What is Child AbuseStatisticsRisk FactorsRecognizingReportingAfter the ReportGuide for Mandated ReportersAbout PreventionChild Abuse Prevention ConferenceHow you Can Help Prevent Child AbuseHOME |
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Statistics
REPORTS . . . .
In 1999 the NYS Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment (the Child Abuse Reporting Hotline) received 138,323 reports of suspected child abuse or neglect, 31.9 reports for every 1,000 children in the State. This number reflects a slight decrease of 2.0% fewer reports compared to1998, when the Central Register received 141,101 reports.
Mandated reporters were responsible for 83,439 of those reports while Non-mandated reporters made 54,884 reports to the State Central register.
Nationwide, While the nation’s overall crime rate fell 22 percent from 1993 to 1997, reports of child abuse and neglect grew by 8 percent and confirmed cases increased 4 percent.
In 1998, 3,154,000 children were reported as abused and neglected and 1,009,000 were confirmed as abused or neglected. (1999 statistics are pending)
FATALITIES * . . . .
How many children die as a result of Maltreatment?
One of the greatest tragedies is the death of a child from abuse or neglect. Although such deaths are relatively infrequent, the rate of child maltreatment fatalities confirmed by CPS agencies has risen steadily over the past 12 years.
In New York State in 1999, 133 fatality cases reported to the NYS Central Register alleged the death of a child resulted from abuse or maltreatment. Of these fatality reports, 89 (67%) were indicated and 44 (33%) were unfounded.
Nationwide, more than three children died each day as a result of parental maltreatment. It is likely that the actual incidence is higher, and that some percentage of accidental deaths and child homicides might more appropriately be labeled child maltreatment. Despite the increased implementation of child death review committees and administrative attention to the issues of child abuse fatalities, recent research continues to indicate that such cases are substantially underreported.
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Recognizing Child Abuse and Neglect
Questions Often Asked by Friends, Neighbors And Relatives
How Do I Recognize Child Abuse?
An abused or neglected child is one whose physical or psychological health or development is harmed by the parents’ (or caretaker’s) behavior. NYS law defines child abuse to include physical abuse, physical neglect, sexual abuse and emotional abuse of a child under 18 years of age by a parent- or by another family member or caretaker.
| Types of Abuse | What does that mean? | How do I recognize It? |
| Physical Abuse | A non-accidental injury to a child by a parent or caretaker. | You may see frequent and unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, injuries; the child may be overly afraid of the parent’s reaction to misbehavior. |
| Physical Neglect | A parent or caretaker’s failure to give the child food, clothing, hygiene, medical care and supervision. | You may see a very young child routinely left alone at home. You may know that a severe illness or injury is not being medically treated. A neighbor child may frequently turn up at your door–inadequately dressed for the weather– saying their parent told them to stay away. Physical neglect can be hard to judge; sometimes what you see is poor judgment, but not neglect. Sometimes what you see is the result of poverty, not parental neglect. |
| Sexual Abuse | Ranges from offenses such as promoting prostitution, to fondling, intercourse, or using the child for pornographic materials. | You may observe sexual behavior way beyond what is expected for the child’s age; a young child might have sudden, unusual difficulty with toilet habits; there may be pain or itching, bruises or bleeding in the genital area. The child might tell you. |
| Emotional Abuse | Includes severe rejection, humiliation, and actions intended to produce fear or extreme guilt in a child. | You may see a parent who verbally terrorizes the child, who continually and severely criticizes the child, or who fails to express any affection or nurturing |
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COMO RECONOCER EL ABUSO Y NEGLIGENCIA DE NIÑOS
PREGUNTAS FRECUENTEMENTE HECHAS POR FAMILIARES, VECINOS Y AMIGOS
¿Que es el maltrato de niños? ¿Còmo lo reconozco?
Es el abuso fìsico, la negligencia, el abuso sexual y el abuso mental causado por un padre o guardiàn.
| ¿Cuales son los Abusos? | ¿ Que Significa? | ¿Còmo lo reconozco? |
| Abuso Fìsico | Son lesiones o serie de golpes no causados por accidente, pero causado por el padre, madre o aquel que cuida un niño menor de 18 años. | El abuso fìsico se reconoce por golpes, quemaduras, cortadas o contusiones que no tienen explicaciònes. Otra forma de reconocerlo es si el niño tiene miedo excessivo de la reaccion de sus padres o guardiàn cuando se porta mal. |
| Negligencia Fisica | Cuando no se le da a un niño comida, ropa, limpieza, cuidado medico o supervision. | Las senales de la negligencia son: La frecuencia con que a un niño pequeno lo dehan solo en su casa; o si sufre una enfermedad seria o accidente y no le dan atencion medica; o si no esta adecuadamente vestido para las condiciones del tiempo; o si el niño viene con frecuencia a su casa y le dice que sus padres no lo quieren en la casa del èl. La negligencia es muy difìcil de juzgar. Machas veces lo que vemos es resultado de la pobreza y no negligencia por parte de los padres. |
| Abuso Sexual | Puede ser sin toacar al niño como lo es el exhibicionismo; o tocàndolo como son las caricias, los actos sexuales o el usar al niño para materiales pornograficos. | Se puede notar en el nino un comportamiento sexual que es muy avanzado para su edad. Señales de abuso sexual en un niño pequeño son: Repetida dificultad en ir al baño, picazònes, dolor o, sangramiento o contusiones en la genitalia. |
| Abuso Emocional | Incluyen rechazo severo, humillaciòn y acciones que tienien como finalidad crear miedo y sensaciòn de culpabilidad en el niño. | Es posible que usted vea a un padre que aterroriza verbalmente al niño, continuamente lo critica con severidad o no le muestra afecto, cariño y atenciòn. |
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Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect
Questions Often Asked by Friends, Neighbors And Relatives
How do I report it, if I Suspect a Child in New York State Is Being Abused or Neglected?
If the Child Lives in New York State – Please call the New York State Central Register AKA the “child abuse reporting hotline” to make a report. The Hotline can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, toll free at 1-800-342-3720.
You will need to explain the child’s and parents’ names, address, and what it is that makes you suspect the child is abused or neglected, including (1) the child’s condition or behavior and (2) the parents’ behavior, You will also be asked ages, race, phone number, who all lives in the household; if you don’t know, the report can still be taken.
What If I don’t live in New York State?
What if I don’t even live in the United States?
To Find your Hotline Number Call 1-800-4-ACHILD, ChildHelp USA is a National Organization who is able to provide you with that information.
Why Should I Make a Report?
Because It Shouldn’t Hurt To Be A Child!
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State Toll-Free Child Abuse Reporting Numbers
The following is a listing of holtline numbers across the USA. You must file a report in the state where the child resides and to use the toll free number you must also be calling from within that state.
For States not listed, or If you, the reporting party reside in a different State than the child, please call Childhelp, 800-4-A-Child (800-422-4453), or your local CPS agency.
Alaska (AK)
800-478-4444
Arizona (AZ)
888-SOS-CHILD
(888-767-2445)
Arkansas (AR)
800-482-5964
Connecticut (CT)
800-842-2288
800-624-5518 (TDD/hearing impaired)
Delaware (DE)
800-292-9582
Florida (FL)
800-96-ABUSE
(800-962-2873)
Illinois (IL) 800-252-2873
Indiana (IN)
800-562-2407
Iowa (IA)
800-362-2178
Kansas (KS)
800-922-5330
Kentucky (KY)
800-752-6200
Maine (ME)
800-452-1999
Maryland (MD)
800-332-6347
Massachusetts (MA)
800-792-5200
Michigan (MI)
800-942-4357
Mississippi (MS)
800-222-8000
Missouri (MO)
800-392-3738
Montana (MT)
800-332-6100
Nebraska (NE)
800-652-1999
Nevada (NV)
800-992-5757
New Hampshire (NH)
800-894-5533
New Jersey (NJ)
800-792-8610
800-835-5510 (TDD/hearing impaired)
New Mexico (NM)
800-432-2075
New York (NY)
800-342-3720
North Carolina (NC)
800-662-7030
Oklahoma (OK)
800-522-3511
Oregon (OR)
800-854-3508
Pennsylvania (PA)
800-932-0313
Rhode Island (RI)
800-RI-CHILD
(800-742-4453)
Texas (TX)
800-252-5400
Utah (UT)
800-678-9399
Virginia (VA)
800-552-7096
Washington (WA)
800-562-5624
West Virginia (WV)
800-352-6513
Wyoming (WY)
800-457-3659
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What Happens After A Report is made?
En Espanol
The reason to make a report is to get help for the child and the family. The Hotline will notify the local Child Protective Services (CPS), which is normally in the county where the family resides. CPS will investigate and take needed action to protect the child and to help the parent solve problems which are leading to abuse or neglect. For example, CPS might recommend counseling, or participation in a drug or alcohol program or a parenting education program. The family may be referred to day care or homemaker services to help relieve the pressures of parenthood.
Will the Child Be Taken Away From the Home If I Report?
Only if the child is in immediate danger will she or he be taken into “protective custody.” Removing the child from the home is not a routine or usual occurrence. Unless the child is in serious danger, the goal is to keep the family together.
Then What Does Happen?
Normally, within 24 hours of receiving a report, CPS begins an investigation. In New York State, they must determine whether the reported suspicion is “indicated” or “unfounded,” within 60 days. You may contact your local Child Protective Services Office to find out what guidelines they use.
