The Battered Child

Original version in 2 parts edited to form 1 program

Rating: Recommended

Review date: Feb. 1976

Reviewer: Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC)

Learning method: Support

Based on the book The battered child, compiled and edited by Ray E. Helfer and C. Henry Kempe

Ray Helfer, C. Henry Kempe, Lois Wille, et al

This title aims to provide an overview of battered-child syndrome using photographs of abused children, actual and simulated interviews with nurses, physicians, children and parents, and scenes from meetings of the Battered Child Team at the University of Colorado Medical Center. This program stresses the importance of recognizing that there are two victims - the child and the parent. Emphasis is placed on the importance of prompt reporting of any suspected case of child abuse. Several children are presented, and their injuries and home conditions described. The future placement of these children is also explored, as are the legal implications of child abuse. Colorado's role in developing legislation in child abuse and in trying to amend the current laws is discussed. The program stresses the importance of developing legislation that will not only protect the child but also protect the rights of the parents while preventing them from harming their children