| Abstract: | This article addresses the issue of the need for clergy to be better informed regarding the assessment of child abuse and neglect. It provides a quick reference guide to assist clergy in assessing the risk factors in the abusive family with guidelines for the recognition of child maltreatment. In a society that is marked by unprecedented levels of child maltreatment reporting and an ever increasing shortage of mental health services, clergy are increasingly being confronted by situations involving potential child maltreatment that require expert crisis intervention skills. This article provides specific, concrete guidelines for clergy confronted with situations that call for the recognition of child maltreatment.Andrew J. Weaver, Ph.D., United Methodist minister and a licensed marriage, family, and child therapist. He holds a doctorate in clinical psychology and serves as the director of the Pacific Center, Community Counseling Service, sponsored by 11 churches in Central Los Angeles.This article is dedicated to the staff of Alameda County Child Protective Services in Oakland, California, with appreciation for their courage and devotion to the grievous and demanding task of caring for distressed parents and their wounded children. |
