Childhood development Flashcards
Neglect Definition
Failure to provide adequate basic care, needs, and protection.
Is spanking considered child abuse?
No - as long as it is “reasonable,” and does not result in injury.
Some hallmarks of parental abuse vs discipline.
Unpredicability, association with anger, using fear to control behavior (where the kid is learning mainly how not to get hit, not learning to obey rules that are consistent and make sense).
Epidemiology - what are children at risk for, and how many children are affected?
About 3 million kids a year are placed in CPS (2011).
75% suffer neglect
15% suffer physical abuse
10% suffer sexual abuse
Kids less than one year old are most victimized.
Risk factors for abuse
Domestic violence, substance abuse, untreated mental illness, lack of support, stress, and lack of parenting skills.
What should you do if you suspect abuse?
REPORT IT TO CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES. You do not have to be able to prove it. If you suspect it, report it. Amazingly it is underreported.
Some red flags for abuse
Child doesn’t appear attached to parent
Too infantile or too adult.
Shies away from touch. seems afraid of parent.
Wears inapproprate clothing (long sleeves on hot days)
Injuries that don’t match the parents’ story.
red flags for sexual abuse
Trouble walking or sitting. Inappropriate knowledge of or interest in sexual acts for age. Very resistant to undressing for exam. STD (excluding herpetic gingivostomatitis) or pregnancy below 14, runs away from home.
Parents behavior - red flags
Little concern for child. Denies existence of problem or blames child. Ask teachers or caregivers to be harsh. Sees child as entirely bad or worthless.
