Child Abuse + Neglect Reporting Flashcards
Elements of Neglect
Child must be
“Legally responsible”
Parents, custodian, or adult who is in the home on a regular basis and is part of the home situation can be reported for abuse and/or neglect (can include other family members such as aunt, uncles, and others…live in girlfriend and boyfriend)
Parent can be held if someone else performs abuse under their care
Indicators of Abuse in NYS
Injuries to eyes
Bilateral head/body
Frequently appearing injuries such as bruises, cuts, and/or burns, especially without adequate explanation
Cigarette burns or impressions of other instruments
Destructive, aggressive, or disruptive behavior
Passive, withdrawn, or emotionless behavior
Fear of going home or fear of parent(s)
Indicators of Sexual Abuse NYS
STD
Injury to genital area
Pain or difficulty walking or sitting
Inappropriate behavior
Promiscuous behavior
Sexual victimization of other children
Indicators of Maltreatment NYS
Obvious malnourishment, listlessness, or fatigue
Stealing or begging for food
Lack of personal care
Untreated need for glasses, dental care, or other medical attn
Frequent absence from or tardiness to school
Child inappropriately left unattended or sans supervision
Spanking
Can be abuse depending on age of child, location of spanking, open hand vs closed fist, use of an implement (belt or stick, etc.)
Risk Factors for Parents to Become Abusers
Parent was abused/neglected as a child
Social isolation
Decreased self-esteem
Marital problems
Spouse abuse
Life stresses/crises
Young parents
Parent Child Hx Related to Abuse/Neglect
Violence/corporal punishment
Delays in seeking health care
Parent sees child as evil or rotten
Unrealistic expectations of physical or emotional needs
Lack of understanding of child development “child viewed as mini-adult”
Lack of social support
Poverty of homelessness
Indicators of Abuse
Clinical Presentations
Bone fractures often with multiple fractures in various stages of healing
Soft tissue injuries
Symmetrical burns
Hematomas
Welts
Internal injuries
Contusions
Indicators of Sexual Abuse
Clinical Presentation
Psychosomatic illness
Behavioral illnesses, anorexia, bulimia, enuresis, encopresis
Acting out behaviors
Changes in school performance
Excessive shyness, extroverted, or aggressive behaviors
Sexual acting out behaviors, sexual aggression toward others, overly sophisticated knowledge and practice of sexual activities
Indicators of Neglect
Clinical Presentation
Evidence of poor nutrition - poor nutrition, nutritionally inadequate diet
Evidence of poor hygiene - soiled clothing, soiled skin, body odors, skin breakdown in diaper area, dental cavities
Lack of compliance with medical or therapy appointments - frequent no-shows, excessive cancellations, lack of follow through with home programs
REPORTING
Report when you physically see it
Witness to abuse
Reasonable cause to suspect abuse
Reasonable cause to suspect neglect or maltreatment – with verbal abuse must make connection btwn verbal abuse that causes emotional impact or harm to the child
What happens after Report?
CPS in localities called within 24 hours of report
Investigation should include an evaluation of the safety of the child named in the report and any other children in the home, and a determination of the risk to the children if they continue to remain in the home
CPS
May take child into protective services
Based upon an assessment of the circumstances, CPS may offer the family appropriate services
The CPS caseworker has the obligation and authority to petition the Family Court to mandate services when they are necessary for the care and protection of a child
What are my rights if I am named in a report?
If you are alleged subject of a report, your count CPS is required by law to notify you of the report in writing; you are entitled to a copy
Reporting party name redacted
