Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

An Introduction to Maltreatment of Institutionalized Children

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Child Maltreatment in Residential Care

Abstract

This chapter serves as an introduction to the concept of maltreatment of children and provides a very brief overview of published research that has been pivotal in the development of defining and describing this concept. First, we provide an understanding of how maltreatment has been defined historically and how definitions have changed over time, leading to current definitions used by researchers and child welfare organizations. Maltreatment is also described within the context of trauma and sociocultural issues that are associated with it. We also provide a brief review of the consequences of various types of childhood maltreatment on biological, psychological, academic, and social functioning. Then, using mainly the World Health Organization definitions of maltreatment (i.e., neglect and negligent behavior; emotional, physical, and sexual abuse; as well as witnessing violence), we discuss forms of child victimization within the context of institutionalization, including types and factors that increase the risk of maltreatment in long-term residential institutions, and consequences on well-being.

Childhood should be carefree, playing in the sun; not living a nightmare in the darkness of the soul.

(Pelzer, 1995, p. 98)

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 99.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 129.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 179.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Ames, E. W., & Carter, M. C. (1992, June). A study of Romanian orphanage children in Canada: Background, sample, and procedure. Development of Romanian Orphanage Children Adopted to Canada. Symposium presented at the annual convention of the Canadian Psychological Association, Quebec City, QC.

    Google Scholar 

  • APSAC. (1995). Psychosocial evaluation of suspected psychological maltreatment in children and adolescents. Practice Guidelines. Chicago, IL: American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children.

    Google Scholar 

  • APSAC. (2008). Challenges in the evaluation of child neglect. Practice Guidelines. Elmhurst, IL: American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children.

    Google Scholar 

  • Attar-Schwartz, S. (2011). Maltreatment by staff in residential care facilities: The adolescents’ perspectives. Social Service Review, 85(4), 635–664. doi:10.1086/664009.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Attar-Schwartz, S. (2014). Experiences of sexual victimization by peers among adolescents in residential care settings. Social Service Review, 88(4), 594–629. doi:10.1016/j.childyouth.2012.11.005.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Attar-Schwartz, S., & Khoury-Kassabri, M. (2015). Indirect and verbal victimization by peers among at-risk youth in residential care. Child Abuse & Neglect, 42, 84–98. doi:10.1016/j.chiabu.2014.12.007.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Baker, L., Cunningham, A., & Male, C. (2002). Peer-to-peer aggression in residential settings: Increasing understanding to enhance intervention. London, ON: Centre for Children and Families in the Justice System of the London Family Court Clinic Incorporated. http://www.lfcc.on.ca/peerviolence.pdf. Accessed 29 Jan 2015.

    Google Scholar 

  • Banyard, V. L., Williams, L. M., & Siegel, J. A. (2001). The long-term mental health consequences of child sexual abuse: An exploratory study of the impact of multiple traumas in a sample of women. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 14, 697–715.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Barnett, D., Manly, J. T., & Cicchetti, D. (1991). Continuing toward an operational definition of psychological maltreatment. Development and Psychopathology, 3(1), 19–29.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Barnett, D., Manly, J. T., & Cicchetti, D. (1993). Defining child maltreatment: The interface between policy and research. In D. Cicchetti & S. L. Toth (Eds.), Child abuse, child development, and social policy: Advances in applied developmental psychology, vol 8 (pp. 7–74). Norwood, NJ: Ablex Publishing.

    Google Scholar 

  • Barter, C., Renold, E., Cawson, P., & Berridge, D. (2004). Peer violence in children's residentialcare. Basingstoke, UK: Palgrave MacMillan.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Bejenaru, A., & Tucker, S. (2014). Challenging dominant representations of residential childcare in Romania: An exploration of the views of children and young people living in the care system. Journal of Youth Studies (ahead-of-print), 1–14. doi:10.1080/13676261.2014.918250.

  • Bellis, M. A., Hughes, K., Leckenby, N., Jones, L., Baban, A., Kachaeva, M., … Terzic, N. (2014). Adverse childhood experiences and associations with health-harming behaviours in young adults: Surveys in eight eastern European countries. Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 92(9), 641–655. doi:10.2471/BLT.13.129247.

