C8

MOVING MOUNTAINS: ENABLING CHILDREN, DISABLING CHILD ABUSE

Presenters: Karel Amaranth

Abstract Category: Interviewing

Instruction Level: Intermediate

Presentation: Not Provided

Description:

The workshop will provide an overview of the issues and challenges, literature review and strategies for interviewing and providing services for children with disabilities.

Abstract:

Children with disabilities are at greater risk of being victims of all forms of child abuse and neglect than children without disabilities. Research has indicated that 30% of children with disabilities are physically abused, sexually abused and/or neglected. Outreaching to these children and providing evaluations and interviews presents many challenges for child advocacy centers, but these challenges cannot deter our commitment to assuring the safety and well-being of all children. Moving Mountains, a project of the Butler Child Advocacy Center at the Children's Hospital at Montefiore, is a collaboration with Teachers College of Columbia University, Project ABLE and many services providers addressing these challenges by cross training, enhancing the skills of staff and focusing on the vulnerabilities and strengths of children with disabilities. The workshop will provide information about the issues and specific strategies for providing services to children with special needs and special abilities.