Psychosocial Approaches to the Recovery of Child Victims of Neglect: A Synthesis of the Literature and Professional Perspectives

Child neglect may bring about lasting effects psychologically, emotionally, developmentally, relationally and socially; hence the need for recovery strategies that go beyond just safeguarding children. The current study looks at psychosocial recovery of victims of child neglect through the qualitative analysis of available literature and professional views on the matter. The empirical aspect of this study was based on semi-structured interviews of two professionals dealing with cases of children in Malaysia, specifically a psychological officer and a police officer dealing with child crime in the Royal Malaysia Police. The analysis of the interviews, together with findings from the literature review, helped in the identification of the dimensions of psychosocial recovery. The synthesis revealed six interrelated dimensions, which include: (i) safety and stabilization; (ii) trust and therapeutic relationships; (iii) child-focused and developmentally-sensitive interventions; (iv) biopsychosocial recovery; (v) family, community and multi-agency support; and (vi) sustainability of care and recovery. These perspectives pointed to the need for the establishment of safety psychologically and physically, developing trusting relationships, making the intervention tailored to the developmental and communicational requirements of the child, considering the interplay between biological, psychological and social factors, enhancing the protective environment of the child and ensuring proper follow up. These perspectives were largely consistent with the literature while bringing forward the significance of taking into account the issues concerning context and services provided as well. On the whole, the results indicate that psychosocial recovery has to be regarded as the developmental and relational process which goes beyond simple protection or relief of symptoms and involves the coordinated efforts on the part of the child’s family and professionals.

child neglect; psychosocial recovery; child protection; resilience

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