Child Abuse and Neglect Treatment project



Child Abuse and Neglect Treatment project

All children need and deserve nurturing from their families and communities. Yet, a safe community where children can live and grow among caring adults does not just happen. It is created by individuals who are committed and determined to help shape that safe community. Abused or neglected children are especially in need of a caring community. Anyone may voluntarily report suspected child abuse or neglect to the local child protection or law enforcement agency. If you work with children or families, you are legally required to report suspected child abuse or neglect. This guide is designed to help you better understand the mandated reporter statute and to outline appropriate actions you should take if you know or suspect a child is being abused or neglected.

This guide includes information on:

The process for reporting suspected child maltreatment

The partnership with law enforcement, child protection and licensing agencies

Conditions of neglect and abuse that should be reported

Some behaviors and characteristics of children and familiesChild abuse is the number one killer of children all over the world. The four forms neglect, emotional abuse, physical abuse, and sexual abuse continue to hunt children all over the world. Child abuse is both shocking and commonplace. Child abusers inflict physical, sexual, and emotional trauma on defenceless children every day. The scars can be deep and long-lasting. Unfortunately, the more subtle forms of child abuse such as neglect and emotional abuse can be just as traumatizing as violent physical abuse. Focused support can help both the victims of child abuse and the child abusers themselves.

Promoters of the safe haven law have provided that the policy will correct history of baby abandonment. Until now if parenting was not an option then there were other legal options such as family members, informal and formal guardianship, and adoption. (Cavanagh-Johnson, T. and Gil, E., 2007 Pp. 67)

child abuse or neglect?

If one is a professional who works with children and families, A key position to help protect children from harm. Minnesota law requires professionals and their delegates who work with children to make a child protection report if they know of or have reason to believe:

A child is being neglected or abused, or

A child has been neglected or abused within the preceding

three years.

Mandated reporters include professionals and their delegates in

the following fields:

Health care

Hospital administrators

Medical personnel and professionals

Dental professionals

Social services

Social workers

Group home staff

Foster parents

Mental health professionals

Psychologists

Therapists

Psychiatrists

Child care

Home child care providers

Child care center staff

Babysitters

Education

Teachers and assistants

School administrators¦

School support staff¦

Law enforcement

Guardians ad litem

Clergy

Probation and correctional services

Members of the clergy are required to report suspected child abuse or neglect unless that information is received under certain privileged circumstances.

If as an individual one suspects a child is being abused or neglected, you cannot shift the responsibility of reporting to a supervisor, or to someone else in the office, school, clinic or licensed facility. Anyone who reports child abuse or neglect in good faith is immune from civil liability. The reporter's name is confidential. It is accessible only if the ...