Child Care for Special Needs Kids: The Lack of Special Needs Caregivers & What It Means to Families by Matthew Lister

Opinion
6 years ago

Child Care for Special Needs Kids: The Lack of Special Needs Caregivers & What It Means to Families

It is hard to ascertain the actual number of children with special needs who get abused by their child-care provider since crime statistics often do not notate whether the victim is special needs or not. And abuse can be very subtle, so it is under reported. But according to a study on Science Direct, special needs kids are three to four times more likely to be abused and/or neglected than children who do not have special needs.

Although there may be many reasons for this alarming fact, it has one key factor: lack of special needs child-care providers. Those who are qualified are not connecting with the special needs community, or not able to get paid a wage that corresponds to their education and responsibilities.

Continued education of child-care providers is essential – those who will be working with special needs children have to have experience, education and a willingness to continue that education. It is up to parents and agencies to be vigilant with those they hire, but up to the provider to have verifiable resources to ensure the parents have confidence in hiring them. Only with quality care will the statistics on special needs child abuse and neglect go down.

Read more about abuse of children with intellectual disabilities via The Arc

The information on 30Seconds.com is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice. The information provided through this site should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, and is not a substitute for professional care. Always consult your personal health care provider.

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Mike Prochaska
This just sad but true more people need better training... I am excited to learn more from you thought.
Chef Gigi
Great article. It’s completely unfortunate that we have to actually address things like this. We have special needs and our family too, and I understand that all too well. Thank you for bringing this discussion to the forefront!
Elisa Schmitz
Excellent first post, Matthew Lister . Thank you for raising this issue, which is so important for many families, and for our society. Welcome to our #30Seconds tribe. We look forward to learning and growing with you!
Mike Prochaska
They need to raise how much they pay people who work in this field too
Brian Mackenzie
the more kids that learn at home, the better :) #everyoneIsAteacher
Mike Prochaska
Agree #playmatters

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