INTERVENTION COMPETENCIES OF EDUCATIONAL PROFESSIONALS REGARDING THE SYNDROME OF CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC
Abstract
Even in the 21st century we have to deal with phenomena such as child abuse and neglect. The epidemiological indicators clearly show that the syndrome of child abuse and neglect exists in general population and it is necessary that experts have knowledge and competencies to be able to deal with this issue and effectively help the victims of these criminal activities.
Apart from having necessary knowledge, teachers must be able to open up to their pupils even with a risk of not being understood and exposing themselves to possible emotional harm. The current situation in Czech schools and educational establishments is unfortunately anxiously focused only on teaching.
In 2008-2014, the authors carried out a long-term research mapping the level of selected crisis intervention competencies of various categories of educational professionals. The research sample consisted of 1020 educational.
The research used qualitative methods. 102 focus group discussions with selected respondents took place. The findings reveal several significant facts.
All scenarios contained fundamental mistakes educational professionals may make when "investigating" the CAN syndrome. According to the authors, the results of scenario assessment are also alarming.
Regarding the size of the sample, it is certainly not possible to generalise the presented research. However, the authors believe that it is necessary to take very seriously every sign of incompetency which might lead to professional misconduct of an educational professional in a real situation at school.
The current dismal situation may be overcome only by systematic training of educational professionals based on acquiring not only knowledge but also social skills, if possible in a form of a self-experience .