DOCSLIB.ORG

The California Child Abuse & Neglect Reporting Law Issues and Answers for Mandated Reporters

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The California Child Abuse & Neglect Reporting Law Issues and Answers for Mandated Reporters The California Child Abuse & Neglect Reporting Law Issues and Answers for Mandated Reporters California Department of Social Services Office of Child Abuse Prevention Table of Contents Acknowledgements i Introduction ii The Reporting Law. 1 Why What Who When To whom Immunity Other protections Liabilities Feedback Identification . 7 Environment Problems Parental clues Physical indicators Behavioral indicators Guidelines to Determine Reasonable Suspicion . 10 Assessment with a verbal child Physical abuse Sexual abuse Neglect Emotional abuse Additional factors in the assessment process Assessment with a nonverbal child Assessment with the family What to tell the parents/caretakers Assessment of false allegations The Major Treatment Issues. 16 Confidentiality Therapist’s reactions to working with abuse Helpful interventions Non-helpful interventions Questions Often Asked . 21 1. Who am I to say what is abusive? 2. What if I make a mistake? 3. What is the fine line between abuse and discipline? 4. What if the abuse occurred in the past? 5. What if an adult state he/she was abused as a child? 6. What about testifying in court? 7. What age child is most at risk of abuse? 8. What is the difference between children’s "normal" sex play and sexual abuse? 9. What is the reporting responsibility regarding sexually active minors? 10. Are clergy mandated to report? 11. Are alcoholism programs exempt from reporting? 12. May I make an anonymous report? 13. What happens after a report is made? 14. Does a positive toxicology screen at the time of delivery require a child abuse report? 15. Should a person’s culture be considered in determining if a report should be made? 16. What if a parent states their child is receiving treatment by spiritual means or not receiving medical treatment for "religious reasons"? 17. What if you are concerned about severing the trust relationship with a client? 18. What do you say to a client who is suspected of abusing a child? 19. In cases of domestic violence when there is a child in the home, is it reportable as child abuse? 20. Do you always tell the suspected abuser that you are making a report? 21. If you suspect abuse of a disabled child in a home or institution, is it reportable as child abuse? Conclusions and Recommendations. 29 Appendices. 30 A. Department of Justice Reporting Form B. Required Statement of Mandated Reporter- Sample Employee Form C. Confidentiality Policies Statements & Agreement (Sample) D. Community Resources E. Statewide and National Resources Bibliography . 36 Acknowledgements The Office of Child Abuse Prevention is grateful to Eliana Gil, Ph.D., for the work she did as the original author of this publication. We also wish to acknowledge the following people for their contributions: Diane Nissen, MSW, Allyson Kohl, LMFT; Catharine J. Ralph, LCSW; and Kim Ralph, MSW. Edited by Patty Lough, MSW, LCSW, Ph.D. California Department of Social Services Office of Child Abuse Prevention i Introduction This handbook was originally written to help mental health professionals understand the Child Abuse Reporting Law and be aware of their reporting responsibilities regarding child abuse. However, other mandated reporters, who come into contact with children, will also find the information helpful. Teachers, counselors, child care workers, animal control officers or any other professionals included as mandated reporters have an important role in child abuse reporting. Responsible reporting is in the best interest of the child and family. The law mandates the reporting of child abuse by certain parties (see page 2, “Who Reports” for a complete list of mandated reporters). For various reasons, people who abuse children lack necessary internal control. Therefore, they need as many external controls as possible, until they are better able to restrain themselves. The reporting law is an external control which clearly states, “the abusive behavior is unacceptable and must stop.” For the reporter, making a report of suspected child abuse is difficult. There are always nagging doubts about how the person suspected of abusing a child will react, what the outcome will be, and whether or not the report will put the child at greater risk. The best way to minimize the difficulty of reporting is to be fully prepared for the experience. One should feel reasonably comfortable with the reporting requirements and the process that is triggered by making a report. Knowing who to call for information and understanding your role in relation to your position (i.e. social worker, nurse, child care worker, clergy, etc.) is also helpful. Reporting suspected child abuse is a team effort involving professionals from a variety of disciplines, such as child protective services, police, medical personnel, etc. Information contained in this publication is offered as an aid to mandated reporters in reporting suspected child abuse. It clarifies basic information. It is not meant to be all inclusive and cover all situations. Nor should it be considered legal advice. Some items, such as therapeutic interventions used by therapists, may not be useful to certain kinds of mandated reporters. There are many professions included as mandated reporters; therefore, one should rely on protocols and training within one’s profession. If in doubt about what to do in a particular situation, additional information can be obtained through local child protective service agencies or local police departments. Additional resources, including toll free numbers and web sites, have been listed in the Appendix section. ii The Reporting Law The first child abuse reporting law sexual abuse, neglect, or abuse in in California was enacted in 1963. out-of-home care. Child abuse does The early laws mandated only not include a “mutual affray between physicians to report physical abuse. minors,” “reasonable and necessary Over the years, numerous force used by a peace officer” under amendments have expanded the specified circumstances, or spanking definition of child abuse and the that is reasonable and age persons required to report. appropriate and does not expose Procedures for reporting categories of the child to risk of serious injury. child abuse have also been clarified. (P.C. 11165.6, Welfare and Institutions In California, certain professionals Code (W&IC) Section 300.) are required to report known or suspected child abuse. Other 2. What to Report citizens, not required by law to report, The California Child Abuse may also do so. Reporting Law is found in Penal Code It is important for practitioners and Sections 11165-11174.3. The other mandated reporters to keep following is only a partial description updated on periodic amendments in of the statute. Mandated reporters the law. Your local Child Abuse should become familiar with the Prevention Council or Child Protective detailed requirements as they are set Agency (see Resources) has current forth in the Penal Code (P.C.). reporting law information. Under the law, when the victim is a child (a person under the age of 18) 1. Why Must You Report? and the perpetrator is any person The primary intent of the reporting (including a child), the following types law is to protect the child. of abuse must be reported by all Protecting the identified child may legally mandated reporters: also provide the opportunity to protect a. A physical injury inflicted by other other children in the home. It is than accidental means on a child. equally important to provide help for (P.C. 11165.6). the suspected abuser. The report of b. Child sexual abuse which abuse may be a catalyst for bringing includes sexual assault and sexual about change in the home exploitation. Sexual assault environment, which in turn may lower includes sex acts with children, the risk of abuse. intentional masturbation in the presence of children and child 2. What is Child Abuse? molestation. Sexual exploitation The Penal Code (P.C.) defines includes preparing, selling or child abuse as: “a physical injury distributing pornographic materials inflicted by other than accidental involving children, performances means on a child by another person.” involving obscene sexual conduct It also includes emotional abuse, and child prostitution. (P.C. 11165.1). 1 c. Willful cruelty or unjustified relation to domestic violence, see punishment, which includes the “Questions Often Asked” inflicting or permitting unjustifiable section.) physical pain or mental suffering, or the endangerment of the child’s 4. Who Reports? person or health. (P.C. 11165.3). Legally mandated reporters “Mental suffering” in and of itself is include a wide variety of positions, not required to be reported. which are as follows: However, it may be reported. a. Mandated reporters in public Penal Code11166.05 states: positions include: a teacher; an “Any mandated reporter who has instructional aide, a teacher’s aide, knowledge of or who reasonably or a teacher’s assistant employed suspects that mental suffering has by any public or private school, a been inflicted upon a child or that classified employee of any public his or her emotional well-being is school; an administrative officer or endangered in any other way may supervisor of child welfare and report the known or suspected attendance, or a certificated pupil instance of child abuse or neglect personnel employee of any public to an agency specified in Section or private school; an administrator 11165.9”. (The specified agencies of a public or private day camp; an include any police department, administrator or employee of a sheriff’s department, county public or private youth center, probation department if designated youth recreation program, or youth by the county to receive mandated organization; an administrator or reports, or the county welfare employee of a public or private department.) organization whose duties require d. Unlawful corporal punishment direct contact and supervision of or injury, willfully inflicted, children; any employee of a county resulting in a traumatic condition.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Definitions of Child Abuse and Neglect
    STATE STATUTES Current Through March 2019 WHAT’S INSIDE Defining child abuse or Definitions of Child neglect in State law Abuse and Neglect Standards for reporting Child abuse and neglect are defined by Federal Persons responsible for the child and State laws. At the State level, child abuse and neglect may be defined in both civil and criminal Exceptions statutes. This publication presents civil definitions that determine the grounds for intervention by Summaries of State laws State child protective agencies.1 At the Federal level, the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment To find statute information for a Act (CAPTA) has defined child abuse and neglect particular State, as "any recent act or failure to act on the part go to of a parent or caregiver that results in death, https://www.childwelfare. serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse, gov/topics/systemwide/ or exploitation, or an act or failure to act that laws-policies/state/. presents an imminent risk of serious harm."2 1 States also may define child abuse and neglect in criminal statutes. These definitions provide the grounds for the arrest and prosecution of the offenders. 2 CAPTA Reauthorization Act of 2010 (P.L. 111-320), 42 U.S.C. § 5101, Note (§ 3). Children’s Bureau/ACYF/ACF/HHS 800.394.3366 | Email: [email protected] | https://www.childwelfare.gov Definitions of Child Abuse and Neglect https://www.childwelfare.gov CAPTA defines sexual abuse as follows: and neglect in statute.5 States recognize the different types of abuse in their definitions, including physical abuse, The employment, use, persuasion, inducement, neglect, sexual abuse, and emotional abuse.