“Indicated” means there is evidence that the children have been abused or neglected. If the case is indicated, CPS will recommend a plan for the family, to protect the child and to help the parents solve problems which are leading to abuse or neglect.
Must I Be Certain? What if I Make a Mistake?
You need to have a reasonable suspicion of child abuse, not to prove it or be absolutely certain. You might be mistaken, but it is better to err on the side of the child. Not reporting your suspicions may mean that abuse will continue. If you make a report in good faith, you are immune from civil or criminal liability.
Will My Name Be Confidential? Do I Have To Give My Name?
Reports may be made anonymously. Although you don’t have to give your name, we recommend that you do. The CPS caseworker who will investigate the situation is not the same person – or even the same office – that takes your report. The caseworker may want to talk to you, for additional information or clarification. Giving your name will assure that the worker can contact you, and that important information will not be forgotten or lost. Your name will be kept confidential. By law, CPS may not release identifying information about the person who made the report to the family who was reported.
How Will I Know What Happens After I Make a Report?
Actually, you may never know, except by seeing changes in the child and family. New York State laws require CPS to work under very strict confidentiality rules, for the protection of everybody involved. The workers cannot share information about the report.
You can be assured that if the Hotline took your report, CPS is investigating the situation. New York State law requires that all reports received by the Hotline must be investigated. If you think the situation has not changed, or if you know of another incident of abuse or neglect, you may-and should- make another report to the Hotline.
What Else can I Do If I Think That a Parent I Know is Abusing or Neglecting a Child?
You can let the parent know that you are concerned about her or him. Realize the parent may be under stress, feeling lonely and isolated or inadequate as a parent. Offer your support. Encourage the parent to seek help. In New York State, you can suggest a parent who is having difficulty with their children call the Parent Helpline at 1-800-342-PIRC (1-800-342-7472).
How Can I Find Out More?
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COMO REPORTAR EL ABUSO Y NEGLIGENCIA DE NIÑOS
PREGUNTAS FRECUENTEMENTE HECHAS POR FAMILIARES, VECINOS Y AMIGOS
Si sospecho que un niño en el Estado de Nueva York està siendo maltratado o que ha sido abandonado ¿a quien se lo digo?
Llame al New York State Central Register en Albany, la lìnea de emergencia para informar sobre el abuso de los niños y dar su informaciòn. Se puede comunicar con esta lìnea de emergencia 24 horas al dìa, 7 dìas a la semana. La llamada es gratis. El numero de emergencia es: 1-800-342-3720.
¿Si no vivo en el Estado de Nueva York? ¿ Si no vivo en Los Estados Unidos a quien se lo digo?
Usted puede llamar a ChildHelp USA el numero es 1-800-4-ACHILD, ellos pueden ayudarle encontrar un numero para reportar en su comunidad.
¿Por què debo reportar mis sospechas? Porques ser un niño no debe doler.
Para proteger al niño y ayudar a los padres a resolver los problemas por los cuales maltratan y abusan del niño. Es esencial poner al niño y a la familia en contacto con el sistema de Child Protective Services(CPS – Servicio de Protecciòn de Niños).
Despues de la llamada….
CPS tomarà acciòn y sugerirà servicios a la familia que ayudaràn a corregir los problemas que pueden provocar el abuso y la negligencia. Por ejemplo, pueden recomendar que la familia vaya a un “day care” o a “homemaker services” para ayudar con las tensiones de los padres. CPS puede sugerir sesiònes de consejos (terapia), o participaciòn en programas contra el abuso de drogas y alcohol, o programas de educaciòn para los padres.
¿Se llevaràn al niño si hago un reporte?
Solamente si el niño està bajo peligro imediato se le pondrà bajo custodia protectora. El llevarse al niño de su casa no es lo màs comùn. Lo mejor es mantener a la familia unida a no ser que el niño estè en peligro.
¿Què pasa despuès?
Al recibir un reporte el CPS tiene que comenzar una investigaciòn en las primeras 24 horas. Al final de 90 dìas tienen que determinar si la informaciòn es “indicada” o “sin fundamento”. “Indicada” significa que hay pruebas de que el niño ha sido maltratado. El CPS tiene que formular un plan para corregir la situaciòn y asì proteger al niño y ayudar a los padres.
¿Debo estar totalmente seguro al hacer un reporte? ¿Què occure si cometo un error?
Solamente debe tener una sospecha razonable sobre el maltrato del niño, no tiene que probarlo ni estar totalmente seguro. Al no informar sobre sus sospechas permite que el abuso continùe. Si el informe se hace de buena fe, no habràn repercusiones legales.
¿Tengo que dar mi nombre? ¿Se mantendrà mi nombre confidencial?
