Preventing Child Maltreatment in the U.S.: Multicultural Considerations

Preventing Child Maltreatment: Multicultural Considerations in the United States is the first book in a concentrated series that examines child maltreatment across minoritized, cultural groups.  Specifically, this volume examines core multicultural concepts (e.g., intersectionality, acculturation, spirituality, oppression) as they relate to child maltreatment in the United States, while the other books take a closer look at particular ethnic or racial communities in this country. Additionally, this book examines child maltreatment through the intersection of feminist, multicultural, and prevention/wellness promotion lenses.  Recommendations for treatment in each book build on a foundation of prevention and wellness promotion, along with multicultural and feminist theories. Throughout this book, five case studies, which are introduced in Chapter One, are revisited to help the readers make important and meaningful connections between theory and practice.

This book examines core multicultural concepts (e.g., intersectionality, acculturation, spirituality, oppression) as they relate to child maltreatment in the United States. Specifically, this book examines child maltreatment through the interaction of feminist, multicultural and prevention/wellness promotion lenses. Five case studies, which are introduced early on are revisited to help the readers make important and meaningful connections between theory and practice.

MILTON A. FUENTES is a professor of psychology at Montclair State University in New Jersey and a licensed psychologist in New Jersey and New York.
RACHEL SINGER is a clinical director of an outpatient private practice in Rockville, Maryland that provides treatment to clients of all ages.
RENEE DEBOARD-LUCAS treats trauma in youth and adults at a private practice in Washington, DC. She is co-founder of The TRUE Center which provides trauma intervention and prevention services, regardless of ability to pay.

Introduction
1 Child Maltreatment
2 Core Multicultural Concepts
3 Prevention of and Intervention in Child Maltreatment
4 Using Feminism and Multiculturalism to Address Child Maltreatment
5 Conclusions, Recommendations, and Future Directions
References
Index

"This book applies an essential multicultural lens as well as a feminist perspective to our understanding of the definitions and contextual origins of child maltreatment in order to inform prevention efforts. The strengths-based and culturally informed approach to the difficult topic of child maltreatment taken by the authors of this volume make it essential reading for anyone working in the area of child welfare."

"This book is thought-provoking, full of relevant and contemporary research and innovation, and a call to action. Clinicians, educators, policy-makers, and prevention and treatment specialists will benefit from this summary of variables gleaned through experience, exploration, and study. History evolves and mutates, and this book truly reflects lessons learned from past mistakes, while offering alternative concepts and approaches. A true gift!"

"This book applies an essential multicultural lens as well as a feminist perspective to our understanding of the definitions and contextual origins of child maltreatment in order to inform prevention efforts. The strengths-based and culturally informed approach to the difficult topic of child maltreatment taken by the authors of this volume make it essential reading for anyone working in the area of child welfare."

"This book is thought-provoking, full of relevant and contemporary research and innovation, and a call to action. Clinicians, educators, policy-makers, and prevention and treatment specialists will benefit from this summary of variables gleaned through experience, exploration, and study. History evolves and mutates, and this book truly reflects lessons learned from past mistakes, while offering alternative concepts and approaches. A true gift!"