MDT Child Abuse Investigations

Question 1

Requirements for child abuse are…(5)?

Answer 1

• Physical abuse (Other than accidental)
• Emotional maltreatment
• Sexual abuse & exploitation
• Neglect
• Threat of harm

Question 2

What is the mandated reporting law?

Answer 2

Any public or private official having reasonable cause to believe that any child with whom the official comes in contact with has suffered abuse, or that any person with whom the official comes in contact has abused a child, shall cause a report to be made.

Question 3

What are the dynamics of a victims family (3)?

Answer 3

• Substance abuse
• Domestic violence (children as victims and observers)
• Juvenile fire setting

Question 4

What are the priorities of a child abuse investigation?

Answer 4

• Impartial determination (Protect innocent)
• ID the principals (Witnesses & observers)
• Obtain medical exam (Be mindful of the parents’/ Child’s constitutional rights

Question 5

What are the principals of risk assessment in a child abuse case?

Answer 5

• Past incidents of abuse
• Expression of fear by the child
• Hazardous environment / living conditions
• Indication of sexual abuse
• Abuse of siblings

Question 6

What is important to obtain when preserving evidence of child abuse?

Answer 6

• Medical exams
• Photographs:
  - Victims injuries
  - The crime scene
  - The weapon used

Question 7

What does MDT stand for?

Answer 7

Mulit-disciplinary Team

Question 8

What are the roles a MDT team members?

Answer 8

• District Attorney
• Law Enforcement
• Medical
• Mental Health
• DHS; Child protective services

Question 9

What are two important things to do in a chile abuse death investigation?

Answer 9

• Control the parents

- Visit the crime scene

Question 10

What are two defenses to physical child abuse?

Answer 10

• The injuries were accidental

- The injuries were caused by another person

Question 11

What are clues to abusive burn injuries in child abuse cases?

Answer 11

• Findings inconsistent with history, age and ability of child
• Sparing; areas not burned
• Delay in seeking care
• No witnesses or absent caregiver
• Siblings alleged to cause injury
• Changing, contradictory story
• “Triggering Events”

Question 12

What are family resources in child abuse cases?

Answer 12

• Service to Children and Families (SCF)
• Public Agencies
• Private / Public funded (Parents Anonymous, Parents United)
• Religious organizations