Improving the child protection policy response to child neglect and emotional maltreatment in British Columbia

This study evaluates strengths and weaknesses of British Columbia’s policy response to two forms of child maltreatment – neglect and emotional maltreatment (NEM). Interviews with child protection service providers suggest that NEM cases often take lower priority than issues like physical and sexual abuse. Barriers to effective NEM intervention include the difficulty of substantiating NEM to meet the legal burden of proof, practical limitations of the initial protection report assessment process, and a shortage of resources necessary to provide ongoing support services to NEM-affected children. This study makes two recommendations aimed at improving BC’s child protection response to NEM issues. First, the provision of earlier intervention services is recommended in low-to-moderate risk cases of NEM; in these cases, more collaborative processes that do not require court involvement are emphasized. The study also recommends provision of longer-term supports (e.g. professional counseling) for children in higher risk cases of NEM.