Adoption STAR encourages all their clients who are parents and those who hope to be parents to receive parenthood education and to utilize alternate forms of punishment rather than the use of corporal punishment.
Adoption STAR does not support the use of corporal punishment. Corporal punishment means the infliction of pain or discomfort. Corporal punishments includes, but is not limited to, hitting with any part of the body or with an implement, pinching, pulling, shaking, binding of a child, forcing him to assume an uncomfortable position, or locking him in a room or closet, psychological abuse, humiliation, abusive language, binding or tying to restrict movement, and the withdrawal or forcing of food and other basic needs.
Numerous studies have overwhelmingly confirmed that hitting, spanking, slapping, restraining, and other forms of physical punishment are harmful methods of changing children’s behavior and alternative forms of discipline are more effective. Adoption STAR adds its voice to those urging that there be more awareness of other forms of discipline that is more effective and less damaging to the bodies and spirits of children.
There is a groundswell of public and professional protest against corporal punishment of children, in the home and in the schools, as well as the stated opposition to corporal punishment by the American Academy of Pediatrics, Child Welfare League of America, American Bar Association, the National Foster Parent Association and others.
Corporal punishment is clearly prohibited in small family childcare homes in 47 states, and is prohibited in centers in 50 states. It is prohibited in the majority of school systems around the country and it is strictly prohibited of foster parents. Research links corporal punishment with negative effects such as later criminal behavior and impairment of learning. Primary factors supporting the prohibition of certain methods of punishment include current child development theory and practice and legal aspects.
Many countries that are involved in International Adoption placements also do not permit parents to adopt if they believe in spanking a child as a form of discipline. They base this policy on the importance of identifying educated adoptive parents and the many studies that show spanking and other forms of corporal punishment are unhealthy.
If any client of the agency wishes guidance or support with identifying more effective approaches for managing undesired behavior in children, they are encouraged to ask for such assistance. Adoption STAR recommends that prior to adopting, prospective parents begin to learn and develop methods other than spanking in response to undesired behavior.
Staff of Adoption STAR are provided with education and training surrounding effective alternatives to corporal punishment.
One supportive resource to investigate is The Center for Effective Discipline: http://www.stophitting.com/
Read More about Adoption Education:
- Adoption Education
- Obtaining Educational Credits
- An Adoptive Parent’s Bibliography
- Post-Adoption Education
- Become an Advocate for Your Child’s Education
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