  • Belsky, J. (1980). Child maltreatment: An ecological integration. American Psychologist, 35(4), 320–335. doi:10.1037/0003-066X.35.4.320.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bernet, C. Z., & Stein, M. B. (1999). Relationship of childhood maltreatment to the onset and course of major depression in adulthood. Depression and Anxiety, 9, 169–174.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bernstein, D.P., Fink, L., Handelsman, L., Foote, J., Lovejoy, M., Wenzel, K.,… Ruggiero, J. (1994). Initial reliability and validity of a new retrospective measure of child abuse and neglect. The American Journal of Psychiatry, 151(8), 1132–1136.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bernstein, D.P., Stein, J.A., Newcomb, M.D., Walker, E., Pogge, D., Ahluvalia, T.,… Zule W. (2003). Development and validation of a brief screening version of the childhood trauma questionnaire. Child Abuse & Neglect, 27(2), 169–190.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bode, A., & Goldman, J. G. (2012). The impact of child sexual abuse on the education of boys in residential care between 1950 and 1975. Pastoral Care in Education, 30(4), 331–344.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Carson, D. K., Foster, J. M., & Tripathi, N. (2013). Child sexual abuse in India: Current issues and research. Psychological Studies, 58(3), 318–325. doi:10.1007/s12646-013-0198-6.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Castle, J., Groothues, C., Bredenkamp, D., Becket, C., O’Connor, T., Rutter, M., & E.R.A. Study Team. (1999). Effects of qualities of early institutional care on cognitive attainment. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 69(4), 424–437.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Child Welfare Information Gateway. (2013). Chronic child neglect. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Children's Bureau.

    Google Scholar 

  • Children’s Health Care Collaborative Study Group. (1992). Romanian health and social care system for the children and families: Future directions in health care reform. BJM, 304, 556–559. doi:10.1136/bmj.304.6826.556.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cicchetti, D. (1991). Defining psychological maltreatment: Reflections and future directions (editorial). Development and Psychopathology, 3, 1–2.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cicchetti, D., & Rizley, R. (1981). Developmental perspectives on the etiology, intergenerational transmission, and sequelae of child maltreatment. New Directions for Child and Adolescent Development, 1981(11), 31–55. doi:10.1002/cd.23219811104.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cicchetti, D., Toth, S. L., & Maughan, A. (2000). An ecological-transactional model of child maltreatment. In A. J. Sameroff, M. Lewis, & S. M. Miller (Eds.), Handbook of developmental psychopathology (pp. 689–722). New York, NY: Springer. Retrieved from http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-4163-9.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Cicchetti, D., & Valentino, K. (2006). An ecological–transactional perspective on child maltreatment: Failure of the average expectable environment and its influence on child development. In D. Cicchetti & D. J. Cohen (Eds.), Developmental psychopathology, Risk, disorder and adaptation (vol. 3, pp. 129–201). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Collin-Vezina, D., Coleman, K., Milne, L., Sell, J., & Daigneault, l. (2011). Trauma experiences, maltreatment-related impairments, and resilience among child welfare youth in residential care. International Journal of Mental Health & Addiction, 9(5), 577–589.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Colton, M. (2002). Factors associated with abuse in residential child care institutions. Children & Society, 16(1), 33–44.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Craig, W. M., & Pepler, D. J. (2007). Understanding bullying: From research to practice. Canadian Psychology, 48(2), 86–93. doi:10.1037/cp2007010.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Crosson-Tower, C. (2002). Understanding child abuse and neglect (5th ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cyr, K., Chamberland, C., Lessard, G., Clément, M. È., Wemmers, J. A., Collin-Vézina, D., … Damant, D. (2012). Polyvictimization in a child welfare sample of children and youths. Psychology of Violence, 2(4), 385.

    Google Scholar 

  • Davidson-Arad, B., Dekel, R., & Wozner, Y. (2004). Correspondence in residents’ and staff members’ assessments of the quality of life of children in residential care facilities. Social Indicators Research, 68(1), 77–89.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Deb, S. (2006). Children in agony: A source book. New Delhi, India: Concept Pub.

    Google Scholar 

  • Department of Health, Department for Education and Employment and Home Office. (2000). Framework for the assessment of children in need and their families. London, UK: The Stationery Office.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dobrova-Krol, N. A., van IJzendoorn, M. H., Bakermans-Kranenburg, M. J., & Juffer, F. (2010). Effects of perinatal HIV infection and early institutional rearing on physical and cognitive development of children in Ukraine. Child Development, 81(1), 237–251.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Drury, S. S., Theall, K., Gleason, M. M., Smyke, A. T., De Vivo, I., Wong, J. Y., … Nelson, C. A. (2012). Telomere length and early severe social deprivation: Linking early adversity and cellular aging. Molecular Psychiatry, 17(7), 719–727. doi:10.1038/mp.2011.53.

