Citation

Chang J, Rhee S, Berthold SM. Child Welf. 2008; 87(1): 141-160.

Affiliation

Department of Social Work, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, California State University at San Bernardino, San Bernardino, California 92407, USA. jchang@csusb.edu

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, Child Welfare League of America)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

18575261

Abstract

This study examines the characteristics and patterns of child maltreatment among Cambodian refugee families in Los Angeles and assesses the implications for child welfare practice with Cambodian refugee families. Data were extracted from 243 active Cambodian case files maintained by the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (LAC-DCFS). Some of the major findings include (1) Cambodian child maltreatment cases were most frequently reported to the LAC-DCFS among various Asian Pacific ethnic groups; (2) Cambodian refugee families were more likely to be charged with neglect, while their Asian Pacific counterparts were more likely charged with physical abuse; (3) the circumstances under which maltreatment occurred most frequently were parental substance abuse and mental illness; and (4) while fathers who maltreated their child were likely to use alcohol, mothers were also more likely to have a mental health problem such as depression. This study suggests the importance of collaboration between Child Protective Service agencies, substance abuse programs, traditional healers, mental health services, and other social service agencies for effective child abuse prevention and intervention efforts.

Language: en