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Frequently Asked Questions
Child Abuse
Many states accept anonymous reports of alleged child abuse and neglect. It is important to note, however, that all states are required to preserve the confidentiality of all child maltreatment reports, except in certain limited circumstances (see Disclosure of Confidential Records). Confidentiality refers to protecting the information from public view, including protecting the identity of the reporter from the person suspected of abuse or neglect.
The following symptoms do not, alone, indicate or confirm abuse. If abuse is suspected, an appropriate assessment should be made by a professional.REPEATED INJURIES: Bruises, welts, burns. Parents may seem unconcerned, deny that anything is wrong, or give unlikely explanations for the injuries. NEGLECTED APPEARANCE: Children appear to be malnourished, inadequately clothed, are left alone or wandering at inappropriate hours (sometimes, though, over-neatness may be a sign of abuse). DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR: Very aggressive, argumentative, substance abuse. UNSUALLY CRITICAL PARENTS/CAREGIVERS: Parents who discipline their children frequently and severely in public and private may abuse when their unrealistic standards are not met. EXTREMELY ISOLATED FAMILIES: Parents who don’t share in school or community activities, seem to resent friendly contacts and appear to be distrustful of people, afraid of their help.
You have a moral, and in some cases, a legal responsibility to see that child abuse is reported to the people who can help. By law, you cannot be prosecuted for doing so in good faith. First, be sure you know the fact then act.
BE A FRIEND: Often an abusive parent needs someone to talk to for advice and support. Do your best to offer a sympathetic ear and to suggest services (social, medical, etc.) that can help. CONTACT LOCAL SERVICE AGENCIES: The Child Abuse Hotline, 1-800-540-4000, should be called immediately to report child abuse or neglect. People, who must report child abuse, often referred to as Mandated Reporters, vary from state to state – usually they include physicians, dentists, police, school counselors, teachers, nurses, etc.
BE A FRIEND: Often an abusive parent needs someone to talk to for advice and support. Do your best to offer a sympathetic ear and to suggest services (social, medical, etc.) that can help. CONTACT LOCAL SERVICE AGENCIES: The Child Abuse Hotline, 1-800-540-4000, should be called immediately to report child abuse or neglect. People, who must report child abuse, often referred to as Mandated Reporters, vary from state to state – usually they include physicians, dentists, police, school counselors, teachers, nurses, etc.
The social worker or law enforcement officer on duty will speak to the person making the report in order to obtain information about the child. The kind of information needed includes:
? what type of abuse has occurred
? who or what caused the abuse
? is the child still in danger or in need of medical care
? what type of abuse has occurred
? who or what caused the abuse
? is the child still in danger or in need of medical care
There are several things you can do about it. Learn more about child abuse and how it is treated. Don’t ignore child abuse, REPORT IT! Be supportive and helpful to families having problems. If you or your family need help coping with children, ask for it. Social service agencies are there to help you.