CHILD ABUSE

1
CHILD ABUSE

• Chapter 12

2
POLICIES

• Child abuse and neglect are a major threat to the
  health and safety of children in our society
• Caregivers should learn preventive, protective,
  and promotional measures to provide for the
  well-being of children
• Care givers are mandated to report suspected or
  observed abuse

3
PREVENTIVE MEASURESAT SCHOOL

• Screen prospective employees
• Fingerprints
• Interviews
• Referrals
• Child restroom doors should be kept open

4
PREVENTING ACCUSATIONS

• Documentation of school accidents (keep in file)
• Discuss school accidents with parents at pick-up
  or on phone (describe remedies)
• Observe child for signs of home abuse and
  document

5
PREVENTION

• It is best to intervene before abuse occurs
• Strategies include
• Observation
• Discussion develop a relationship of trust and
  respect
• Action provide a link to stress-reduction
  services (food, job, emotional, etc.)
• See Table 12.2 Factors that May Lead to Abusive
  Behaviors

6
RECOGNIZING CHILD ABUSE

• Child abuse is divided into 4 categories
• 1. Physical See Table 12.3
• 2. Emotional See Table 12.4
• 3. Sexual See Table 12.5. 1 in 5 women is
  sexually abused as a child
• 4. Neglect see Table 12.6. Neglect is least
  reported but most likely to lead to death

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DOCUMENTATION

• Documenting suspected abuse may signify a pattern
  over time (and between schools)
• Anecdotal records can record behavior,
  conversation, and physical signs of suspected
  abuse
• Records should be saved

8
REPORTING

• See CA reporting law

9
CARING FOR AN ABUSED CHILD

• Child may be removed from family by authorities
  if danger is present
• Caregiver should provide the child with
• Trusting relationship
• Predictable routines
• Consistent behavior
• Confidence
• Communication skills

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IMPLICATIONS

• Cultural sensitivity what CA law considers abuse
  might be considered a parental right to
  discipline in some cultures. Caregiver must be
  respectful while informing the family of CA law.
• Immigrant/displaced families may be experiencing
  severe stress due to isolation, adapting to new
  way of life, lack of job and language skills,
  lack of family supports