Leaders Guide - Child Maltreatment

A Marine family might be at risk for child maltreatment if any risk factors become evident. Again, risk factors do not cause abuse but if risk factors are compounded with a belief that abuse of a child is a legitimate means of discipline or acceptable practice, then child maltreatment is much more likely to occur.

What to Look For

Marine may complain about being a parent or talk about feeling overwhelmed with childcare responsibilities.
Supervisors and peers may overhear, observe, or become aware of stressors related to childrearing.
There may be concerns that a child is not being properly cared for.
Marine may not be performing up to standard after the birth of a child, may seem preoccupied with family matters, or may come in late or ask for time off more frequently to take care of issues related to the child.
When asked about problems, may give vague, defensive, or angry responses.
Marine may refer to the child in excessively derogatory terms.
Marine never brings child to unit functions or activities.
Marine may be having problems in a wide variety of areas; financial, job performance, peer relationships, anger control, general coping skills, or substance use.

What to Do

Talk to the Marine in private about observations. Inquire if problems at home are impacting performance. Convey support for getting help and inform the Marine of prevention programs and classes on the installation and services and programs in the civilian sector.
Be aware that a full description of prevention programs and classes can be obtained from the installation Marine and Family Services. Many installations have classes on personal financial management, couple's communication, stress management, anger management, parenting, and other life skill topics. Additionally, Military OneSource is another important resource to identify community resources and programs.
Strongly encourage participation in New Parent Support Program (NPSP) or other prevention programs and classes through MCCS that deal with the identified problem areas. Convey the expectation that issues will be dealt with appropriately and fairly. Encourage the Marine to talk to a chaplain or other trusted person if appropriate.
If abuse is identified, refer the Marine to the closest installation Family Advocacy Program (FAP) or contact the state or county Child Protective Services (CPS) if the Marine is on independent duty or at a geographically separated unit.
Ensure the victim and any other children in the home are medically examined.
Follow guidelines in Report of an Incident.

What to Avoid

Ignoring observations, letting problems continue or get worse.
Not taking an identified problem seriously or minimizing concerns.
Supporting perceptions that convey that abusive parenting is justified or appropriate.
Forming conclusions about a particular situation before having enough information.
Refusing to give the Marine time off to attend prevention programs when the need is clearly indicated.
Holding the belief that child maltreatment is a private affair and failing to ask if abuse is occurring.
Failing to provide opportunities for young and experienced parents to get the skills they need.- Failing to provide social support to young parents on the home front when their Marines deploy.

What to Expect after Taking Action

Most Marines will follow through with recommendations to seek assistance and participate in prevention programs, such as New Parent Support Program (NPSP), when supported to do so.
If more significant problems arise, handling issues discreetly and respectfully is important. Offer support by promoting prevention as necessary to maintain readiness.
Marine parents may experience embarrassment about asking for help and may need encouragement to follow-through with recommendations especially if they are ashamed that they cannot financially take care of their families (see Financial Problems on left menu).

Troubleshooting

Most Marines want to be effective parents but do not want to be singled out as needing extra assistance. Requiring all new Marine parents to participate in Baby Boot Camp or other new parent education program eliminates the stigma.
Some Marines may deny there is a problem, minimize issues, or refuse to participate in needed services. This may be an indication that more serious problems are occurring and may require more active involvement from leaders (see Suspicion of Incident).
Marine may not be showing any signs of improvement or problems may escalate after participation in prevention programs. Leaders may want to consult with Family Advocacy Program (FAP) or New Parent Support Program (NPSP) staff to determine if another course of action might be appropriate.