  • Egeland, B., Sroufe, L. A., & Erickson, M. F. (1983). Developmental consequences of different patterns of maltreatment. Child Abuse and Neglect, 7, 459–469.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Embleton, L., Ayuku, D., Kamanda, A., Atwoli, L., Ayaya, S., Vreeman, R., … Braitstein, P. (2014). Models of care for orphaned and separated children and upholding children’s rights: Cross-sectional evidence from western Kenya. BMC International Health and Human Rights, 149. doi:10.1186/1472-698X-14-9

  • English, D. J., Bangdiwala, S. I., & Runyan, D. K. (2005). The dimensions of maltreatment: Introduction. Child Abuse & Neglect, 29(5), 441–460. doi:10.1016/j.chiabu.2003.09.023.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • English, D. J., & The LONGSCAN Investigators. (1997). Modified maltreatment classification system (MMCS). Retrieved from http://www.unc.edu/depts/sph/longscan/pages/maltx/mmcs/LONGSCAN%20MMCS%20Coding.pdf

  • Euser, S., Alink, L. A., Tharner, A., van IJzendoorn, M. H., & Bakermans-Kranenburg, M. J. (2016). The prevalence of child sexual abuse in out-of-home care: Increased risk for children with a mild intellectual disability. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 29, 83–92. doi:10.1111/jar.12160.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Euser, S., Alink, L. R. A., Tharner, A., van Ijzendoorn, M. H., & Bakermans-Kranenburg, M. J. (2013). The prevalence of child sexual abuse in out-of-home care: A comparison between abuse in residential and in foster care. Child Maltreatment, 18(4), 221–231.

    Google Scholar 

  • Finkelhor, D. (1999). Child sexual abuse. Challenges facing child protection and mental health professionals. In E. Ullmann & W. Hilweg (Eds.), Childhood and trauma – Separation, abuse, war (pp. 101–115). Burlington, VT: Ashgate Publishing Company.

    Google Scholar 

  • Finkelhor, D., & Browne, A. (1985). The traumatic impact of child sexual abuse: A conceptualization. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 55, 530–541.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Finkelhor, D., Ormrod, R., Turner, H., & Hamby, S. L. (2005). Measuring poly-victimization using the juvenile victimization Questionnaire. Child Abuse & Neglect, 29(11), 1297–1312.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Friedrich, W. H., Urquiza, A. Y., & Bilke, R. L. (1986). Behavior problems in sexually abused young children. Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 11(1), 47–57.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fusco, R. A., & Cahalane, H. (2013). Young children in the child welfare system: What factors contribute to trauma symptomology? Child Welfare, 92(5), 37–58.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gavrilovici, O., & Groza, V. (2007). Incidence, prevalence and trauma associated with exposure to violence in Romanian institutionalized children. International Journal of Child & Family Welfare, 10(3–4), 125–138.

    Google Scholar 

  • General Assembly of the United Nations (1989, November 20). Convention on the rights of the child. General assembly resolution 44/25. Geneva: Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

    Google Scholar 

  • Giovanni, J. M., & Becerra, R. M. (1979). Defining child abuse. New York, NY: The Free Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Glaser, D. (2011). How to deal with emotional abuse and neglect-further development of a conceptual framework (FRAMEA). Child Abuse and Neglect, 35, 866–875. doi:10.1016/j.chiabu.2011.08.002.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Goodwin, R. D., & Stein, M. B. (2004). Association between childhood trauma and physical disorders among adults in the United States. Psychological Medicine, 34(3), 509–520.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Grassi-Oliveira, R., Ashy, M., & Stein, L. M. (2008). Psychobiology of childhood maltreatment: Effects of allostatic load? Revista Brasileira de Psiquiatria, 30(1), 60–68.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gray, C. L., Pence, B. W., Ostermann, J., Whetten, R. A., O'Donnell, K., Thielman, N. M., & Whetten, K. (2015). Prevalence and incidence of traumatic experiences among orphans in institutional and family-based settings in 5 low- and middle-income countries: A longitudinal study. Global Health, Science And Practice, 3(3), 395–404. doi:10.9745/GHSP-D-15-00093.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Greeson, J. P., Briggs, E. C., Kisiel, C. L., Layne, C. M., Ake III, G. S., Ko, S. J., … Fairbank, J.A. (2011). Complex trauma and mental health in children and adolescents placed in foster care: Findings from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network. Child Welfare, 90(6), 91–108.