    [Show full text]
  • Recovering from Childhood Abuse
    Recovering from Childhood Abuse Sarah Kelly and Jonathan Bird This book is written by survivors for all survivors who experienced any form of abuse or neglect in childhood and for those who provide support. 2014 Copyright © NAPAC 2014 1 Dedication To all the brave survivors and their supporters who have helped us learn what works in recovering from childhood abuse. In memory of those people who could not find the support they needed to survive as adults and tragically took their own lives. All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way. Leo Tolstoy, Anna Karenina People are not disturbed by things, but by the view they take of them. Epictetus, first century AD Thanks to BIG Lottery and all our other generous funders and donors who have made NAPAC’s work and this book possible. Grateful thanks also go to Peter Saunders, Helen Munt, Julie Brock, Kathryn Livingston and Melanie Goodwin of First Person Plural, and Tracey Storey of Irwin Mitchell, who have all contributed to the writing of this book. Proof reading and layout were kindly donated by James Badenoch QC, Ann Watkins and Katie John, and our thanks go to them for their time and efforts. Copyright © NAPAC 2014 2 Contents Page About the authors 4 Foreword – Tim Lambert 5 Introduction 6 Chapter 1: What is abuse? 9 Chapter 2: Maladaptive coping strategies 25 Chapter 3: Mental health 32 Chapter 4: Dissociative spectrum – Katherine and Melanie of FPP 41 Chapter 5: Impacts 49 Chapter 6: Therapy and appropriate coping mechanisms 56 Chapter 7: Transfer of responsibility 67 Chapter 8: How to disclose and how to hear disclosure 80 Chapter 9: The legal process – Tracey Storey, solicitor, Irwin Mitchell 86 Conclusions 96 Bibliography 98 Useful contacts 99 Copyright © NAPAC 2014 3 About the authors Sarah Kelly is a survivor of childhood emotional and sexual abuse.
    [Show full text]
  • Recognizing Child Abuse: What Parents Should Know
    Prevent Child Abuse America 500 North Michigan Avenue Suite 200 Chicago, IL 60611.3703 312.663.3520 tel 312.939.8962 fax www.preventchildabuse.org Recognizing Child Abuse: What Parents Should Know The first step in helping abused children is learning to recognize the symptoms of child abuse. Although child abuse is divided into four types -- physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, and emotional maltreatment -- the types are more typically found in combination than alone. A physically abused child for example is often emotionally maltreated as well, and a sexually abused child may be also neglected. Any child at any age may experience any of the types of child abuse. Children over age five are more likely to be physically abused and to suffer moderate injury than are children under age five. 1. Recognizing Child Abuse 2. Signs of Physical Abuse 3. Signs of Neglect 4. Signs of Sexual Abuse 5. Signs of Emotional Maltreatment RECOGNIZING CHILD ABUSE Experienced educators likely have seen all forms of child abuse at one time or another. They are alert to signs like these that may signal the presence of child abuse. The Child: • Shows sudden changes in behavior or school performance; • Has not received help for physical or medical problems brought to the parents' attention; • Has learning problems that cannot be attributed to specific physical or psychological causes; • Is always watchful, as though preparing for something bad to happen; • Lacks adult supervision; • Is overly compliant, an overachiever, or too responsible; or • Comes to school early, stays late, and does not want to go home.
