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(Unit 1) Topic 6: Child Abuse Awareness

Potential Signs of Neglect or Abuse

Topic 6 Page 3

Unexplained injuries
Changes in behavior
Returning to earlier behaviors
Unusual new fears-fear of going home, fear of certain situations
Changes in eating habits
Lack of personal care or hygiene
Inappropriate sexual behaviors

If you know the child is in immediate physical danger or has been harmed and needs immediate medical attention, you must also make a report to local law enforcement.

Child care professionals are not expected to definitely diagnose or investigate child abuse, but should be able to recognize common signs and symptoms of abuse.

It is often difficult to determine if a child is being abused; therefore, always contact the appropriate agency for consultation when there is suspected abuse. According to Federal Law, early childhood professionals who file a report are immune from disciplinary action, including discharge or demotion, unless the report is proven to be malicious.

When you report a case of suspected child abuse, CPS or the appropriate state agency, has the right to interview the child in your care and look at any of your files. You can be charged with a gross misdemeanor if you do NOT report a suspected case of child abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

Reporting procedures are different for each state. You must know what steps to take, that are relevant for your state.

Here are the link to a few state specific guidelines: