Transcript Child Abuse--Recognition and Response
Child Abuse Recognition and Response Community Services Board
Molly M. Clemmitt, LCSW Department of Human Services Arlington County
Overview
Scope of Abuse Mandated Reporting Liability Types of Abuse Physical Abuse Emotional Abuse Neglect Sexual Abuse Making a Report Working with Child Protective Services
Scope of Child Abuse in US*
60,000 reports processed weekly 3.5 million children received a Child Protective Services (CPS) investigation.
877,000 children were found to be either abused or neglected
* US Department of Health and Human Services 2004 Statistics
Perpetrators
84 % Parents – 39% by mothers acting alone – 18% by fathers acting alone – 18% abused by both 10% Other caregivers – Unmarried partners, guardians, other caretakers, etc.
10% Other
Scope of Child Abuse in Virginia*
31, 000 reports made – 45, 000 children were reported – 39,000 caretakers were reported 4,200 founded cases 31 children died as a result of abuse
* VA Department of Social Services 2005 Statistics
Victims
52% Girls 48% Boys The younger the child, the greater likelihood of abuse/neglect
Victims —Children with Disabilities
Disabled children are at higher risk for abuse/neglect (~ 7.5% of all cases reported)
WHY
– Caregiver lack of knowledge/resources – Caregiver frustration – Child’s lack of communication or ability to defend – Child may be unknowing/willing to trust regardless – Society’s devaluation of disabled children
Mandated Reporters
“The following persons who, in their professional or official capacity, have reason to suspect that a child (under age 18) is an abused or neglected child, shall report the matter immediately (within 72 hours)…”
Who are Mandated Reporters?
Teachers or others employed by schools Physicians, nurses, hospital residents or interns Christian Science Practitioners Mental Health Professionals Social Workers Probation Officers Law-enforcement Officers Any person associated with or employed by any private organization responsible for the care, custody or control of children
Liability
Our duty is only to report our suspicions, not determine abuse There is no risk of liability if made in good faith- The reporter is immune from civil and/or criminal liability in these cases Failure to report within the 72 hour time-frame is punishable by fine Anonymity
Validation Criteria
Child under 18 years old Suspected abuse and neglect Abuser is a caretaker Jurisdiction
Types of Child Abuse
Physical Abuse
Emotional Abuse
Neglect
Sexual Abuse
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse occurs when a caregiver responsible for a child’s care
creates
or inflicts,
threatens to create
or inflict, or
allows to be created
or inflicted upon such child
a physical injury
by other than accidental means, or
creates a substantial risk
of death, disfigurement,or impairment of bodily functions.
Types of Physical Abuse
Hitting, Punching or Slapping Pinching Beating Asphyxiation/ Smothering Poisoning Bizarre Discipline Burning or Scalding Shaken Baby Syndrome Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy
Indicators of Physical Abuse
Unexplained bruises/welts (pattern bruises) Unexplained burns/scalds (pattern burns) Unexplained fracture/laceration Injuries inconsistent with an explanation Complaint of abdominal pain or soreness Injuries in various stages of healing Disclosure
Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse occurs when a caretaker
creates
or inflicts,
threatens to create
or inflict, or
allows to be created
or inflicted upon such a child a
mental injury
by other than accidental means,or
creates a substantial risk
of death, disfigurement,or impairment of mental functions.
Types of Emotional Abuse
Consistent failure to provide a child with support, attention and affection Chronic pattern of negative behaviors such as belittling, humiliation, ridicule Exposure of a child to domestic violence Bizarre Discipline Threatened or actual acts of violence against the family pet or other animals
Indicators of Emotional Abuse
Habit Disorders (biting, head banging, or thumbsucking by an older child) Conduct Disorders Sleep Disorders Behavior extremes Self Destructive or Suicidal Parentified or inappropriately infantile Cruelty (animals) Substance abuse Non-organic failure to thrive Developmental lags
Disclosure
Neglect
Neglect occurs when a caregiver neglects
or refuses to provide care necessary for the child’s health, abandons
such a child, or when a child is without parental care or guardianship caused by the
unreasonable absence
or the mental or physical incapacity of the child’s parent, guardian…
Types of Neglect
Inadequate:
–
Shelter
–
Supervision
–
Clothing
–
Personal hygiene
–
Food
Medical Neglect
Indicators of Neglect
Infant non-organic failure to thrive Malnutrition, hunger, poor hygiene, inappropriate dress Lack of Supervision Unattended physical/medical/ mental health needs Abandonment Distended stomach/emaciated Untreated lice/ringworm Constant fatigue or listlessness Uninvolved or unavailable caretaker
Disclosure
Sexual Abuse
“Sexual abuse occurs when caregivers
commits or allows
to be committed any act of
sexual exploitation
or any
sexual act
upon the child in violation of the law.” Sexual abuse happens when a person in a
position of power
or authority
takes advantage
of a child for their
own sexual gratification.”
Types of Sexual Abuse
Sexual Exploitation/prostitution Forcing a child to watch sexual conduct Exposure Indecent solicitation Sexual abuse via the internet Child Pornography Sexual Harassment Intercourse and sodomy Sexual molestation Incest
Indicators of Sexual Abuse
Difficulty walking/sitting Torn, stained or bloody underclothes Pain in genital area or when urinating Frequent urinary infection Sexually acting out Excessive masturbation Hyperactivity or Hypervigilance Possession of unexplained money or gifts Bed wetting Encopresis or Enuresis Fire starting/Cruelty to animals Child reports abuse
Indicators of Sexual Abuse
Child has role of adult Alcohol or drug abuse Other criminal or delinquent behaviors Regressive behaviors
What If You Suspect Abuse?
Virginia Law requires that Mandated Reporters make their report immediately upon obtaining information that triggers suspicion that child abuse has occurred, and in no case later than 72 hours.
Who to Call?
Child Protective Services (CPS): Arlington: (703) 228-1500 Virginia Hotline: 800-552-7096 Police: 911 If child is in imminent danger.
What to Report?
Names (siblings) Parents/Guardians/ Child Care Child Care Arrangements Ages School Info (Grade, Schedule, etc.) Emergency Contact Numbers Address and Phone Numbers Anything else you know
How To Respond
Listen carefully and use the child’s own vocabulary Do Not Investigate--Do Not Ask Leading Questions Do not notify the parents if a report is made Be supportive Your support is crucial for the child’s resilience
Working with CPS
Once a report is made, CPS Intake can only tell you whether or not a case meets criteria and will be investigated.
If you have a release from your client, then you and the CPS worker may exchange additional information during a CPS investigation/assessment.
Conclusion
You may be the one person in this child’s life who makes a difference