Los reportes se pueden hacer anònimamente. Sin embargo, aunque no es necesario dar su nombre, le recomendamos que lo haga. El trabajador social de CPS que se encargarà de investigar el caso no serà la misma persona ni tampoco de la misma oficina a la cual usted dio la informaciòn. Al dar su nombre asegura que el trabajador social pueda cominicarse con usted y asì poder asegurar que la informaciòn que usted diò no se ha olvidada, alterada o perdida entre los muchos casos que pasan por las diversas oficinas. Su nombre se puede mantener confidencial. Cuando dè un informe explique que quiere que su nombre se mantenga confidencial. El CPS està obligado a honrar su peticiòn.
Despuès que hago un reporte, ¿còmo sabrè lo que està pasando?
En realidad, no lo podrà saber directamente. La ùnica forma que tendrà de saber algo es si ve cambios ocurriendo con el niño y la familia. Todos los informes son confidenciales. El CPS sòlo puede discutir la situaciòn en general. Por ejemplo, si recibieron su reporte y si se està atendiendo a la familia. Si desea màs informaciòn, puede llamar a la oficina local del CPS (en la localidad donde vive el niño) y diga que quiere saber acerca del progreso de el caso. Algunas oficinas locales del CPS le daràn la informaciòn, otras no. Si usted cree que la situaciòn no ha cambiado, por favor haga otro reporte a la lìnea de emergencia.
¿Què hago si sospecho que un padre al cual conozco està abusando o abandonando a su hijo/a?
Hàgale saber que usted està preocupado/a por el/ella. Debe darse cuenta primero que es posible que el padre se encuentre bajo presiòn, sintièndose quizàs sòlo/a y aislado/a, o incompetente como padre. Ofrèzcale su apoyo. Por ejemplo, ofrecièndose a cuidar de los niños por un rato. Anime al padre a buscar ayuda profesional. Hay programas especiales para padres que ofrecen informaciòn vital acerca de còmo cuidar y entender a los niños, los cuales sirven como “grupos de apoyo” para los padres.
¿Què hago si veo a un niño ser maltratado en un lugar pùblico?
Primeramente, no reproche ni mire mal al padre. Solamente conseguirà con esto que el padre se enfurezca màs y empeore la situaciòn. Hay cosas positivas y efectivas a las que puede recurrir. Por ejemplo, comentarios como “parece que ha sido un dìa malo para usteded dos”, “¿Hay algo que yo pueda hacer para ayudarlos? Establezca conversaciòn con el adulto, trate de distraerlo. Hablale con simpatía.
¿Què puedo hacer para saber màs sobre al maltrato de niños?
Para màs informaciòn, o para solicitar referencias de organizaciònes locales que se encargen de ayudar a padres y niños las cuales trabajan para prevenir el maltrato de menores, o para saber màs acerca de lo que usted puede hacer para prevenir esta situaciòn, si es residente del estado de Nueva York, puede escribenos Prevention Information Resource Center(PIRC) o llames gratis, al: 1-800-342-7472.
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Welcome Mandated Reporters
This section is designed Especially for You
What is a Mandated Reporter?
In New York State the Following Professionals Are Required to Report Child Abuse, Neglect or Maltreatment. For a listing of mandated reporters in your state contact your local Child Welfare Office.
- Physicians
- Surgeons
- Medical Examiners
- Coroners
- Dentists, Dental Hygienists
- Osteopaths
- Optometrists
- Chiropractors
- Podiatrists
- Residents, Interns
- Psychologists
- Registered Nurses
- Hospital personnel Engaged in the Admission, Examination, Care or Treatment of Persons
- Christian Scientists Practitioners
- School Officials
- Social Services Workers
- Day Care Center Workers
- Providers of family and froup family day care
- Employees & Volunteers in residential care facilities
- Any other child care worker
- Foster Care Workers
- Mental Health Professionals
- Peace officers, police officers or other law enforcement officials
- District attorneys, Assistant District Attorneys, or Investigators Employed in the office of a district attorney.
- Substance abuse counselors
- Alcoholism Counselors
- Physician Assistants
Defining the ProblemRisk FactorsHandling DisclosuresChild Abuse Prevention ConferencePrevention MaterialsBecome a MemberMore On Child AbuseHOMECONTACT US |
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| All of the children pictured on this website are examples of the happy and healty childhood all children deserve. |
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OUTLINE of PROCEDURES for MANDATED REPORTING of CA/N in NYS
You must report immediately when you have reasonable cause to suspect that a child who comes before you in your professional role is an abused or neglected child – – or when a parent or caretaker who comes before you in your professional role makes statements from his/her personal knowledge which, if correct, would render their child an abused or neglected child.
