Child protection from abuse

The best policy is for both public and private institutions to safeguard children from abuse. Through providing consistent recommendations for reducing child maltreatment, the book advances the goal of eradicating child neglect and ill-treatment. Although it is impossible to totally stop situations of minors being mistreated, the book recommends making sure thorough measures are put in place to shield kids from abusive parents and guardians. It can be challenging for social workers and Child Protection Services (CPS) to protect children who have been neglected or harmed (Myers 3).

Child Protection in America: Past, Present, Future by John Meyer

The first four chapters address one major idea of child maltreatment from parents and close family members. These chapters present various cases of children who have suffered this brutality not to know who turn for help to. Moreover, the outrages range from molesting and sexual assault to physical or psychological abuse. Chapter one describes cases and instances when innocent children are abused sexually and physically by those close to them. Those whom they are supposed to turn to for protection are the same people who mishandle and mistreat them.

Eli's abuse and neglect

The chapter gives an example of a small boy Eli who died due to regular beatings by his father. Despite the case being reported to the CPS, the parents never mended their ways. Dr. Millican recommended to the CPS to act on this case not once, but the institution took no action. However, CPS has a lot on hands to deal with case as it entails to child neglect and abuse (Myers 4).

Barbara's story

Furthermore, another case of Barbara Feaster is narrated. She suffered in silence from her molesting father who should have stood to defend her. Barbara has been experiencing violence from the age of six years until she was sixteen. Many victims of molestation never disclose the abuse they have been receiving from the loved ones and close family members. Social workers have a big responsibility to fight for the rights of the abused children. Victims of molestation usually suffer from low self-esteem, depression, and stress. With the help of considerate social workers, self-confidence will be restored in the lives of victims. For instance, in this, Barbara got assigned to a young social worker from the CPS who helped her to gain her composure and adapt to a healthy life. Her self-esteem regenerated as she wished off the guilt of sexual abuse from her father (Myers 5-7).

Child protection gains momentum in 1874

Child protection gained momentum in 1874 with the rescue of Mary Ellen, a nine-year-old girl living in Hell's Kitchen, New York. Mary used to receive beatings, being neglected by her guardians at the same time. Wheeler, a missionary who solicited for help from child charities, lacked the power to intervene in Mary's family, but managed to save her. Luckily enough, Henry Bergh, the founder of American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, came to the rescue of Ellen. The relief expedition marked the conception of the New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NYSPCC) to help protect the rights of abandoned, neglected, and abused children. The formation of this organization marked a significant history in the prevention of children from abuse (Myers 28).

The establishment of Juvenile Courts

NYSPCC was not only a major event but an inspiration for the later creation of the Juvenile Court in 1899, with the first court being set up in Chicago. These courts soon spread across the entire world becoming the greatest innovation of the time for protecting the rights of abused and neglected children. More legislation became enacted in attempts to boost the efforts of the non-state-owned child protection welfare societies. For instance, in 1912, the federal government of the US created the Children's Bureau to take care of this sect in the community. That was not enough as a more comprehensive legislation came to effect in 1921, known as the Sheppard-Towner Act. The law provided mothers and babies health and medical care. The move received a bold welcome from the child protectionist movements and associations (Myers 27-31).

Further developments in child protection

Later periods saw the enactment of the Social Security Act aimed to save the country from the economic dip. The Act increased the power and autonomy of Children's Bureau to work in close collaboration with government agencies, especially in the rural areas, to protect those children identified to be homeless, neglected, abused, and vulnerable to abuse. Moreover, the number of children in foster care caused an alarm for the Congress to enact laws on a permanency plan for these kids. Retrospectively, the Adoption Assistance Child Welfare Act was adopted in the 1980s. That way, it opened the way for adopting children from other races who had begun experiencing prejudice (Myers 81-103).

The impact of legislation on child protection

The laws enacted by the federal and state governments positively impact on the security and well-being of the children. The legislation also provides a conducive environment for the formation and thriving of social welfare associations for the protection of abused and neglected children. Sexual abuse inflicts not only physical pain but also induces stress and depression. Children suffering from anxiety and depression often develop trauma-related conditions. Therefore, enacting laws and Acts such as the Child Welfare Act facilitated the identification and prevention of child maltreatment (Myers 81-100).

Recognizing contributions and collaboration

The book identifies and recognizes the contribution made by Etta Wheeler, who made the efforts necessary to begin a child protection agency. However, Etta did not work alone and was assisted by Henry Bergh, the founder of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Elbridge Gerry, Bergh's lawyer, also played a very memorable role in ensuring that Mary gets justice. Nothing hindered protecting the plight of abused kids, although there were no laws to defend the children (Myers 27-28). De Francis put in writing and documenting cases of child abuse in news articles and scholarly papers, which helped to raise awareness among most people about child neglect and maltreatment.

The impact of collective efforts

The history of abuse of children has undergone a lot of transformation both through legislation and lobbying. The efforts committed by Etta, Henry, and Gerry helped to ensure that several states institute laws as well as measures to comply with protection of abused and psychologically maltreated (Myers 451-54).

The importance of child protection

Without the input of the above persons, child protection could have taken longer to receive recognition. More children maltreatment cases would be reported and gone unattended, leading to more deaths of innocent kids. The rescue of Mary Ellen marked the beginning of legislation on child protection. At that time, Ellen was rescued by the animal welfare law due to the absence of legal rights of children. Elbridge and Henry helped to save the life of Mary and inspired the formation of New York Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Children, which became a significant movement fighting for and protecting the abused and neglected children in the society.

Work Cited

Myers, John E. B. Child Protection in America: Past, Present, and Future. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2006. Print.