Responses to abuse, neglect, and trauma of children with intellectual disability : experiences from social workers and health practitioners in Aotearoa New Zealand : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Master in Social Work at Massey University, Palmerston North Aotearoa, New Zealand
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Date
2021
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Massey University
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Abstract
A growing concern in child protection is the higher rates of disabled children being involved. Research has found that children with intellectual disabilities are three to four times more likely to be abused and neglected than their ordinary peers. Though Oranga Tamariki (Ministry of Children) has a legislative obligation to investigate and report on the numbers of child maltreatment among disabled children, this area remains under-developed. The current research focused on exploring the perspectives and experiences of practitioners, such as social workers, and their responses to abuse, neglect, and trauma among children with intellectual disabilities. Using a qualitative approach, eight practitioners were first involved in a focus group to provide a wider perspective of practice and policy issues of abuse, neglect, and trauma among children with intellectual disability. This was followed by a more in-depth exploration and investigation with four experienced social workers to understand issues and challenges to support this cohort of children and their families and whaanau and examine what best practices
are needed to strengthen service provisions. Results indicated that practitioners require more
skill development to strengthen knowledge about intellectual disabilities and understand disability-related needs to better inform their practice. Fostering and sustaining a strong relationship among disabled children, their families and whaanau and practitioners was a priority to ensure safety, reduce harm and implement support interventions. Addressing barriers, such as poverty and discrimination at structural and system levels, was identified as a key area to strengthen. This research has demonstrated that the abuse, neglect, and trauma of children with intellectual disability need to be urgently addressed to influence positive and transformative change. The importance of relational practice in advocating safety and reduction of harm among this cohort and supporting capacity development among families and whaanau
is affirmed.