    Google Scholar 

  • Groark, C. J., McCall, R. B., & Fish, L. (2011). Characteristics of environments, caregivers, and children in three central American orphanages. Infant Mental Health Journal, 32(2), 232–250. doi:10.1002/imhj.20292.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Groze, V., & Ileana, D. (1996). A follow-up study of adopted children from Romania. Child & Adolescent Social Work Journal, 13(6), 541–565.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gunnar, M. R. (2001). Effects of early deprivation: Findings from orphanage-reared infants and children. In C. A. Nelson & M. Luciana (Eds.), Handbook of developmental cognitive neuroscience (pp. 617–629). Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gunnar, M. R., & van Dulmen, M. M. (2007). Behavior problems in post institutionalized internationally adopted children. Development and Psychopathology, 19, 129–148. doi:10.1017/S0954579407070071.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Haarr, R. N. (2011). Violence against children in state-run residential institutions in Kazakhstan: An assessment. Astana, Kazakhstan: United Nations Children’s Fund. Retrieved September 20, 2016, from http://www.ceecis.org/ccc/publications/Violence_against_children_in_state-run_residential_institutions_in_Kazakhstan_2011_ENG.pdf

  • Hamarman, S., & Bernet, W. (2000). Evaluating and reporting emotional abuse in children: Parent-based, action-based focus aids in clinical decision-making. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 39(7), 928–930.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hardt, J., Sidor, A., Nickel, R., Kappis, B., Petrak, P., & Egle, U. T. (2008). Childhood adversities and suicide attempts: A retrospective study. Journal of Family Violence, 23, 713–718.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hart, H., & Rubia, K. (2012). Neuroimaging of child abuse: A critical review. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 652. doi:10.3389/fnhum.2012.00052.

  • Hermenau, K., Hecker, T., Elbert, T., & Ruf-Leuschner, M. (2014). Maltreatment and mental health in institutional care–comparing early and late institutionalized children in Tanzania. Infant Mental Health Journal, 35(2), 102–110. doi:10.1002/imhj.21440.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hermenau, K., Hecker, T., Ruf, M., Schauer, E., Elbert, T., & Schauer, M. (2011). Childhood adversity, mental ill-health and aggressive behavior in an African orphanage: Changes in response to trauma-focused therapy and the implementation of a new instructional system. Child & Adolescent Psychiatry & Mental Health, 5(1), 29–37. doi:10.1186/1753-2000-5-29.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Herrenkohl, R. C. (2005). The definition of child maltreatment: From case study to construct. Child Abuse & Neglect, 29(5), 413–424. doi:10.1016/j.chiabu.2005.04.002.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hildyard, K., & Wolfe, D. (2002). Child neglect: Developmental issues and outcomes. Child Abuse & Neglect, 26, 679–695.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hoff, L. A. (2009). Violence and abuse issues: Cross-cultural perspectives for health and social service. Abingdon, UK; New York, NY: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Humphreys, K. L., Esteves, K., Zeanah, C. H., Fox, N. A., Nelson, C. A., & Drury, S. S. (2016). Accelerated telomere shortening: Tracking the lasting impact of early institutional care at the cellular level. Psychiatry Research, 246, 95–100. doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2016.09.023.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Institute of Medicine (U.S.), & National Research Council (U.S.). (2013). New directions in child abuse and neglect research. Washington, DC: National Academies Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Johnson, D. E., Miller, L. C., Iverson, S., Thomas, W., Franchino, B., Dole, K., … Hostetter, M. K. (1992). The health of children adopted from Romania. Journal of the American Medical Association, 268(24), 3446–3451.

