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Preventing Child Abuse

Preventing Child Abuse. 1874 1 st case of abuse 1909 1 st conference on children’s welfare. 1962 1 st child abuse law In 1997, 5 children a day were dying from abuse and neglect. History & Current Trends in Child Abuse.

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Preventing Child Abuse

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  1. Preventing Child Abuse

  2. 1874 1st case of abuse 1909 1st conference on children’s welfare 1962 1st child abuse law In 1997, 5 children a day were dying from abuse and neglect History & Current Trends in Child Abuse

  3. Definition of Child Abuse and Neglect(US Federal Law-Public Law 104-235-definition) The physical or mental injury, sexual abuse or exploitation, negligent treatment, or maltreatment: • Of a child under 18, or except in sexual abuse, the age specified by the child protection law of the state • By a person who is responsible for the child’s welfare is harmed or threatened thereby.

  4. Kentucky Statistics • 88,292 children were reported abused or neglected in 2008 • 14,802 children were confirmed victims • 30 children died as a result of child abuse or neglect in the 2008 calendar year Updated statistics found at http://www.pcaky.org/stats_research.html

  5. Kentucky Statistics • 71% of child maltreatment deaths were children age 3 and under • 83% of perpetrators were parents

  6. Additional Laws/Exceptions • Parent/Guardian also commits abuse by allowing another individual to inflict harm. • Religious Exception-A parent or other person exercising custodial control or supervision of the child legitimately practicing the person’s religious beliefs shall not be considered a negligent parent solely because of failure to provide specified medical treatment for a child for that reason alone. This exception shall not preclude a court from ordering necessary medical services for a child.

  7. Physical Abuse • Committed by parent, guardian or caretaker, or someone the child knows • By definition, the injury is not an accident, however, neither is it necessarily the intent of the adult to injure the child • May result from over discipline or from punishment which is inappropriate to the child’s age or condition • Injuries to a child during a domestic dispute can also constitute physical abuse

  8. Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma • As defined by KRS 620.020: Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma” (PAHT) means the various injuries or conditions that result following the vigorous shaking, slamming, or impacting the head of an infant or child. These injuries or conditions, also known as Pediatric Acquired Head Trauma, have in the past been called Shaken Baby Syndrome or Shaken Infant Syndrome

  9. Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma • 61% of children who die from child abuse are under 1 yr old • 43% of the KY fatalities/near fatalities due to child abuse are cases of PAHT • Most frequent reported reasons for shaking are: crying child, caregiver frustration, and a lack of information.

  10. Forms of Child Abuse Emotional Abuse • Blaming, belittling or rejecting a child • Constantly treating siblings unequally • A persistent lack of concern by the caretaker for the child’s welfare. • Bizarre or cruel forms of punishment

  11. Forms of Child Abuse Physical Abuse • Any nonaccidental injury to the child causing tangible physical harm

  12. Forms of Child Abuse Sexual Abuse • The use, persuasion, or coercion of any child to engage in any sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of : • producing any visual depiction of such conduct • Rape, molestation, prostitution • Or incest with children

  13. Forms of Child Abuse Neglect • Failure to provide for the child’s basic needs (this abuse tends to be chronic) • Physical • Medical • Educational • Emotional

  14. Observe Children • Watch for sudden behavior changes • Watch and listen to the children over a period of time • Observe at different times of the day and in different settings • Observe more often if suspicion of maltreatment • If maltreatment if suspected, you must report

  15. Physical bruises and marks on soft tissues: Face Back Neck Buttocks Abdomen Upper arms Thighs Ankles Back of legs Genitals Indicators of Child Abuse and Neglect

  16. Stages of Healing for Bruises • Ages of bruises can be detected by the following consecutive colors: 1. Red 2. Blue 3. Black-purple 4. Green 5. Yellow 6. Brown

  17. Behavioral Indicators • Not always easily discernible • Conversational Indicators • Sexual Indicators

  18. Spotting Vaginal discharge Redness or swelling of vulva or vagina Itching or discomfort accompanying any of the above Pain when using the bathroom Sexual Indicators: STD’s

