Write a 100 word response. Use one intext citation. Due 1/16/2026
Williams
Finkelhor attributes the rise in attention to child welfare as a direct correlate to the increased number of women professionals associated with justice-related fields. As more women joined social work and policy roles, they drew attention to issues that had been overlooked, especially those involving children, family violence, and caregiving. They pushed agencies to take abuse reports more seriously while supporting policies that focused on children. This caused organizations to start viewing maltreatment as a public concern rather than a private family matter. Although women’s growing role in justice professions was important, it was just one part of the picture. It worked together with broader economic improvements that lowered risks for families and helped institutions respond more effectively.
Lynch and Cicchetti (1998) explain that the challenges children face often build on each other. Children who are abused are also more likely to live in violent neighborhoods, so these problems tend to happen together and can strongly affect their emotions and behavior. During their extensive research, they found that facing these types of adversity leads to more serious psychological issues, such as anxiety, depression, and aggression. They also point out that a child’s symptoms can shape the way they engage with the world around them, and in turn, those environmental responses can further influence the child’s behavior. Overall, the study shows that children grow and develop in response to many challenges that are connected. Therefore, genuine support has to involve the child, their family, and their community working together.
When looking at both studies, Lynch and Cicchetti (1998) and Schneider, (2020), Lynch explains how maltreatment and community violence work together over time to influence children’s emotions and behavior. Schneider focuses specifically on how those same experiences harm children’s school performance, resulting in lower grades and increased behavioral problems. When a child is dealing with anxiety, anger, or stress, it becomes difficult to focus, follow directions, or stay engaged in class. Together, the studies demonstrate that harmful environments affect various aspects of a child’s development, with Lynch and Cicchetti emphasizing emotional and behavioral effects and Schneider highlighting academic impacts.
