School trajectories of children victims of parental maltreatment: Review of the literature (2007-2014)
Children who are victims of parental maltreatment are at risk of various developmental problems, namely learning difficulties and academic problems. This review of the literature (2007-2014) highlights the impact of parental maltreatment on children’s school trajectories and school achievement. During preschool years, these children present deficits in school readiness which predict reading problems upon entering primary school. In primary grades, they have difficulties acquiring skills in reading and mathematics and already present lower school achievement. These difficulties tend to increase over time. These children are more likely to present cognitive, emotional and behavioural difficulties that impair their ability to cope with learning situations and succeed in school. Results suggest that intervention aimed at supporting parents or foster care parents in their capacity to work with children in learning situations may contribute to the acquisition of learning skills and greater school achievement of these children.