    [Show full text]
  • Child Abuse and Neglect: How to Spot the Signs and Make a Difference
    HELPGUIDE.ORG Trusted guide to mental, emotional & social health Child Abuse and Neglect How to Spot the Signs and Make a Difference Child abuse is more than bruises and broken bones. While physical abuse might be the most visible, other types of abuse, such as emotional abuse and neglect, also leave deep, lasting scars on kids. The earlier abused children get help, the greater chance they have to heal and break the cycle—rather than perpetuate it. By learning about common signs of abuse and what you can do to intervene, you can make a huge difference in a child’s life. What is child abuse and neglect? Child abuse isn’t just about black eyes. While physical abuse is shocking due to the marks it leaves, not all child abuse is as obvious. Ignoring children’s needs, putting them in unsupervised, dangerous situations, exposing them to sexual situations, or making them feel worthless or stupid are also forms of child abuse and neglect. Regardless of the type of abuse, the result is serious emotional harm. But there is help available. If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, it’s important to speak out. By catching the problem as early as possible, both the child and the abuser can get the help they need. To start, it’s important to separate the myths from the facts about child abuse and neglect: Myths and facts about child abuse and neglect Myth: It's only abuse if it's violent. Fact: Physical abuse is just one type of child abuse.
    [Show full text]
  • When Sexual Intercourse* with a Minor Must Be Reported As Child Abuse by Mandated Reporters: California Law
    When Sexual Intercourse* with a Minor Must Be Reported as Child Abuse by Mandated Reporters: California Law The California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act requires certain professionals (“mandated reporters”), like teachers and health care providers, to report to child protection or law enforcement when they know or reasonably suspect child abuse. Sexual intercourse with a minor (a person younger than age 18) is reportable as child abuse in three circumstances: 1. WHEN COERCED OR IN ANY OTHER WAY NOT VOLUNTARY Mandated reporters must report if they have a reasonable suspicion that intercourse with a minor was coerced or in any other way not voluntary. As one example, sexual activity is not voluntary when the victim is unconscious or so intoxicated that he or she cannot resist. See Penal Code sections 261 and 11165.1 for more examples. 2. WHEN IT INVOLVES SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OR TRAFFICKING Mandated reporters must report if they have a reasonable suspicion that a minor has been sexually trafficked or is being sexually exploited. See www.teenhealthlaw.org for more information on this requirement. 3. BASED ON AGE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PARTNER AND MINOR IN A FEW SITUATIONS Mandated reporters also must report intercourse with a minor in a few situations based solely on the age difference between the minor and their partner, according to the following chart: KEY: M = Mandated. A report is mandated based solely on age difference between partner and minor. J = Use judgment. A report is not mandated based solely on age difference; however, a reporter must report if he or she has a reasonable suspicion that the intercourse was coerced, involved trafficking or exploitation, or was in any other way not voluntary, as described above, irrespective of age.
    [Show full text]
  • Intimate Partner Violence and Child Abuse Considerations During
    Intimate Partner Violence and Child Abuse Considerations During COVID-19 As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, Americans are required to stay home to protect themselves and their communities. However, the home may not be safe for many families who experience domestic violence, which may include both intimate partners and children. COVID-19 has caused major economic devastation, disconnected many from community resources and support systems, and created widespread uncertainty and panic. Such conditions may stimulate violence in families where it didn’t exist before and worsen situations in homes where mistreatment and violence has been a problem. Violence in the home has an overall cost to society, leading to potentially adverse physical and mental health outcomes, including a higher risk of chronic disease, substance use, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and risky sexual behaviors.1 Further, victims of domestic violence including intimate partner abuse and child abuse are at great risk for injuries including death. Intimate Partner Violence According to CDC, approximately 1 in 4 women and nearly 1 in 10 men have experienced intimate partner violence (IPV) sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner during their lifetime. Moreover, more than 43 million women and 38 million men experienced psychological aggression by an intimate partner in their lifetime.2 Approximately 41% of female IPV survivors and 14% of male IPV survivors experience some form of physical injury related to IPV. It is important to acknowledge that IPV can extend beyond physical injury and result in death. Data from U.S. crime reports suggest that 16% (about 1 in 6) of homicide 1 Preventing Multiple Forms of Violence: A Strategic Vision for Connecting the Dots.