NYS Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment, Mandated Reporter #1-800-635-1522
Include in report
- Subjects of report ie..child, parent, other family/household members
- Name & address, age, gender, race
- Nature and extent of injuries, abuse, maltreatment
- Person responsible for injury, abuse, maltreatment
- Source of report and person making report
- Any additional information that may be helpful
5 Essential Elements of a Report:
- Child under 18 years of age
- Jurisdiction in New York State
- Demographics
- Allegations
- Person legally responsible for child
Other Actions Mandated Reporters May Take
- Photographs or X-rays of visible trauma
- Protective Custody (law enforcement, hospital administrators, CPS only)
- Mail a Written Report, form DSS 2221-A, to county Child Protective Services
Legal Protections
- Immunity from civil or criminal liability
- Confidentiality
AWillful Failure to Report can lead to
- Class A Misdemeanor
- Civil Liability for Damages
Back to Mandated Reporter’s Guide
Return to What is Child Abuse ?
Physical AbuseSexual AbuseNeglect..in a Residential SettingReporting Child AbuseMore On Child AbuseHOME |
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PHYSICAL ABUSE of CHILDREN – DEFINING the PROBLEM
The non-accidental physical injury of a child inflicted by a parent or caretaker, which ranges from superficial bruises and welts to broken bones, burns, serious internal injuries and, in some cases, death.
Summary of Legal Definition in NYS: An abused child is one who is under 18 years of age whose parent- or other person legally responsible for his/her care- inflicts or allows to be inflicted upon the child physical injury by other than accidental means, or creates or allows to be created a substantial risk of physical injury by other than accidental means, which would be likely to cause death or serious or protracted disfigurement, or protracted impairment of physical or emotional health or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily organ.
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Indicators of Physical Abuse
Special attention should be paid to injuries that are unexplained or are inconsistent with the parent’s or caretaker’s explanation and/or the child’s developmental stage.
Note: “Behavioral indicators” of child abuse have a valid place in decision making. Particularly when
there is otherwise unexplained change in behavior, these indicators provide important clues for potential reporters to pursue, and crucial corroborative evidence of maltreatment. But, behavioral indicators tend to be misused to report suspected abuse, without physical or other evidence and without statements of the child or others. Any list of behavioral indicators standing on their own and without an accompanying history of past and present behaviors, should not be the basis of a report. There are too many other explanations for such behavior. (Besharov, Douglas, Recognizing Child Abuse, A Guide for the Concerned, The Free Press 1990.)
Physical Indicators
I. Bruises welts and bite marks
- on face, lips, mouth, neck, wrists or ankles
- on torso, back, buttock, thighs
- injuries to both eyes/cheeks (accidents usually injure only one side)
- in clustered, forming patterns
- in shape of article (e.g. belt, cord)
- on several different surface areas
- evidence of human bite (compresses rather than tears)
- in various stages of healing
- regularly appearing after absence, weekend, vacation
II. Lacerations or abrasions
- to mouth, lips, gums, eyes,
- to external genitalia, on back of arms, legs or torso
III. Burns
- cigar, cigarette, esp. on soles, palms, back, buttocks
- scalding water immersion (sock-like, glove-like, doughnut shaped on buttocks or genitalia)
- patterned like electric iron, iron, etc.
- rope burns on arms, legs, neck, torso
Behavioral Indicators
- Wary of contacts with parents or other adults
- Apprehensive when other children cry
- Behavior extremes
- aggressiveness, orwithdrawal, or extreme mood changes
- Afraid to go home, repeated incidents of running away
- Reports injury by parents (sometimes blames self, e.g., “I was bad”)
- Habit disorders
- self-injurious behaviors
- psychoneurotic reactions (phobias, compulsions, obsessions, hypochondria)
- May wear long sleeves or other concealing clothing inappropriate for weather, to hide injuries
- Manifestations of low self-esteem
- Suicide attempts More On Child Abuse..
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SEXUAL ABUSE of CHILDREN – DEFINING the PROBLEM
The sexual exploitation of a child by a parent, relative, caretaker or other person, which may range from non-touching offenses such as exhibitionism to fondling, intercourse or use of child in the production of pornographic materials.
Summary of Legal Definition in NYS. A sexually abused child is a child less than eighteen years of age whose parent- or other person legally responsible for his/her care- commits or allows to be committed a sex offense against such child, as defined in the Penal law; commits incest; allows, permits or encourages such child to engage in acts or conduct which constitute prostitution or a sexual performance. More On Child Abuse..
