Meeting the Challenge of Child Maltreatment in Rural Areas.

Abstract

Data shows child maltreatment reports are higher in rural than urban areas. This suggests rural practitioners may be more likely to encounter children who are victims of maltreatment. This is true regardless of whether the maltreatment caused the child’s contact with the legal system or was revealed after the child’s contact with the courts for another reason. What does this mean if you practice in a rural area? This article highlights child maltreatment trends in rural areas and offers tips for addressing common challenges when representing these children.