Date of Award

8-1995

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Social Work (MSW)

Abstract

It is mandatory that reported incidents of suspected child abuse/neglect be assessed by Child Protective Service workers. In the state of North Dakota the determination of allegations of child abuse/neglect are that probable cause exists or that no probable cause exists to believe that child abuse/neglect has occurred. The final determination is the responsibility of the Regional Director of Human Services or their designee, usually the Regional Supervisor of Social Services. County Child Protection Teams work along with these professionals and protective service social workers in an advisory capacity in reviewing protective service assessments.

The purpose of this study was to explore and compare the attitudes and views of state residents that serve on Child Protection Teams with residents that do not serve on these teams relating to the physical. discipline of children. A questionnaire was distributed to a sample of state residents and to members of Child Protection Teams in North Dakota. Information was obtained regarding the demographic make up of these two groups and their views and attitudes about this subject. Survey results also gave some indication of the acceptability of the use of physical discipline, as well as accepted contexts and modes.

Differences were found in the views and attitudes of professionals working in protective services and the general population. The use of spanking as a form of discipline was generally acceptable to state residents within certain restrictions. Although severe forms of physical discipline are not viewed positively by state residents they are reluctant to call these acts abusive. Professionals working in the area of child abuse and neglect are much more likely than the general population to see physical discipline as abuse in all but the most harmless of circumstances.

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