The Effects of Abuse and Neglect on Child Development is the third module of the competency-based curriculum for new child welfare caseworkers. This module explores the developmental consequences of child abuse and neglect, establishes a framework for the early recognition of developmental problems, and stresses the importance of including developmental and remedial services in child welfare case plans.

New caseworkers and new supervisors.

Computer Based Training; Trails Child Welfare 2-Day Navigation or Trails Child Welfare 1-Day Navigation (more information on these trainings can be found at www.cocwtraining.com); New Caseworker Core I, New Caseworker Core II.

• Know the physical, cognitive/language, and psychosocial developmental domains and their importance to child welfare practice.
• Know the impact of culture and other factors (quality of parenting, poverty, substance abuse, and domestic violence) on child development.
• Identify typical developmental characteristics and behaviors (including developmental delays and disabilities) that put children at risk of maltreatment.
• Know the stages, processes, and milestones of normal physical, cognitive/language, and psychosocial development of children from birth through adolescence.
• Know the potential negative effects of child abuse and neglect on a child's development and identify indicators.
• Understand basic brain development.
• Understand how trauma or neglect can impact attachment.
• Know the developmental effects of fetal alcohol exposure.
• Be able to identify developmental service needs and address these needs in family case plans, making appropriate referrals for developmental assessment and services in collaboration with the service team.
• Understand how children's behavior problems may be symptoms of underlying developmental delays or emotional disturbance.
• Be able to advise families/caregivers of age-appropriate expectations for children and assist in setting realistic expectations for children who demonstrate developmental issues as a result of abuse/neglect.
• Identify the stages and behaviors of normal child sexual development.
• Incorporate child development principles into identifying strategies to remediate a child’s difficult or challenging behaviors.
• Know the factors that increase the likelihood of resiliency in children.