Impact on Child Development

Child maltreatment during infancy and early childhood has been shown to negatively affect child development, including brain and cognitive development, attachment, and academic achievement. Child abuse and neglect can have enduring physical, intellectual, and psychological repercussions into adolescence and adulthood.

Child Abuse and Neglect: Consequences
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2016)
Analyzes child abuse and neglect in terms of the physical, psychological, behavioral, and economic effects.

Impact of Child Abuse
Blue Knot Foundation (2017)
Focuses on the physical and emotional consequences of child abuse, with specific emphasis on its long-term consequences in adolescence.

InBrief: The Impact of Early Adversity on Children’s Development
Center on the Developing Child, Harvard University (2007)
Frames the effect of childhood trauma on brain development within a discussion of the lifelong implications.

Long-Term Consequences of Child Abuse and Neglect
Series Title Factsheets
Author(s)
Child Welfare Information Gateway
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Year Published 2019
Explains the long-term physical, psychological, behavioral, and societal consequences of child abuse and neglect and provides an overview of adverse childhood experiences. It also discusses the importance of prevention and intervention efforts and promoting protective relationships and environments. Childhood maltreatment can be linked to later physical, psychological, and behavioral consequences as well as costs to society as a whole. The outcomes for each child may vary widely and are affected by a combination of factors. Additionally, children who experience maltreatment often are affected by other adverse experiences (e.g., parental substance use, domestic violence, poverty), which can make it difficult to separate the unique effects of maltreatment.
Understanding the Effects of Maltreatment on Brain Development
Series Title Issue Briefs
Author(s)
Child Welfare Information Gateway
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Year Published 2015
Provides basic information on brain development and the effects of abuse and neglect on that development. The information is designed to help professionals understand the emotional, mental, and behavioral impact of early abuse and neglect in children who come to the attention of the child welfare system.

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