    Google Scholar 

  • Juffer, F., & van IJzendoorn, M. H. (2005). Behavior problems and mental health referrals of international adoptees: A meta-analysis. JAMA: Journal of the American Medical Association, 293, 2501–2515. doi:10.1001/jama.293.20.2501.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kolko, D. J., Hurlburt, M. S., Zhang, J., Barth, R. P., Leslie, L. K., & Burns, B. J. (2010). Posttraumatic stress symptoms in children and adolescents referred for child welfare investigation: A national sample of in-home and out-of-home care. Child Maltreatment, 15(1), 48–63.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Krastins, A., Francis, A. J. P., Field, A. M., & Carr, S. N. (2014). Childhood predictors of adulthood antisocial personality symptomology. Australian Psychologist, 49, 142–150.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kyriakides, L., Kaloyirou, C., & Lindsay, G. (2006). An analysis of the revised olweus bully/victim questionnaire using the Rasch measurement model. British Journal of Educational Psychology, 76(4), 781–801. doi:10.1348/000709905X53499.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lansford, J. E., Dodge, K. A., Pettit, G. S., Bates, J. E., Crozier, J., & Kaplow, J. (2002). A 12-year prospective study of the long-term effects of early child physical maltreatment on psychological, behavioral, and academic problems in adolescence. Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, 156(8), 824–830.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lansford, J. E., Miller-Johnson, S., Berlin, L. J., Dodge, K. A., Bates, J. E., & Pettit, G. S. (2007). Early physical abuse and later violent delinquency: A prospective longitudinal study. Child Maltreatment, 12(3), 233–245.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lee, S. J., Guterman, N. B., & Lee, Y. (2008). Risk factors for paternal physical child abuse. Child Abuse & Neglect, 32(9), 846–858. doi:10.1016/j.chiabu.2007.11.006.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lind, M. J., Aggen, S. H., Kendler, K. S., York, T. P., & Amstadter, A. B. (2016). An epidemiologic study of childhood sexual abuse and adult sleep disturbances. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, 8(2), 198–205.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Livingston, R. (1987). Sexually and physically abused children. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 26(3), 413–415.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • MacKenzie, M. J., Kotch, J. B., & Lee, L. C. (2011). Toward a cumulative ecological risk model for the etiology of child maltreatment. Children and Youth Services Review, 33(9), 1638–1647. doi:10.1016/j.childyouth.2011.04.018.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Malinosky-Rummell, R., & Hansen, D. J. (1993). Long-term consequences of childhood physical abuse. Psychological Bulletin, 114(1), 68.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Manly, J. T. (2005). Advances in research definitions of child maltreatment. Child Abuse & Neglect, 29(5), 425–439. doi:10.1016/j.chiabu.2005.04.001.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McCall, R. B. (2011). IX. Research, practice, and policy perspectives on issues of children without permanent parental care. Monographs of the Society for Research in Child Development, 76(4), 223–272.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McCall, R. B., Groark, C. J., & Fish, L. (2010). A caregiver–child socioemotional and relationship rating scale. Infant Mental Health Journal, 31(2), 201–219. doi:10.1002/imhj.20252.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McCall, R. B., Groark, C. J., Fish, L., Harkins, D., Serrano, G., & Gordon, K. (2010). A socioemotional intervention in a Latin American orphanage. Infant Mental Health Journal, 31(5), 521–542. doi:10.1002/imhj.20270.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McMullan, S J., & Fisher, L. (1992, June). Developmental progress of Romanian orphanage children in Canada. Development of Romanian orphanage children adopted to Canada. Symposium presented at the annual convention of the Canadian Psychological Association, Quebec City, QC.

    Google Scholar 

  • Meinck, F., Steinert, J. I., Sethi, D., Gilbert, R., Bellis, M. A., Mikton, C., … Baban, A. (2016). Measuring and monitoring national prevalence of child maltreatment: A practical handbook. Retrieved from http://www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/317505/Measuring-monitoring-national-prevalence-child-maltreatment-practical-handbook.pdf

  • Misca, G. M. (2003). Romania’s “orphans”: Developmental adjustment of adolescents growing up in childcare institutions in Romania (Doctoral dissertation). Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mock, S. E., & Arai, S. M. (2011). Childhood trauma and chronic illness in adulthood: Mental health and socioeconomic status as explanatory factors and buffers. Frontiers in Psychology, 1, 246. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2010.00246.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Monks, C. P., Smith, P. K., Naylor, P., Barter, C., Ireland, J. L., & Coyne, I. (2009). Bullying in different contexts: Commonalities, differences and the role of theory. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 14(2), 146–156.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Morantz, G., & Heymann, J. (2010). Life in institutional care: The voices of children in a residential facility in Botswana. AIDS Care, 22(1), 10–16. doi:10.1080/09540120903012601.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Morrison, L. (2004). Ceausescu’s legacy: Family struggles and institutionalization of children in Romania. Journal of Family History, 29(2), 168–182. doi:10.1177/0363199004264899.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • National Authority for Child Protection and Adoption (NACPA) & UNICEF. (2004). Child care system reform in Romania. Bucuresti, Romania: UNICEF Romania.