    [Show full text]
  • Long-Term Consequences of Child Abuse and Neglect
    FACTSHEET April 2019 Long-Term Consequences of WHAT’S INSIDE Child Abuse and Neglect Physical health consequences Aside from the immediate physical injuries children Psychological can experience through maltreatment, a child’s consequences reactions to abuse or neglect can have lifelong and even intergenerational impacts. Childhood Behavioral maltreatment can be linked to later physical, consequences psychological, and behavioral consequences as well Societal as costs to society as a whole. These consequences consequences may be independent of each other, but they also may be interrelated. For example, abuse or neglect may Federal research on stunt physical development of the child’s brain and adverse childhood lead to psychological problems, such as low self- experiences esteem, which could later lead to high-risk behaviors, Preventing and such as substance use. The outcomes for each child reducing the long- may vary widely and are affected by a combination of term consequences factors, including the child’s age and developmental of maltreatment status when the maltreatment occurred; the type, Conclusion frequency, duration, and severity of the maltreatment; and the relationship between the child and the References perpetrator. Additionally, children who experience maltreatment often are affected by other adverse experiences (e.g., parental substance use, domestic violence, poverty), which can make it difficult to separate the unique effects of maltreatment (Rosen, Handley, Cicchetti, & Rogosch, 2018). Children’s Bureau/ACYF/ACF/HHS 800.394.3366 | Email: [email protected] | https://www.childwelfare.gov Long-Term Consequences of Child Abuse and Neglect https://www.childwelfare.gov This factsheet explains the long-term physical, Migraine headaches psychological, behavioral, and societal consequences of Chronic bronchitis/emphysema/chronic obstructive child abuse and neglect and provides an overview of pulmonary disease adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).
    [Show full text]
  • “Parents and Children's Experiences in Family Play Therapy”
    Parents’ and Children’s Experiences in Family Play Therapy By Catherine L. McMonigle Thesis submitted to the faculty of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Science in Human Development Eric McCollum Committee Chair Eliana Gil Committee Member Angela Huebner Committee Member April 30, 2008 Falls Church, Virginia Keywords: play therapy, family play therapy, perceptions, experiences, parents, children Copyright 2008, Catherine L. McMonigle Parents’ and Children’s Experiences in Family Play Therapy By Catherine L. McMonigle (ABSTRACT) Family Play Therapy is a creative therapeutic approach to engage children in therapy in the context of their family system. While the young field of family play therapy offers both the benefits of family therapy and play therapy, research concerning its efficacy is largely unavailable. The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand the experience of family play therapy in context of child sexual abuse treatment, from the perspective of child clients and their parents. A secondary purpose of this descriptive study was to provide contextual data to inform future quantitative research on family play therapy. In separate, semi-structured and open-ended interviews, eight children and their non-offending parents described their therapy experience of the family puppet interview intervention, in which they created and acted out a story with puppets. Participants’ descriptions of their experience revealed five broad themes: (1) the perceived benefits of play (what participants liked), (2) parents feelings about play as a medium, (3) parent’s perceived role in the session, (4) children’s thoughts about family participation in therapy, and (5) suggestions for improvement.
    [Show full text]
  • Prenatal Cocaine Exposure: Scientific Considerations and Policy Implications
    Prenatal Cocaine Exposure Scientific Considerations and Policy Implications Suzanne L. Wenzel Barry E. Kosofsky John A. Harvey Martin Y. Iguchi Paul Steinberg Katherine E. Watkins Rashid Shaikh R Drug Policy Research Center This report was prepared by RAND’s Drug Policy Research Center and by the New York Academy of Sciences. ISBN: 0-8330-3001-9 RAND is a nonprofit institution that helps improve policy and decisionmaking through research and analysis. RAND® is a registered trademark. RAND’s publications do not necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of its research sponsors. © Copyright 2001 RAND All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form by any electronic or mechanical means (including photocopying, recording, or information storage and retrieval) without permission in writing from RAND. Published 2001 by RAND 1700 Main Street, P.O. Box 2138, Santa Monica, CA 90407-2138 1200 South Hayes Street, Arlington, VA 22202-5050 201 North Craig Street, Suite 102, Pittsburgh, PA 15213-1516 RAND URL: http://www.rand.org/ To order RAND documents or to obtain additional information, contact Distribution Services: Telephone: (310) 451-7002; Fax: (310) 451-6915; Internet: [email protected] PREFACE This report, a collaborative effort of the RAND Drug Policy Research Center and the New York Academy of Sciences, presents an overview of the current state of knowledge regarding the effects of cocaine on the developing brain and offers policy considerations for addressing the issues that arise from cocaine use by pregnant women. Most of the scientific research discussed in the report is derived from a 1997 New York Academy of Sciences conference on “Cocaine: Effects on the Developing Brain,” the proceedings of which have been pub- lished as Volume 846 of the Annals of the New York Academy of Sci- ences.
