CHILD ABUSE INTERVENTION

Although many people are reluctant to get involved, you need to report abuse—

It could just save a child’s life!!!

You have the responsibility as an adult to report it.

In the United States, Canada, and Australia, the concept of mandatory reporting of suspected child abuse is well established. Laws on mandatory reporters designate classes of professionals who must report suspected child abuse. (such as school employees, social workers & counselors, health care staff, mental health professionals, daycare providers, and law enforcement)

Intervention in Child Abuse Cases

In the United States, New York became the first state to institute child protection laws (1875) that made abuse against children a crime, and other states soon followed with similar laws. In 1974 the U.S. Congress passed the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, which encouraged remaining states to pass child protection laws and created the National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect. In addition, all states have their own reporting laws, juvenile and family court laws, and criminal laws.

Cases of child abuse are handled by an multidisciplinary team including medical personnel, law enforcement officers, the schools, social workers, and the courts. School personnel may be the first to notice and report signs of abuse. Child-abuse cases are often coordinated by a community’s child protective services unit, which sends case workers to the home for evaluation and offers services to the child and family. Medical professionals may report cases, provide treatment for injured children, provide testimony in court, or help to educate parents. Law enforcement personnel may be involved when cases are reported or when there is a question of a criminal action. The courts provide emergency protective orders or decide whether the child should be removed from the home. Child abuse may be punished by incarceration of the perpetrator or by the denial of custody rights to abusive parents or guardians.

Intervention

WHY YOUTH WILL DISCLOSE INFORMATION:

It can be uncomfortable to watch a child mistreated by an adult who’s out of control.

Fortunately, there are things you can do to help….

Start

Start a conversation with the adult to direct attention away from the child

Divert

Talk directly to the child to divert the child’s attention if misbehaving.

Look

Look for an opportunity to praise the parent and/or child.

Offer

Offer assistance if the child is in danger–lend a hand to help out.

Avoid

Avoid negative remarks or dirty looks.

Report

If all else fails—REPORT IT!

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Other places to call include:

Preventing or stopping child abuse

Education & Knowledge is the “key” to prevention!!!

Education

• hotlines
• parent education programs
• emergency shelters
• in-home services
• family resource centers
• parent support groups
• mental health services
• educational brochures & pamphlets
• informational fliers
• seminars, speaking engagements, rallies