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Indicators of Sexual Abuse
Because most sexual abuse cases do not present apparent physical evidence or indicators, identification and recognition are often very difficult. And, the many legitimate fears which child victims of sexual abuse experience make it extremely difficult for them to report the abuse, even to a very trusted adult or friend. The fact that the vast majority of child molesters are family members or friends of the child or his/her family makes disclosure of the abuse very difficult for the child. There is absolutely no profile of a child molester or of the typical victim. Do not assume that, because an alleged offender has an unparalleled reputation for good works in the community or holds a certain job, he or she could not also be a child molester.
Note: “Behavioral indicators” provide important clues for potential reporters to pursue, particularly when there is otherwise unexplained change in behavior. But, behavioral indicators should not be the basis of a report without physical or other evidence or statements of the child or others.
Physical Indicators
- Difficulty in walking or sitting
- Torn, stained or bloody underclothing
- Pain or itching in genital area
- Bruises or bleeding in external genitalia, vaginal or anal areas
- Bruises to the hard or soft palate
- Sexually transmitted diseases, especially in preteens; includes venereal oral infections
- Pregnancy, especially in early adolescent
- Painful discharge of urine and/or repeated urinary infections
- Foreign bodies in vagina or rectum
Behavioral Indicators
- Unwilling to change for gym or participate in physical education class
- Withdrawal, fantasy or infantile behavior
- Bizarre, sophisticated or unusual sexual behavior or knowledge; seductive or promiscuous behavior
- Poor peer relationships
- Delinquent or runaway; truancy
- Reports sexual assault by caretaker
- Prostitution
- Forcing sexual acts on other children
- Extreme fear of being touched; unwilling to submit to physical examination
- Self-injurious behaviors; suicide attempts
- Manifestations of low self-esteem, general fearfulness More On Child Abuse..
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NEGLECT & MALTREATMENT of CHILDREN – DEFINING the PROBLEM
PHYSICAL NEGLECT
The withholding of, or failure to provide a child, adequate food, shelter, clothing, education, hygiene, medical care and/or supervision needed for normal growth and development.
Summary of Legal Definition in NYS: A neglected child is a child less than eighteen years of age whose physical, mental or emotional condition has been impaired or is in imminent danger of becoming impaired as a result of the failure of the parent- or other person legally responsible for his/her care- to exercise a minimum degree of care:
- in supplying the child with food, clothing, shelter or education, or medical, dental optometrical or surgical care, though financially able to do so or offered financial or other reasonable means to do so; or
- in providing the child with proper supervision or guardianship, by unreasonably
inflicting or allowing to be inflicted harm, or a substantial risk thereof, including
the use of excessive corporal punishment; or - by misusing drugs or alcohol to the extent that he or she loses self-control of
his/her actions, or - by any other acts of similarly serious nature requiring the aid of the court; or
- who has been abandoned by his/her parents or other person legally
responsible for the child’s care.
EMOTIONAL NEGLECT
Acts or omissions that cause or could cause serious conduct, cognitive, affective or other mental disorders as a result of such parent or caretaker behavior as torture or close confinement or the constant use of verbally abusive language to harshly criticize and denigrate a child; generally a result of the child’s inability to meet unrealistic demands made by parents. Also includes emotional neglect — the withholding of physical and emotional contact to the detriment of the child’s normal emotional development, and in extreme cases, physical development.
Summary of Legal Definition in NYS: “Impairment of emotional health” and “impairment of mental or emotional condition” includes a state of substantially diminished psychological or intellectual functioning in relation to, but not limited to, such factors as failure to thrive, control of aggressive or self-destructive impulses, ability to think and reason, or acting out and misbehavior, including incorrigibility, ungovernability or habitual truancy; provided, however, that such impairment must be clearly attributable to the unwillingness or inability of the parent or other person legally responsible for the child to exercise a minimum degree of care toward the child. More On Child Abuse..
Indicators of Neglect And Maltreatment
Note: “Behavioral indicators” of child abuse have a valid place in decision making. Particularly when
there is otherwise unexplained change in behavior, these indicators provide important clues for potential reporters to pursue. But, behavioral indicators alone and without an accompanying history of past and present behaviors, physical or other evidence or statements of the child or others, should not be the basis of a report. There are too many other explanations for such behavior.
Physical Indicators of Neglect
- Failure to thrive (physically or emotionally)
- Positive indicator of toxicology, esp. in newborns; drug withdrawal symptoms, tremors, etc.
- Lags in physical development
- consistent hunger, poor hygiene (skin,teeth, ears, etc.)
- Inappropriate dress for the season
- Speech disorders
- Consistent lack of supervision, especially in dangerous activities or for long periods
- Unattended physical problems or medical needs
- Chronic truancy
- Abandonment
Behavioral Indicators of Neglect
- Begging, stealing food
- Extended stays at school
- Constant fatigue, listlessness, falling asleep in class
- Alcohol or drug abuse
- Delinquency (i.e., thefts)
- States there is no caretaker
- Runaway behavior
- Habit disorder (eg, sucking, biting, rocking)
- Conduct disorder (eg, antisocial, destructive)
- Neurotic traits (sleep disorders, inhibition of play)
- Psychoneurotic reactions (hysteria, obsession)
- Behavior extremes; compliant/passive aggressive
- Overly adaptive behavior, adult-like or infantile
- Lags in mental/emotional development
- Attempted suicide More On Child Abuse..