  19. Factors Leading to Child Abuse and Neglect Individual Factors • Fussy children • Special needs children • Mothers w/ a hx of violence (poor parenting in their own childhood) • Maternal depression, mental illness or substance abuse

  20. Factors Leading to Child Abuse and Neglect Family Factors • Large numbers of siblings • Stressful life events • Poor social support; social isolation • Unrelated father figure/ mother’s boyfriend in home • Unmet emotional needs • Lack of parenting knowledge

  21. Factors Leading to Child Abuse and Neglect Socioeconomic Factors • Poverty • Low education achievement

  22. Poor self-concept Fear of authority Rigidity or compulsiveness Hostility and aggressiveness Undue for fear of spoiling child Unreasonable expectations for child Lack of skills to meet own emotional needs Belief of necessity for harsh physical discipline Acceptance of violence as a means of communication Characteristics of Abusive Parents

  23. Kentucky Unified Juvenile Code KRS 620.030 Basic principles: • A child has a fundamental right to be safe and to be nurtured • A child has a basic right to be raised by his/her own parents whenever possible

  24. Kentucky Unified Juvenile CodeKRS 620.030 Mandated reporting: • Any person who knows or has reasonable cause to believe that a child is dependent, neglected or abused shall immediately make a report • In addition, the following persons may be required to submit a more detailed report, including, but not limited to: teacher, school personnel, etc. • Also states, “Any supervisor who receives from an employee a report shall promptly make a report to the proper authorities for investigation.” • Reports will be assessed and investigated • Social Services provided to children experiencing maltreatments

  25. Reporting Child Abuse1-877-KYSAFE (1-877-597-2331) What the Cabinet needs to know • The child’s identity • Any person believed to be responsible for the abuse or neglect, if that person is known • The nature and extent of the abuse or neglect • The name and address of the reporter ( if he/ she so chooses, they may remain anonymous) • Where the child can be found • If there are any dangers in the house

  26. Reporting Child Abuse1-877-KYSAFE (1-877-597-2331) Where to report • Cabinet for health & Family Services, 24 hr child abuse hotline • Local or State Police • Commonwealth or County Attorney

  27. Who Must Report • ANYONE!!!!Who has reasonable cause to believe. • Caregivers in all settings & at all levels of employment shall know the child abuse reporting requirements as they apply to themselves, & how to report them.

  28. Failure to Report • Any person intentionally violating the provisions of this chapter shall be guilty of a Class B misdemeanor: • Up to 90 days in jail &/or a fine up to $250.00

  29. Child Care Center Standards • If you report: ”acting upon reasonable cause” you cannot lose your job or receive any other disciplinary action or retaliation • REMEMBER: You can report anonymously

  30. Providers should be able to take breaks and find relief during stressful times. 15 min. breaks every 4 hours and 30 min. lunch breaks. Physical layout of centers should allow all areas to be viewed by at least one other adult, especially in dressing and toileting areas. Safeguard Yourselves

  31. Primary Prevention Strategies • Staff selection procedure • Staff supervision • Staff training • Operational policies

  32. How the Child Care Provider Can Support Families to Prevent Abuse • Provide parent education • Actively promote and encourage family involvement • Form strong partnerships with parents based on trust, respect, and understanding that the child’s development will be enhanced when all work together • Refer parents to resources for positive parenting techniques

  33. How the Child Care Provider Can Support Families Experiencing Abuse • Cultivate partnerships with parents • Tell parents that you appreciate their child • Collaborate with other service providers and make referrals to work with your families. • Continue to provide child care during times of stress

  34. Community Resources Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky 1- 800- Children Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Child Protection Services Child Protection Hot Line 1-877-KYSAFE1or (Toll Free) 1-877-597-2331 http://chfs.ky.gov/dcbs/dpp/childsafety.htm Family Nurturing Center Catholic Social Services Parents Anonymous Family Resource Centers

  35. References • Thanks to Kate Dean, Programs and Trainings Specialist with Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky • Thanks to Cindy Wilson RN, BSN, Catherine Lowe RN, BSN and Holly Clendenin RN at the Lexington- Fayette County Health Department • Caring for our Children National Health and Safety Performance Standards: Guidelines for Out of Home Child Care Programs 2nd edition

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