    [Show full text]
  • Special Topic: Understanding Prenatal Substance Exposure and Child Welfare Implications
    Special Topic: Understanding Prenatal Substance Exposure and Child Welfare Implications Child Welfare Training Toolkit Acknowledgment A program of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Children’s Bureau www.ncsacw.samhsa.gov | [email protected] Learning Objectives After completing this training, child welfare workers will: • Discuss the context and prevalence of prenatal substance use • Identify the effects of prenatal substance use on infants and their families • Discuss Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs), Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS), and Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS) • Increase knowledge of screening and referral for treatment and resources • Identify the treatment needs of parents and infants • Value collaboration between systems of care for successful outcomes • Understand the implications of amendments to the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) made by the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) of 2016 related to infants with prenatal substance exposure and their families Collaborative Values Inventory Neutral Strongly Strongly Disagree or Agree Disagree Agree Unsure • In different circumstances, any person could be a parent with a substance use disorder • Newborns with positive tests for illegal drugs should be removed from their parent's custody • Medication-assisted treatment, prescription drugs that treat opioid addiction, should be made available to pregnant women • When a parent refuses
    [Show full text]
  • Contemporary Developments in Child Protection
    Contemporary Developments in Child Protection Volume 3: Broadening Challenges in Child Protection Edited by Nigel Parton Printed Edition of the Special Issue Published in Social Sciences www.mdpi.com/journal/socsci Nigel Parton (Ed.) Contemporary Developments in Child Protection Volume 3 Broadening Challenges in Child Protection This book is a reprint of the special issue that appeared in the online open access journal Social Sciences (ISSN 2076-0760) in 2014 (available at: http://www.mdpi.com/journal/socsci/special_issues/child_protection). Guest Editor Nigel Parton University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield, HD1 3DH UK Editorial Office MDPI AG Klybeckstrasse 64 Basel, Switzerland Publisher Shu-Kun Lin Editorial Manager Alistair Freeland 1. Edition 2015 MDPI • Basel • Beijing • Wuhan ISBN 978-3-03842-086-6 (PDF) Volume 1 - 3 ISBN 978-3-03842-087-3 (PDF) Volume 1 ISBN 978-3-03842-088-0 (PDF) Volume 2 ISBN 978-3-03842-089-7 (PDF) Volume 3 © 2015 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. All articles in this volume are Open Access distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/), which allows users to download, copy and build upon published articles even for commercial purposes, as long as the author and publisher are properly credited, which ensures maximum dissemination and a wider impact of our publications. However, the dissemination and distribution of copies of this book as a whole is restricted to MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. III Table of Contents List of Contributors ............................................................................................................... V About the Guest Editor ........................................................................................................VII Preface ................................................................................................................................. IX Gerald Cradock Who Owns Child Abuse? Reprinted from: Soc.
    [Show full text]
  • What Is Child Abuse? Why Would Someone Believe That You Have Been Abused
    If You Need What happens next is not your fault. When you tell someone about child abuse, things Help may be difficult for a while. But the abuse will end, and you and the abuser can both get help. Here is what you should do if you need help: 1. Talk to an adult you trust. If Resources for Information one adult does not believe you or and Assistance cannot help you, don’t give up. Keep trying until you find an adult who believes you and can help Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline you. 1–800–4–A–CHILD or 1–800–422–4453 www.childhelpusa.org 2. Practice saying NO loud and clear so adults know you really mean it. National Center for Missing & Exploited Children What You 1–800–843–5678 3. Call the police immediately—dial 911. www.missingkids.org 4. Call the Child Abuse Hotline—dial Should Know National Center for Victims of Crime 1–800–422–4453. 1–800–FYI–CALL or 1–800–394–2255 www.ncvc.org About Things To Remember National Children’s Alliance Regional Children’s Advocacy Centers There are some important things for you to 1–800–239–9950 Child Abuse remember if you are abused: www.nca-online.org It’s your body. National Organization for Victim Assistance No one has the right to touch you. You can 1–800–TRY–NOVA or 1–800–879–6682 (For Children Ages 6–11) say no. www.try-nova.org Abuse is never your fault. National Runaway Switchboard Even if you don’t say no, it is never your fault.
    [Show full text]