Child Abuse & Neglect

Question 1

What is child abuse?

Answer 1

The recurrent infliction of physical or emotional injury on a dependent minor, through intentional beatings, uncontrolled corporal punishment, persistent ridicule and degradation, or sexual abuse

Question 2

True or false: state laws require social workers and other professionals to report child abuse only if they have proof

Answer 2

False: reports can be made if there is reasonable suspicion to believe there may be child abuse

Question 3

What is defined as child neglect?

Answer 3

It’s the failure of those responsible for the care of a minor to provide the resources needed for healthy physical, emotional, and social development

Question 4

Child neglect is seen as and act of _________ by the caregivers because of limited abilities or resources.

Answer 4

Omission

Question 5

What’s the key difference between child neglect vs child abuse?

Answer 5

Child abuse is seen as more willful

Question 6

What are 4 examples of physical indicators of abuse?

Answer 6

• Multiple injuries in different stages of healing
• the history doesn’t fit
• bruises on soft body parts of typically protected body parts (buttocks, abdomen, genitals)
• linear bruises
• Bruises on neck
• rope burns
• bite marks
• burns
• head injuries/ fractures

Question 7

What are 4 indicators of neglect?

Answer 7

• self stimulating behaviors or attempts to comfort themselves instead of turning to adults
• developmental delay, failure to thrive, poor weight gain, thin extremities
• hoarding or stealing of food
• Chonic tiredness or drowsiness; falling asleep in school
• dirty unwashed, foul body Oder, unchanged diapers
• Awkward peer relationships
• a variety of behavioral problems due to lack of limits from caregivers

Question 8

What are some behavioral and emotional indicators of abuse?

Answer 8

• a child is remote, withdrawn, compliant, detached, and unresponsive to engagement
• ambivalent, insecure attachments
• Regressive behaviors
• frozen watchfulness
• aggressive or hyperactive behavior
• difficulty concentrating
• lying, stealing, fighting, angry outbursts, aggression, drug use, truancy, social withdrawal, anxiety, depression or dissociative episodes

Question 9

What are 5-6 examples of physical and behavioral indicators of sexual abuse?

Answer 9

• fecal or urinary incontinence after potty training
• not wanting to be left alone with certain people or new fear of being away from primary caregivers
• masturbation with a driven quality
• mimicking sex/pelvic thrusting
• Refusing to bathe/inadequate personal hygiene
• asks other children to behave in sexual manners or play sexual games
• mimics sexual behaviors with toys, dolls, or stuffed animals