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CHILD ABUSE and NEGLECT in RESIDENTIAL CARE FACILITIES-DEFINING the PROBLEM
Source: New York State Department of Social Services
From “The Identification and Reporting of Child Abuse and Maltreatment: NYS Syllabus,” The University of the State of New York, The New York State Education Department, Albany, NY 12234
AN ABUSED CHILD in residential care is one whose custodian inflicts, or allows to be inflicted upon the child, physical injury by other than accidental means, or creates or allows to be created a substantial risk of physical injury by other than accidental means, which would be likely to cause death or serious or protracted disfigurement, or protracted impairment of physical or emotional health or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily organ; or commits or permits the commission of a sex offense against the child.
An Abused Child in residential care is also one whose custodian fails to comply with a rule or regulation (of the state agency operating, certifying or supervising the facility) involving care, services or supervision, and such failure to comply results in death, serious or protracted disfigurement or impairment of physical health or loss or impairment of the function of any organ where the result was reasonably foreseeable.
A NEGLECTED CHILD in residential care is one whose custodian
- inflicts by act or omission physical injury, excluding minor injury, by other than accidental means
- creates a substantial risk of other than minor injury by other than accidental means
- fails to comply with a rule or regulation involving care, services or supervision of the child, and such failure to comply results in other than minor physical injury or in serious emotional injury, where such result was reasonably foreseeable
- intentionally administers to the child any prescription drug other than in accordance with a physician’s, physician’s assistant’s or nurse practitioner’s prescription.
AN INSTITUTIONALLY NEGLECTED CHILD in residential care means a child whose health, safety or welfare is harmed or placed in imminent danger of harm as a result of a lack of compliance with applicable standards of the state agency operating, certifying or supervising the facility, including but not limited to, provision of supervision, food, clothing, shelter, education, medical, dental, optometric or surgical care.
CHILDREN UP TO 21 YEARS of age, rather than 18 years, may be considered abused or neglected, if they have a handicapping condition and their care is provided in one of the following
- the NY state school for the blind or the NY state school for the deaf
- a private residential school which has been approved by the Commissioner of Education for special education services or programs
- institutions for the instruction of the deaf and the blind which have a residential component and are under the authority of the state commissioner of education
- a special act school district. More On Child Abuse..
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POSSIBLE BEHAVIORAL and ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS of ABUSIVE PARENTS or CARETAKERS
These indicators are clues, not conclusive proof. Although they are useful to remember when dealing with the parent/caretaker, these characteristics also exist where a child is not abused or neglected. Typically, several clues or indicators will appear, rarely as separate entities. Except for the obvious, single clues should be treated as “flags” which indicate that the professional needs to look further and more carefully.
Parent / Caretaker History
- Parent abused or neglected as a child
- Lack of friendships or emotional support
- isolated from supports such as friends, relatives, neighbors, community groups
- lack of self-esteem, feelings of worthlessness
- Marital problems of parents, including spouse abuse
- Physical or mental health problems, irrational behavior
- Life crises: financial debt, unemployment / underemployment, housing problems, etc
- Alcohol / substance abuse
- Adolescent parents
Parent – Child History
- Parent’s unrealistic expectation of child’s physical and emotional needs
- mentally/developmentally disabled children are particularly vulnerable
- Parent’s unrealistic expectations of child to meet parent’s emotional needs (role reversal), children viewed as “miniature adults”
- Absence of nurturing child-rearing skills
- violence/corporal punishment accepted as unquestioned child-rearing practice
- Violence accepted as a normal means of personal interaction
- Delay or failure in seeking health care for child’s injury, illness, routine checkups, immunizations, etc.
- Parent views child as bad, evil, different, etc.
Environmental
- Lack of social support
- inability to ask for and receive the kind of help and support parents need for themselves and their children
- Homelessness
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HANDLING DISCLOSURES OF ABUSE
Adapted from information provided by Orange-Ulster BOCES in New York and the Rhode Island Chapter of NCPCA
Recognizing Disclosures
Very seldom will a child disclose abuse immediately after the first incident has occurred. Victimized children often experience a great sense of helplessness and hopelessness and think that nobody can do anything to help them. Also, victimized children may try to make every attempt to protect an abusive parent. Or, they may be extremely reluctant to report any abuse for fear of what the abuser may do to them. Typically, a child may not report abuse for months and even years, particularly if the abuser is someone close to the child.
