Recognizing Signs of Child Abuse and Neglect
Learn about the signs of child abuse and neglect, who is mandated to report in Indiana, and the importance of proper investigation procedures. Understand what physical abuse is and how to recognize potential signs of abuse in children.
Download Presentation
Please find below an Image/Link to download the presentation.
The content on the website is provided AS IS for your information and personal use only. It may not be sold, licensed, or shared on other websites without obtaining consent from the author. If you encounter any issues during the download, it is possible that the publisher has removed the file from their server.
You are allowed to download the files provided on this website for personal or commercial use, subject to the condition that they are used lawfully. All files are the property of their respective owners.
The content on the website is provided AS IS for your information and personal use only. It may not be sold, licensed, or shared on other websites without obtaining consent from the author.
E N D
Presentation Transcript
CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT Who should report? Indiana is a mandatory reporting state. Any person who has reason to believe a child is being abused or neglected shall make a report Medical professionals, school personnel & law enforcement officials have a higher duty to report abuse or neglect
CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT The school should make no attempt to investigate suspected child abuse, nor should the school inform parents of suspicions, or that a report has been made. At the point it is determined that DCS should be called, further questioning from school personnel must cease unless instructed otherwise by DCS. If school personnel suspects child abuse, no further information is needed. DCS and law enforcement are responsible for the investigation, not the school.
CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT Both DCS case managers and law enforcement personnel will present proper identification documents (ID cards or their equivalents) to the school representative.
CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT Investigations our 1:1 with DCS: The detective or DCS case manager will conduct the interview. Current research of child interviewing techniques suggests that the optimal conditions for a successful interview of a child exist when the child is placed in a one-on-one situation with the interviewer. Experts in the field indicate that when more than one adult (authority figure) is present at the initial interview, there is an unavoidable element of coercion and a natural tendency on the part of the child to want to please and tell the adults what the child thinks the adults want to hear.
WHAT IS PHYSICAL ABUSE? Any non-accidental physical injury to a child caused by a parent or caregiver that results in or threatens serious injury.
RECOGNIZING SIGNS Physical Abuse - Potential Signs Unexplained marks on the body Possible examples: Cuts, bruises, welts, burns, lumps, bumps, black eyes, fractures, or dislocations Bruises or welts in various stages of healing, or in clusters or patterns in the shape of an object Possible examples: Patterns that look like a belt or an electrical cord Pattern burns, burns in the shape of a specific object, or scald burns. Possible examples: Cigarette or iron burns
RECOGNIZING SIGNS Emotional Abuse Potential Signs Considers or attempts suicide Demonstrates self-harming behaviors Gets pleasure from hurting others, pets, or other animals Exhibits difficulty in forming positive relationships Demonstrates defiant behavior Is unable to trust others Is unable to identify with others Experiences speech and eating disorders
WHAT IS NEGLECT? Parent, guardian or custodian does not supply child with: - Shelter - Food - Education - Clothing - Medical Care - Supervision
RECOGNIZING SIGNS Neglect Potential Physical Signs Dirty, smelly, torn, or inappropriate clothing for the circumstances Developmental lags Underweight Neglect Potential Behavioral Signs Inactive Begging for or stealing food Reports being left alone Alcohol or drug use Always tired
WHAT IS SEXUAL ABUSE? Usually is unwanted sexual behavior by a person upon another or when consent for such behavior cannot be given. Indiana has several statutes that define sexual abuse.
RECOGNIZING SIGNS Sexual Abuse Potential Signs Sexual knowledge beyond what is age-appropriate Recurring pain or itching in genital or anal areas Sexually transmitted disease Frequent bladder or urinary tract infections Genital injury Unexplained fear Sexual acting-out behavior Drawing sexually graphic pictures
INDIANA CODE 31-33-5-1 ET. SEQ. If any staff member suspects any type of abuse they are required to call CPS and report the allegations IMMEDIATELY to DCS or Law Enforcement. After making the report they will notify the school administrator.
WHO DO I CALL? Reports of child abuse and neglect are to be made to the Indiana Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-800-800-5556.
SUMMARY 1. Child abuse or neglect suspected. 2. Do not investigate the child or call the parent. 3. Report to the Indiana Child Abuse Hotline (1-800-800-5556). (It is recommended that you identify yourself as a school professional). 4. Report to your school administrator. 5. Have administrator sign the Child Abuse or Neglect Form found on the T Drive.
