Abstract
This Note addresses the critical gaps in child welfare systems regarding domestic violence safety threat criteria. Although extensive research highlights the damaging effects of exposure to violence on children, many state laws fail to recognize this exposure as a safety threat unless there is physical harm. Drawing from real-world investigative cases, this Note examines how narrow safety threat criteria hinder the protection of children in homes plagued by domestic violence. It calls for urgent reform to broaden these criteria to include emotional harm and exposure to violence, arguing that children who witness domestic violence endure psychological trauma that can lead to long-term emotional and behavioral issues. By advocating for the implementation of universal domestic violence screenings and expanding the scope of safety assessments, this Note proposes a nationwide shift in child welfare policy that prioritizes the holistic well-being of children in these dangerous environments. Furthermore, it underscores the need for federal encouragement, through existing frameworks such as the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA), to standardize safety protocols and ensure children’s safety and emotional security.
Recommended Citation
Amber M. Alexander,
Child “Protective” Services: Failing to Protect Children Exposed to Domestic Violence,
49
S. Ill. U. L.J.
567
(2025).
Available at:
https://opensiuc.lib.siu.edu/siulj/vol49/iss3/12