Sometimes an outcry may not be verbal but portrayed in a drawing left behind inadvertently for the teacher, the counselor, or a trusted relative to see. Another form of outcry may be seen in a child who will frequently go to the school nurse complaining of vague, somatic symptoms, often without organic basis, hoping that the nurse will guess what has happened. This way, in their minds, they have not betrayed nor will they be punished, since they did not directly report the abuse. Some children, while totally reluctant to report or discuss the abuse, may be more willing to express their apprehensions and anxieties about the perpetrator or the home situation. In some cases, abused children will make an outcry which may take the extreme form of a suicide gesture or attempt.
Children may disclose abuse in a variety of ways. They may blurt it out to you, especially after you have created a warm nurturing environment. They may come privately to talk directly and specifically about what is going on. But more common ways include:
Indirect Hints: “My brother wouldn’t let me sleep last night.” “My babysitter keeps bothering me.” A child may talk in these terms because he/she hasn’t learned more specific vocabulary, feels too ashamed or embarrassed to talk more directly, has promised not to tell, or for a combination of these reasons.
Appropriate responses would be invitations to tell you more, such as “Is it something you are happy about?” and open-ended questions such as “Can you tell me more?” or “What do you mean?” Gently encourage the child to be more specific. It is important that the child use his/her own language, and that no additional words are given to the child.
Disguised Disclosure: “What would happen if a girl told someone her mother beat her?” “I know someone who is being touched in a bad way.” Here the child might be talking about a friend or sibling, but is just as likely to be talking about her/himself.
Encourage the child to tell you what he/she knows about the “other child.” It is probably that the child will eventually tell you about whom he/she is talking.
Disclosure with Strings Attached: “I have a problem, but if I tell you about it, you have to promise not to tell anyone else.” Most children are all too aware that some negative consequences will result if they break the secret of abuse. Often the offender uses the threat of these consequences to keep the child silent.
Let the child know you want to help him/her. Tell them, from the beginning, that there are times when you too may need to get help with the problem. In order to help them, it may be necessary to get some special people involved. The fact that the child has chosen this particular moment to disclose is important. Usually they will agree to seeking help if you talk about it ahead of time. Assure the child that you will respect his/her need for confidentiality by not discussing the abuse with anyone other than those directly involved in getting help. And, if you can explain the process to them, it may help with their initial fear.
Responding to Disclosures
In school, if a child discloses during a lesson, acknowledge the child’s disclosure and continue the lesson. Afterward, find a place where you can talk with the child alone. It is best to present child abuse curricula before a playtime or recess so that you have a natural opportunity to talk with children privately if they come forward.
Before notifying anyone outside of your school or agency, you or another designated person.
You should sit down in a quiet room without interruptions and speak with the child. If a child has chosen you as the person in whom to confide, you should take the time to speak with the child about the problem. If that is not possible, ask the child if she/he would feel comfortable discussing it with someone else. If the child indicates that he wants to tell you, you must make every effort to listen and support the child. She/he may not trust another enough to tell them.
Multiple interviews should be avoided. The child will have to share the story with many others.
When you speak with the child, sit down together, assure him/her that you are concerned and want to know more and that it’s alright to tell you. Go slowly, allowing the child to explain as much as he/she can. Do not suggest in any way that any particular person may have done something to him/ her or that the child was touched in any particular way. Let the child talk as much as possible.
Explain, in age appropriate language, that the law requires you to make a report if any child
discloses abuse and that the law is there to protect them. Describe for them who will be involved, for example, the social worker, principal and the CPS caseworker.
When Talking to the Child, DO
- Find a private place to talk with the child.
- Sit next to the child, not across a table or desk.
- Use language the child understands; ask the child to clarify words you don’t understand.
- Express your belief that the child is telling you the truth.
- Reassure the child that it is not his/her fault, and that he/she is not bad and did nothing to deserve this.
- Determine the child’s immediate need for safety.
- Let the child know you will do your best to protect and support him/her.
- Tell the child what you will do, and who will be involved in the process.
When Talking to the Child, DON’T
- Disparage or criticize the child’s choice of words or language.
- Suggest answers to the child.
- Probe or press for answers the child is unwilling to give.
- Display shock or disapproval of parent(s), child, or the situation.
- Talk to the child with a group of interviewers.
- Make promises to the child, about “not telling” nor about how the situation will work out.
Supporting the Child After the Report Has Been Made
If it is necessary for Child Protective Services or a Law Enforcement official to interview the child
at the school or agency, you should cooperate and assist by providing access for such an interview. Unless there are compelling reasons against it, a staff member the child trusts should be present during the interview to provide support for the child. (This situation may also arise when the report did not originate from your school or agency.)
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