on provision fulfills the requirement of spirituality were given in faith based Article 28 of CRC which is on the right residential institutions to deal with of every child to free and compulsory feelings of abandonness. education. The children shared their Counselling services were provided day-today experiences and problems to children in one institution. Provision with institutional care givers and their of such services meets the friends. This is in relation to Article requirement of article 39 of CRC 12 of CRC which talks about right to which gives the right to rehabilitative express an opinion. care to children. Rtnino fml te: eeto f aiy is Dlgto o rsosblte eeain f epniiiis Native names of the children The children were given were used, parental names were responsibilities to fulfill according to used for securing admission in their age and cognitive maturity and schools, children were allowed to hence preparing for successful maintain family relations, keep initiation to acquire next set of photographs of family members responsibilities in families as well as except in one institution, and in residential institutions. nationality was preserved. Retention Access to information of family ties gives them a secure The children were involved in base to explore the world. This awareness generation programmes, provision relates to article 8 of CRC programmes were organized for which emphasizes the right of a child institutional children specifically, to preserve his or her identity, charts and posters related to HIV/ including nationality, name and family AIDS were pasted in the institutions, relations. children were engaged in physical Psycho-social support: exercises, nutritious food was given Residential institutions tried to to them, health check- ups were done respond to the psychological needs regularly and ART medicines were of the children by allowing parents to given on time regularly, recreational Journal of SCHOOL SOCIAL W R OK July 2011 24

Combating Neglect Residential Facilities For Victims of HIV/ AIDS

facilities were made available to them. Outings were organized for children. None of the children were engaged in economic activity. This is in consonance with the right of protection to children from all forms of abuse and neglect (Article19) and from sexual exploitation (Article 34). Older institutional children were given vocational training in one institution to make them self reliant. Sponsorship Some children of institution I and all children of institution II under study were sponsored. Fse cr otr ae One HIV positive girl child out of thirty institutional children was placed with the foster mother who was a HIV affected widow with two children. Adoption Adoption services were not available to children living with HIV/ AIDS. Funding The cost of bringing up of children in residential institutions were borne by the private funders, donations, national and international faith based groups, state and central government and minimally by the parents. Isiuinl cntans ntttoa osrit Though there were very small number of children in three out of four Journal of SCHOOL SOCIAL W R OK

residential institutions and institutions tried their best to keep the children happy and healthy but, still there was lack of individual and personal care, attention and affection as institutional needs took precedence over those of individual children. Irregular funding, high attrition rate of institutional workers, increased work load, the need to maintain too many records and low levels of education of institutional workers were the other constraints. Evrnetl cntans niomna osrit Institutions provided little or no opportunity for mixing with children outside of the institution except the fact that they were going to school/NFE regularly. Sometimes children were subjected to corporal punishment. Research on child abuse has demonstrated devastating impact on childrens development and well being often with long term implications. The voices of the children was not given due weightage. Government services The health care facilities like diagnosis, testing services and treatment of opportunistic infections including TB and HIV were provided by the government free of cost in primary Health Care Centres, Community Health Care Centres, Antenatal clinics and in government July 2011 25

hospitals. Free education is provided in government schools. The children were also given stationery, school bag, uniform, scholarships and mid day meal to continue their education. Those girls who were having the birth certificate or school leaving certificate were availing conditional cash transfer scheme ladli beti initiated by the government for girls to continue their education up to senior secondary level and postponement of marriage until 18 years of age. Conclusions: If alternative family-based care cannot be found for children living with HIV/AIDS, residential care may offer the best opportunity to ensure that they are cared for and protected, particularly in settings where foster care or adoption services are poorly

developed. Residential care is not just a storage facility but a way of helping a child to heal the past, enjoy the present and anticipate the future. Short-term residential facilities like short stay homes, transit homes, half way homes etc are sometimes needed to provide emergency care not only to children living with HIV/ AIDS but also to abandoned and poverty stricken children. However, it is not easy to say at what point a child should be removed from their family and at what point a residential centre is appropriate. In seeking the best interests of the child, the questions of how to remove a child from the family, the availability of alternatives, and the desires of the children themselves, all need to be taken into consideration.

