2017 Volume 17 Pages 34-46
The aim of this study was to ascertain the incidence and factors associated with institutional child abuse. A secondary analysis of publicized reports of institutional child abuse was performed, and incidents were analyzed using the Berelson’s method of content analysis, with a focus on the interaction between child care workers and children. Two hundred and fifty-five records were identified and ultimately grouped into 17 categories. Institutional child abuse was found to occur in instances where child care workers were giving guidance, responding to a child’s problem behavior, interacting with children during the normal daily routine, and in instances where child care workers were too closely attached to children under their care.
These findings suggested that basic child care techniques, skills in addressing disobedient behavior, and self-awareness techniques by child care workers need to be improved. Results also suggested the need for a system where child care workers maintain appropriate relationships with children. In future research, the context of institutional child abuse, specifically a focus upon factors such as child care worker working conditions and organizational climate, need to be addressed.
