Supporting Prevention of Child Abuse and Adverse Childhood Experiences

Abstract

The multitude of problems presented by clients in clinical practice can pose challenges for identifying opportunities for primary prevention of trauma and abuse. However, psychologists have a critical role in the prevention of abuse, neglect, and other adverse childhood experiences. Viewing a client and their presenting challenges as an extension of systemic and environmental problems allows for the individual psychologist to practice prevention in clinical practice. In the assessment and treatment planning process, it is critical for psychologists to assess for ongoing client safety, leverage clients’ strengths, help clients navigate to concrete and economic supports to meet basic needs, and to address current and past trauma and mental health challenges.

Keywords: Prevention, child abuse, child neglect