A Generational Look into the Occurrence of Child Maltreatment among Latinos and their Effects on Developmental Growth

Abstract

Little is known about the prevalence or risk factors associated with child maltreatment among Latino immigrant and native born families. As a result, Latino children and families are often treated as a homogeneous group, with little understanding of the potential differences that may exist between immigrant and native-born families. This paper attempts to explain the concept of child maltreatment and explore the differences between the two groups, while taking into account the effects of acculturation, Belsky’s Ecological Model of Maltreatment, childrearing practices, and the developmental consequences of maltreatment. Finally, the role that Child Protective Services plays in this issue will also be discussed and recommendations for Child protective services are presented