Only a handful of training programs on abuse and neglect exist, and there are few resources for clinical research. During the four years of medical school, students receive approximately two hours of training. Pediatric residents have roughly two days in a specialty clinic. Further complicating matters is the dual mandate under which the child welfare system operates. The mandate to both protect children and support families can be incompatible at times.
Families are diverse.
Reforms, as Waldfogel reported, are emerging that attempt to address these and other inadequacies. One response has been to better tailor the services to families. Missouri is a pioneer in this respect. The state screens cases and sorts them into two groups. At least twelve other states have since followed Missouri in piloting these reforms.