A Three-Year Follow-Up Study of Abused and Neglected Children

Twenty-five children from 23 families were studied approximately three years after hospitalization for injuries or illnesses judged to be sequellae of abuse or gross neglect. During this follow-up period, approximately one third of the children had again been suspected of being the victims of physical abuse or neglect. An assessment of intellectual, emotional, social, and motor development disclosed that 70% of the children were judged to be outside of normal range, though often mental retardation or motor hyperactivity was thought to have preceded the abuse. An evaluation was made regarding the type and effectiveness of intervention by community agencies, and it was concluded that more attention to rehabilitating these families is vitally needed.