See something, say something; is a simple slogan for reporting child abuse and neglect. The saying is easy to understand, but child abuse and neglect signs aren't always obvious. Some are easy to spot, like physical abuse. Others, such as neglect or sexual abuse, can be less obvious.
The general public needs to be aware of signs of abuse and neglect and report them. In 2019 childwelfare.gov released data for the Child Maltreatment report for the Federal Fiscal year 2019. In this report, Child Protective Service organizations received approximately four and half million reports of abuse or neglect involving more than seven and half million children. More than sixty-six percent of those reports of child abuse came from professionals such as teachers and counselors. While professionals play an important in spotting and reporting child abuse, they are unable to spot and report all instances of abuse or neglect. Increasing public awareness of signs of child abuse can increase civilian reporting and provide much-needed interventions for children and their families. Here are some signs to watch for in children:
Abuse:
- Children in school whose performance significantly drops or learning become difficult.
- Significant changes in mood like significant hopelessness, worthlessness, depression.
- Bullying and physical aggression.
- Unexplained bruises, burns, scratches, cuts or other physical forms of harm.
- Any verbal report form a child or sibling.
- Unexplained broken bones.
- Intense fear and mistrust of adults.
- being afraid to go home or fearful of being abused.
- Being hyper vigilant- needing to know where exits are or where people are in the room.
- Bedwetting, nightmares, UTIs, pregnancy (typically before the age of 14) , bizarre or over-sexualized behaviors, difficulty walking or sitting, refusal to undress in gym, running away, new self harm or suicidal ideation can signal sexual abuse.
Parental signs include:
- explanations rationalizes or stories that are fabricated to explain injuries.
- children being described in very negative ways such as being hte devil.
- Very isolating or secretive and does not want the child talking to others without them present.
Neglect
- Looking malnourished or emaciated
- Inconsistent or consistent and frequent absences
- Bizarre sleep patterns or significant difficulty staying awake in class.
- Lacks appropriate medical or emotional health care.
- May use drugs or alcohol.
- Lacks sufficient clothing for weather or climate
- When a child reports or states that parents/guardians are not home
Reporting child and abuse and neglect when first noticed is a critical step in the health and safety of children. Parents, caregivers, or other abusers will often be very protective and guarded if approached about allegations or observations of abuse or neglect. Children may also be threatened that if they tell anyone what is happening, they will be harmed further or suffer other abuses. Recognizing and immediately reporting can prevent a child from the burden of telling or talking about the abuse. Reports can be made through the following:
- The County where the child resides Child and Protective Services:
- The https://childhelphotline.org/ or 1.800.4.A.CHILD [1.800.422.4453]).
- If you suspect immediate danger call 911.
Reports of child abuse and neglect are anonymous to protect the reporter and the victim. All reports will be turned over to CPS in the county and state where the child resides. The reporter will provide information when reporting like demographics, age of the children, relationships and details of the abuse or neglect. If you are unaware of some of the information CPS is gathering, it is still acceptable to make the report. CPS will likely want to know what strength’s the family has and what you support you would like to see the family or child receive. They will then take the report to see to a supervisor and determine whether there are unsubstantiated or substantiated claims for abuse and neglect within a few days. The common outcomes of a call include:
1. if there is a report of immediate danger, 911 will be contacted,
2. The claims are determined unsubstantiated and closed by the agency. Meaning CPS will not take any further action to intervene with the family.
3 Substantiated claims usually involve an investigation that can but does not always include police social work and social service interventions or referrals. For instance, the cildwelfare.gov report of the approximately 4.4 million reports, approximately 2.4 million were substantiated and investigations were opened.
CPS agencies will provide the option for you to be notified of their decision. Keep in mind that removing children or members of the family is the last resort.
The intent of a CPS intervention is to provide, support and resources to help and support the family and prevent any further abuse and neglect.
Navigating the signs, symptoms and steps to report abuse or neglect can be overwhelming. If you would like more information on reporting, signs or have questions please visit the links below. Being informed of signs and symptoms can save lives.
- https://www.childwelfare.gov
- https://www.mecknc.gov/dss/adopt/Pages/ChildProtectiveServicesInvestigationandIn-HomeServices.aspx
- https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/childabuseandneglect/fastfact.html
- https://www.childwelfare.gov/organizations/?CWIGFunctionsaction=rols:main.dspList&rolType=Custom&RS_ID=21