    Google Scholar 

  • National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect (NCCAN). (1981). Study findings: National study of the incidence and severity of child abuse and neglect (DHHS no. OHDS 81–30325). Washington, DC: Government Printing Office. Retrieved from https://library.childwelfare.gov/cwig/ws/library/docs/gateway/Record;jsessionid=C4142796529589FB6378F074918402CD?w=+NATIVE%28%27IPDET+PH+IS+%27%27nis-1%27%27%27%29&upp=0&order=+NATIVE%28%27year%2Fdescend%27%29&rpp=-10&r=1&m=3&

  • National Research Council (NRC). (1993). Understanding child abuse and neglect. Washington, DC: National Academy Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Olson, S., Stroud, C., & National Research Council (U.S.) (Eds.). (2012). Child maltreatment research, policy, and practice for the next decade: Workshop summary. Washington, DC: National Academies Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pelzer, D. (1995). A child called “it”. Deerfield Beach, FL: Health Communication.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pinheiro, P. S. (2006). World report on violence against children. Geneva, Switzerland: The United Nations Study on Violence Against Children.

    Google Scholar 

  • Raghavan, C., & Kingston, S. (2006). Child sexual abuse and posttraumatic stress disorder: Therole of age at first use of substances and lifetime traumatic events. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 19, 269–278.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Romens, S. E., McDonald, J., Svaren, J., & Pollak, S. D. (2015). Associations between early life stress and gene methylation in children. Child Development, 86(1), 303–309.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rosenberg, D. R., Pajer, K., & Rancurello, M. (1992). Neuropsychiatric assessment of orphans in one Romanian orphanage for “unsalvageables”. JAMA, 268(24), 3489–3490.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rus, A. V., Stativa, E., Butterfield, M. E., Pennings, J. S., Burcea, G., & Wenyika, R. (2017). Peer exploitation: Findings from a Romanian nationally representative sample of children living in long-term residential centres. Child Abuse Review. doi: 10.1002/car.2464.

  • Rus, A. V., Stativa, E., Pennings, J. S., Cross, D. R., Ekas, N., Purvis, K., & Parris, S. R. (2013). Severe punishment of children by staff in Romanian placement centers for school-aged children: Effects of child and institutional characteristics. Child Abuse and Neglect, 37(12), 1152–1162.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rutter, M., Beckett, C., Castle, J., Colvert, E., Kreppner, J., Mehta, M, … Sonuga-Barke, E. (2007). Effects of profound early institutional deprivation: An overview of findings from a UK longitudinal study of Romanian adoptees. European Journal of Developmental Psychology, 4(3), 332–350. doi:10.1080/17405620701401846.