Sadhna Jain

Welfare of Neglected Children Implications for Social Work Practice

Jyothi Kiran V*

*Jyothi Kiran V, Family counsellor, Family counselling centre,Tirupati. Email: venusriya@gmail.com

Itouto: nrdcin Children need to be nurtured and protected for their healthy growth and development. It has long been recognized that a child has his own needs, and rights for the fulfillment of these needs, he is dependent on the parents. Hence, parents are responsible for providing what is due to the child. Some parents are not able to fulfil their childrens basic needs. In this context it is essential to understand the neglected children and role of social worker in ensuring the wellbeing of such children. Vi t m o n g e t cis f elc: Neglect occurs to children of all races, socio-economic classes, religions, family structures and communities. It is the most common type of childrens maltreatment. A socio-ecological perspective helps us understand the multiple factors that contribute to child neglect. Unfortunately, neglect frequently goes unreported and historically has not been acknowledged or publicized as greatly as child abuse. Even Journal of SCHOOL SOCIAL W R OK professionals often have given less attention to child neglect than to abuse. Children who have been neglected are much more likely to experience emotional, social and behavioural problems that can undermine their immediate and longterm wellbeing. Dfnto dfiut: eiiin ifcly Child neglect is difficult to define and measure and there is no consensus regarding specific types of neglect. In lay words neglect means failure to provide for the childs basic needs. Dubowitz and colleagues(1993) defined neglect is an act of omission rather than commission that occurs when childrens basic needs are not adequately met. Neglect can be physical, educational and emotional. Within the category of neglect, physical neglect was the most commonly occurring type and included abandonment. The child neglect can be severe, potentially affecting many areas of child development and often resulting in July 2011 27

References: crin.org/BCN Country Progress Report, India (2010): UNGASS Delhi State A IDS Control Society, 2010 National AIDS Control Organisation, Department of AIDS Control, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, http://www.nacoonline.org Annual Report, 2009-2010. NACO, MWCD and UNICEF (2007): Policy Framework for Children and AIDS in India. UNICEF (2006): AIDS, Public Policy and Child Wellbeing.Innocenti Research Centre, Florence, Italy.

We are thankful to Dr (Capt) DVP Raja, the Honorary Special Editor for his consent and Prof P K Visvesvaran, our Editorial Consultant for the timely editorial and for co-opting members. Journal of SCHOOL SOCIAL W R OK July 2011 26

long-standing impairment. Child and can encompass multiple areas. neglect is linked with parents poor Physical problems: problem solving skills and poor Neglected children are at risk for parenting skills. Parents who are many physical problems, including unaware of the development and failure to thrive, severe diaper rash cognitive abilities of children at and other skin infections, recurrent different ages may have unrealistic and persistent minor infections, expectations and are more likely to malnourishment, and impaired brain neglect their children. development. Child neglect includes Cnrbtr fcos otiuoy atr: medical neglect; other health Parents health and wellbeing, problems can arise from the failure mental illness, substance abuse, of the parents to obtain necessary domestic violence and also the medical care for their children. If societal and environmental variables children do not receive proper contribute to their inability to provide immunizations, prescribed for the basic needs of the child. In medications, necessary surgeries, or 2004, approximately 7.4 out of every other interventions, there can be 1,000 children in the general serious consequences, such as population were reported as being impaired brain development or poor neglected (U.S Dept of Health and physical health. Human services, 2006). Cgiiedfct: ontv eiis Child neglect fatalities usually Neglected children are more likely result from inadequate supervision, to have cognitive deficits and severe chronic physical or medical neglect academic and developmental delays and may result from chronic inaction when compared with non-neglected or from a mishap. children. Children who are placed in Ipc o cidwlbig mat n hl elen: out-of-home care because of neglect The impact of neglect on a child have below-average levels of may not be apparent at an early stage cognitive capacity, language except in the most extreme cases. development, and academic However, the effects of neglect are achievement. harmful and possibly long-lasting for Emotional consequences: the victims. Its impact can become Neglecting a child leads to more severe as a child grows older problems in a childs emotional, Journal of SCHOOL SOCIAL W R OK July 2011 28

