Responding to the accumulation of adverse childhood experiences in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic: implications for practice

Abstract

In early 2020, the world as we knew it began to change dramatically and rapidly with the COVID-19 outbreak. Social distancing restrictions and lockdown measures have been the most effective course of action and an inarguably imperative approach at this time. However, in trying to keep the global population safe, social distancing measures unwittingly placed children already experiencing maltreatment and disadvantage in harm’s way. This paper will consider the evidence base which attests to the importance of considering the accumulation of adversity when seeking to understand risk and impact of child maltreatment and disadvantage. Given the unique and unprecedented circumstances which have accompanied the COVID-19 outbreak, and the dearth of research pertaining to the impact of pandemics on child welfare, the paper draws on an emerging body of literature about the effect of natural disasters, conflict and significant global events on child maltreatment. The paper synthesises the research to date in order to call attention to the cumulative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children already experiencing abuse and neglect. The paper concludes with an outline of the implications for practice in the helping professions.

Faktor-faktor yang Memengaruhi Child Maltreatment Selama Wabah Covid-19

“…Adanya fenomena tingginya angka kejadian kekerasan pada anak selama pandemik ini merujuk pada hasil sintesis sebuah penelitian menyatakan bahwa sangat penting memperhatikan dampak kumulatif pandemic covid-19 pada anak-anak yang telah mengalami penganiaan dan penelantaran (Brice, 2020). Salah satu upayanya dengan mengidentifikasi faktorfaktor yang mempengaruhi terjadinya kekerasan pada anak di era pandemik saat ini.…”

Psykisk helse: Barn og unge trenger trygghet og støtte fra voksne

“…(Newman & Blackburn, 2002). Dette ligger til grunn for «hypotesen om kumulativ risiko» (Bryce, 2020). Forskning og erfaring fra praksis tilsier at akkumulasjon av risiko og skadelige hendelser gir et bedre grunnlag for intervensjon enn å vurdere forhold og krenkelser isolert (Appleyard m.fl., 2005;MacKenzie m.fl., 2011a;MacKenzie m.fl., 2011b).…”

The Roadmap for Resilience: The California Surgeon General's Report on Adverse Childhood Experiences, Toxic Stress, and Health

“…The conditions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic have placed families at greater risk for ACEs and other risk factors for toxic stress; decreased access to buffering sources of support such as schools and community-based organizations; and downstream health impacts. [354][355][356] At a population level, the impacts of crises also tends to worsen social inequities and health disparities. These health and social impacts particularly affect those with higher baseline vulnerability, including individuals with a history of adversity, those with lower incomes and education, those more vulnerable to job loss, housing insecurity, food insecurity, and poverty, as well as those with underlying chronic health conditions, disabilities, and older age.…”

“…The abrupt and sustained school closures and transition to remote learning due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is exacerbating challenging conditions for many students and families and creating new situations that place more children at risk of ACEs and toxic stress. 354,355,1421 Federal data show that in 2018, 20.5% of reports of suspected child abuse nationwide came from education personnel. 1422 In March 2020, during the first week of school closures in San Diego County, the child abuse hotline received nearly 60% fewer calls than average.…”