  • Rutter, M., & The English and Romanian Adoptees (ERA) Study Team. (1998). Developmental catch-up, and deficit, following adoption after severe global early privation. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 39(4), 465–476.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Segura, A., Pereda, N., Abad, J., & Guilera, G. (2015). Victimization and polyvictimization among Spanish youth protected by the child welfare system. Children and Youth Services Review, 59, 105–112.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Segura, A., Pereda, N., Guilera, G., & Abad, J. (2016). Poly-victimization and psychopathology among Spanish adolescents in residential care. Child Abuse & Neglect, 55, 40–55.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sekol, I. (2013). Peer violence in adolescent residential care: A qualitative examination of contextual and peer factors. Children and Youth Services Review, 35(12), 1901–1912. doi:10.1016/j.childyouth.2013.09.006.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sekol, I., & Farrington, D. P. (2013). The reliability and validity of self, peer and staff reports of bullying and victimisation in correctional and care institutions. Psychology, Crime & Law, 19(4), 329–344. doi:10.1080/1068316X.2011.631541.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shaughnessy, J. M. (2014). An essay on poverty and child neglect: New interventions. Washington and Lee Journal of Civil Rights and Social Justice, 21(1), 4–15.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shetty, P. (2014). Slow progress in ending female genital mutilation. Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 92(1), 6–7. doi:10.2471/BLT.14.020114.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Slep, A. S., Heyman, R. E., & Foran, H. M. (2015). Child maltreatment in DSM-5 and ICD-11. Family Process, 54(1), 17–32. doi:10.1111/famp.12131.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Smith, M. G., & Fong, R. (2004). The children of neglect: When no one cares. New York, NY: Brunner-Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Smyke, A. T., Koga, S. F., Johnson, D. E., Fox, N. A., Marshall, P. J., Nelson, C. A., & Zeanah, C. H. (2007). The caregiving context in institution-reared and family-reared infants and toddlers in Romania. Journal of Child Psychology & Psychiatry, 48(2), 210–218. doi:10.1111/j.1469-7610.2006.01694.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Smyke, A. T., Zeanah, C. J., Fox, N. A., & Nelson, C. (2009). A new model of foster care for young children: The Bucharest early intervention project. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 18(3), 721–734.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Solberg, M., Olweus, D., & Endresen, I. (2007). Bullies and victims at school: Are they the same pupils? The British Journal of Educational Psychology, 77(2), 441–464. doi:10.1348/000709906X105689.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Solberg, M. E., & Olweus, D. (2003). Prevalence estimation of school bullying with the olweus bully/victim questionnaire. Aggressive Behavior, 29(3), 239–268. doi:10.1002/ab.10047.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Spertus, I. L., Yehuda, R., Wong, C. M., Halligan, S., & Seremetis, S. V. (2003). Childhood emotional abuse and neglect as predictors of psychological and physical symptoms in women presenting to a primary care practice. Child Abuse and Neglect, 27(11), 1247–1258.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Spröber, N., Schneider, T., Rassenhofer, M., Seitz, A., Liebhardt, H., König, L., & Fegert, J. M. (2014). Child sexual abuse in religiously affiliated and secular institutions: A retrospective descriptive analysis of data provided by victims in a government-sponsored reappraisal program in Germany. BMC Public Health, 14(1), 282–293. doi:10.1186/1471-2458-14-282.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • St. Petersburg-USA Orphanage Research Team. (2005). Characteristics of children, caregivers, and orphanages for young children in St. Petersburg, Russian Federation. Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology, 26, 477–506.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • St. Petersburg-USA Orphanage Research Team. (2008). The effects of early social-emotional and relationship experience on the development of young orphanage children. Monographs of the Society for Research in Child Development, 73(3), vii. doi:10.1111/j.1540-5834.2008.00483.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stativa, E., Anghelescu, C., Palicari, G., Stanescu, A., & Nanu, R. (2002). Child abuse in residential care institutions in Romania. Bucharest, Romania: Extrem Group.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stephenson, P., Anghelescu, C., Fumarel, S., Georgescu, A., Iorgulescu, D. McCreery, R., … Stativa, E. (1993). Training needs of staff in Romanian institutions for young children. Child: Care, Health and Development, 19, 221–234. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2214.1993.tb00728.x.

  • Suglia, S. F., Clark, C. J., Boynton-Jarrett, R., Kressin, N. R., & Koenen, K. C. (2014). Child maltreatment and hypertension in young adulthood. BMC Public Health, 14(1), 1149.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Timmerman, M. C., & Schreuder, P. R. (2014). Sexual abuse of children and youth in residential care: An international review. Aggression & Violent Behavior, 19(6), 715–720. doi:10.1016/j.avb.2014.09.001.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tirella, L. G., Chan, W., Cermak, S. A., Litvinova, A., Salas, K. C., & Miller, L. C. (2008). Time use in Russian baby homes. Child: Care, Health and Development, 34(1), 77–86. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2214.2007.00766.x.

    Google Scholar 

  • Twardosz, S., & Lutzker, J. R. (2010). Child maltreatment and the developing brain: A review of neuroscience perspectives. Aggression & Violent Behavior, 15(1), 59–68. doi:10.1016/j.avb.2009.08.003.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Universitatea Babes-Bolyai, Facultatea de Psychologie si Stiinte ale Educatiei. (n.d.). Scurt istoric al facultatii de Psihologie si Stiinte ale Educatiei [Brief history of the faculty of psychology and educational sciences]. Retrieved July 15, 2016 from http://psiedu.ubbcluj.ro/index.php?id=11-istoric-psihologie

  • Universitatea Bucuresti, Facultatea de Sociologie si Asistenta Sociala. (n.d.). Trecut [Past]. Retrieved July 15, 2016 from http://sas.unibuc.ro/trecut_ro

  • van IJzendoorn, M. H., Palacios, J., Sonuga-Barke, E. S., Gunnar, M. R., Vorria, P., McCall, R. B., … Juffer, F. (2011). Children without permanent parents: Research, practice, and policy: I. Children in institutional care: Delayed development and resilience. Monographs of the Society for Research in Child Development, 76(4), 8–30. doi:10.1111/j.1540-5834.2011.00626.x.