Jyothi Kiran V

Welfare of Neglected Children Implications for Social Work Practice

psychological, and behavioural development. Emotional neglect has serious psychological and emotional consequences for children such as inability to control emotions or impulses, usually characterized by frequent outbursts; having difficulty learning in school and getting along with siblings or classmates; displaying poor coping skills, low academic achievements, and psychiatric disorders such as dissociative disorders, attentiondeficit hyperactivity disorder or post traumatic stress disorder. The impact of neglect can vary based on the childs age, the presence and strength of protective factors, the frequency, duration, and severity of the neglect, the relationship between the child and caregiver. Implication for social work patc: rcie Professional social worker should interact regularly with neglected children and their families, recognize risk factors, their strengths and weaknesses, so that he/ she can

assess situations and implement the most effective interventions for the child and family such as behavioural therapy, cognitive-behavioural therapy, and peer support therapy, residential treatment or home visitation programme, treatments targeting parents, such as parental education, parenting programmes and multidisciplinary treatment approaches. Play therapy is beneficial for children exposed to child neglect. Group play improves neglected childrens cooperation and interaction with peers, and develops communication skills in them. Conclusion: Child neglect is not uncommon but with the caretakers co-operation, the professional social worker can undo its ill-effects and put the child back on the right track using the several strategies, methods and techniques in his/ her repertoire. This may take time but with persistence and earnest efforts the aftermath of neglect can be successfully erased and the child rehabilitated to the fullest extent.

References: Dubowitz H, Black MM,Starr Jr RH, ZuravinS (1993): A Conceptual Definition of Child Neglect. Crim Justice Behav 20: 8-26. Diane Depanfilis (2006): Child Neglect: A Guide for Prevention, Assessment and Intervention. U.S . Department of Health and Human Services.

Journal of SCHOOL SOCIAL W R OK

July 2011

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Impact of Negligence on Adolescents

Impact of Negligence on Adolescents

Ashalatha* Shoba Devi R Patil**
*Ashalatha, Ph.D Scholar, PG Department of Social Work, Karnatak University, Dharwad **Dr.Shobhadevi R Patil, Professor, PG Department of Social Work, Karnatak University, Dharwad.

Data was collected from 400 adolescents, by adopting stratified simple random sampling technique and after ensuring confidentiality. Data was collected by administering a self prepared tool. The aim of the study

was to understand the developmental problems and coping skills among urban and rural adolescents. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Some major findings of the study are tabulated below:
Rural Girls

Itouto nrdcin reported on daily basis. (NSPCC Adolescent maltreatment has Report on child maltreatment, UK; received very little attention in 2006) literature or policy. Neglect consists Struggles unknown: of any act of commission or omission In any case, an adolescent may that results in harm, potential for feel uncomfortable reporting his/ her harm, or the threat of harm to a child situation to authorities for various (0-18 years of age) even if harm was reasons. As children grow older and unintentional (Gilbert et al, 2009). The into adolescence, they are less likely five main types of teenage to be identified as victims of abuse maltreatment are: physical abuse; and neglect. Many adolescents find sexual abuse; emotional themselves in this situation today: maltreatment; neglect and witnessing neglected by parents and having their domestic violence. Neglect can lead struggles unknown to their to a wide range of adverse community. consequences that can last a lifetime Many of the signs of neglect might and will vary considerably (Miller- be misinterpreted by school faculty Perrin and Perrin, 2007). Early as learning disabilities or even experiences of neglect may lead to behavioural disorders. Adolescents long term negative physical, may also find their home situation too cognitive, psychological, behavioural difficult to bear and end up running or social consequences in away, further putting themselves at adolescence. Among all the abuse risk for even more dangerous cases on children and adolescents, situations (Minty; 2005). neglect alone constitutes almost 64% Methodology and world-wide around 905,000 A descriptive exploratory research cases of child negligence are being design formed the base for this study. Journal of SCHOOL SOCIAL W R OK July 2011 30

Total Feeling neglected/ 87(80%) 63(69%) 150(75%) 62(70%) 78(70%) 130(65%) disregarded Feeling cared for/ 22 (20%) 28(31%) 50(25%) 26(30%) 34(30%) 70(35%) regarded Total 109 (100%) 91(100%) 200(100%) 88(100%) 112(100%) 200(100%) Table No. 2: Different Developmental Dimensions and Status of Neglect Developmental dimensions Physical Psychological Social Sexual Moral Emotional Respondents felt cared for Poor Good Total 120(100%) 98(82%) 99(83%) 120(100%) 99(83%) 120(100%) 89((74%) 120(100%) 99(83%) 120(100%) 93(78%) 120(100%) Respondents felt cared for 16(13%) 30(25%) 74(62%) 120(100%) Respondents felt neglected Poor Good Total 43(15%) 280(100%) 237(85%) 239(85%) 41(15%) 280(100%) 239(85%) 41(15%) 280(100%) 235(84%) 45(16%) 280(100%) 239(85%) 41(15%) 280(100%) 243(87%) 47(13%) 280(100%)

Table No. 1: Opinion on Being Neglected Urban Boys Girls Total Boys

Table No.3: Status of being cared/ neglected and the level of coping skills Level of coping skills Below average Average Above Average Total Respondents felt neglected 118(42%) 89(32%) 73(26%) 280(100%) Total 134 (33%) 119 (30%) 147 (37%) 400 (100%)

*Significant at 5% level of significance (p<0.05) Discussion neglected, among whom 150 were Table 1 reveals that majority (280) urban adolescents and remaining 130 of the respondents (70%) felt being were rural adolescents. Again 149 of Journal of SCHOOL SOCIAL W R OK July 2011 31

Ashalatha et al

boys and 131 of girl felt being neglected. Therefore, there is a significant difference found among respondents with the opinion of being cared or neglected with respect to their gender and geographical location. Table 2 tells us the developmental dimensions seen among respondents with respect to their opinion about being cared for or disregarded. Respondents categorised under the opinion of feeling cared for had significantly scored very good developmental dimensions as compared with the respondents belonging to the group feeling neglected. Table 3 shows that majority of the respondents (88%) belong to the group that feels being neglected had significantly scored lower level of coping skills compared with the other group. The adolescents with the status of being

cared for differ significantly with respect to their coping skills (t=3.303, p<0.05) at 0.05% level of significance. Therefore, it is clear that the status of an adolescent either being cared for/ nurtured of neglected may have its own implications on their development. Conclusion: Neglect is a notoriously complex and depressing issue to deal withand as these needs are often varied and interconnected, an effective interagency response is crucial. An insufficiently patched-up approach in service provision may lead to a system failure. Ultimately, due to related costs to public entities such as the health care, human services, and educational systems, abuse and neglect impact not just the child and family, but society as a whole.

References: Anon (2008): Dealing with Neglect: Being a Parent. Child, Youth, and Family.10th Oct, 2008 Anon (2008): Abuse: Neglect. Focus Adolescent Services. 2008. Focus Adolescent Services. 9th Nov 2008 www.childtrends.org/Files/ChildAbuseRB.pdf (PDF - 82 KB) http://www.cyf.govt.nz/766.htm http://www.focusas.com/abuse-neglect.html.

Published and owned by P. Jayachandran Naidu. Published from 8, Sridevi Colony, 7th Avenue, Ashok Nagar, Chennai 600083 and printed by T. Rajaguru at TRK Press, 39, Saidapet Road, Vadapalani, Chennai 600026. Editor: P. Jayachandran Naidu. 32 Journal of SCHOOL SOCIAL W R OK July 2011

Journal of SCHOOL SOCIAL W R OK

July 2011