Native American Child Abuse Literature Review in Relation to Covid-19

As we learn more about the COVID-19 pandemic, and its immediate impacts, more awareness is created regarding its potential effects on the various population groups. However, for the Native American child specifically, COVID-19 means increased abuse and neglect. Previous data suggest a rather worrying trend, with the Native American community leading in the rate of child abuse and neglect in the country at 14.2% per 1000 children. Despite its magnitude, the handling of the problem can be termed as wanting. Now more than ever, there is an urgent need to create intervention programs tailored to the specific cultural needs of the Native American society.

Joe, McElwain, Woodward, and Bell (2018), attribute the high prevalence rate among the American Indians to factors such as historical trauma, lack of services, and lack of culturally relevant interventions. A combination of these factors places the Native American child at a disadvantage. If data from the past is anything to go with, everything points out to higher rates of abuse given the COVID-19 crisis. As more and more families lose their source of income, children will bear the consequences. They will suffer more neglect and abuse from the adult family members who as a result of stress will take their frustrations on them.

Joe et al. (2018), suggests child abuse and neglect in the American Indian community is a delicate problem that requires concerted efforts by all the players. And while there are numerous evidence-based intervention services available for families experiencing abuse and neglect, only a handful are culture-sensitive. Consequently, this renders most of these techniques ineffective. Besides, without the cultural appeal/consideration, not all the families will be able to access this services, and if they do, they are more likely to drop out mid-treatment. Therefore, an approach that involves adopting a combination of intervention techniques that addresses the particular cultural needs of American Indians looks more plausible.

Reference

Joe, A., McElwain, C., Woodward, K., & Bell, S. (2018). A Call for Culturally-Relevant Interventions to Address Child Abuse and Neglect in American Indian Communities. W. Montague Cobb-NMA Health Institute.