Child Neglect

One of the most critical issues that social services are considering as the most urgent is neglect among children. Based on the several studies, the most vulnerable children are those who belong to low income families which according to the studies are often cultural and ethnic minorities.

There is an additional challenge in providing counseling for these children because of the negative connotation associated with it. Most of the research that has been done has focused on African-Americans but some researchers have pointed out that Hispanic-Americans also provide a unique cultural perspective that is growing in significance today considering the migration from Latin America. The works of Sue they give as an example the impact of family dynamics of Hispanic families to the social roles and orientations taken by their members regardless of whether they actively are following these traditions or not.

For the purpose of this research, the study will focus on children who may have suffered neglect who are from economically challenged Hispanic families. This will encompass families with Hispanic ancestry regardless of citizenship. The main criteria that will be considered are families that may depend or utilize social support or live below minimum standards of living. The study is to focus on neglect but not necessarily abuse.

As a reference for counselors, it is important that they be aware of the unique cultural behaviors associated with child rearing among Hispanics. According to the examples given by the researchers, child rearing is generally associated with female members of the family and as a main responsibility, it is associated with mothers. Also, there is a responsibility among older siblings to care for their younger ones. Close family relatives also take active participation to a certain degree by extended family members; this depends or varies greatly on the access to such networks. In presenting information about the study to respondents, it is necessary to communicate an existing understanding of the cultural perspectives and challenges being encountered by the children among the cultural group.