  • Van Vugt, E., Lanctôt, N., Paquette, G., Collin-Vézina, D., & Lemieux, A. (2014). Girls in residential care: From child maltreatment to trauma-related symptoms in emerging adulthood. Child Abuse & Neglect, 38, 114–122. doi:10.1016/j.chiabu.2013.10.015.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vorria, P., Papaligoura, Z., Dunn, J., van IJzendoorn, M. H., Steele, H., Kontopoulou, A., & Sarafidou, Y. (2003). Early experiences and attachment relationships of Greek infants raised in residential group care. Journal of Child Psychology & Psychiatry & Allied Disciplines, 44(8), 1208–1220. doi:10.1111/1469-7610.00202.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vrshek-Schallhorn, S., Wolitzky-Taylor, K., Doane, L.D., Epstein, A., Sumner, J.A., Mineka, S., … Adam, E.K. (2014). Validating new summary indices for the childhood trauma interview: Associations with first onsets of major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders. Psychological Assessment, 26(3), 730–740.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wegman, H. L., & Stetler, C. (2009). A meta-analytic review of the effects of childhood abuse on medical outcomes in adulthood. Psychosomatic Medicine, 71(8), 805–812. doi:10.1097/PSY.0b013e3181bb2b46.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Whetten, K., Ostermann, J., Whetten, R., O'Donnell, K., & Thielman, N. (2011). More than the loss of a parent: Potentially traumatic events among orphaned and abandoned children. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 24(2), 174–182. doi:10.1002/jts.20625.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Williams, C. J. (1990, December 10). The unwanted children: Casualties left by a tyrant. Los Angeles Times, pp. A1(Col. 5)-A17.

    Google Scholar 

  • World Health Organization (WHO). (1999). Report of the consultation on child abuse prevention, 29–31 March 1999. Geneva, Switzerland: WHO.

    Google Scholar 

  • World Health Organization (WHO). (2009). Changing cultural and social norms that support violence [electronic resource]. Geneva, Switzerland: WHO.

    Google Scholar 

  • Yuce, M., Karabekiroglu, K., Yildirim, Z., Sahin, S., Sapmaz, D., Babadagi, Z., … Aydin, B. (2015). The psychiatric consequences of child and adolescent sexual abuse. Archives of Neuropsychiatry, 52(4), 393–399.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zeanah, C. H., Egger, H. L., Smyke, A. T., Nelson, C. A., Fox, N. A., Marshall, P., & Guthrie, D. (2009). Institutional rearing and psychiatric disorders in Romanian preschool children. American Journal of Psychiatry, 166, 777–785.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zeanah, C. H., Nelson, C. A., Fox, N. A., Smyke, A. T., Marshall, P., Parker, S. W., & Koga, S. (2003). Designing research to study the effects of institutionalization on brain and behavioral development: The Bucharest early intervention project. Development and Psychopathology, 15(4), 885–907. doi:10.1017/S095457940300045.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zuravin, S. J. (1991). Research definitions of child physical abuse and neglect: Current problems. In R. H. Starr & D. A. Wolfe (Eds.), The effects of child abuse and neglect: Issues and research (pp. 100–128). London, UK: Guilford Press.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Social and Behavioral Science, Southwestern Christian University, 7210 NW 39th Expressway, Bethany, OK, 73008-0340, USA

    Adrian V. Rus, Rebecca D. Webster & Jeremy Wente

  2. Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX, USA

    Sheri R. Parris

  3. Social Pediatrics and Obstetrics Research Department, The National Institute for Mother and Child Health “Alessandrescu-Rusescu”, Bucharest, Romania

    Ecaterina Stativa

  4. Department of Sociology and Social Work, “Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu, Sibiu, Romania

    Anca Bejenaru

  5. Department of Sociology and Social Work, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, Iasi, Romania

    Stefan Cojocaru

Authors
  1. Adrian V. Rus
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Sheri R. Parris
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Ecaterina Stativa
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Anca Bejenaru
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Rebecca D. Webster
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Jeremy Wente
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Stefan Cojocaru
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Adrian V. Rus .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Social and Behavioral Science, Southwestern Christian University, Bethany, Oklahoma, USA

    Adrian V. Rus

  2. Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas, USA

    Sheri R. Parris

  3. Social Pediatrics and Obstetrics Research Department, National Institute for Mother and Child Health “Alessandrescu-Rusescu”, Bucuresti, Romania

    Ecaterina Stativa

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2017 Springer International Publishing AG

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Rus, A.V. et al. (2017). An Introduction to Maltreatment of Institutionalized Children. In: Rus, A., Parris, S., Stativa, E. (eds) Child Maltreatment in Residential Care. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-57990-0_1

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-57990-0_1

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-57989-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-57990-0

  • eBook Packages: Social SciencesSocial Sciences (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation