| Physical Abuse-
Physical Abuse may be marks or bruises seen on your child. They may include bruises, abrasions, cuts, welts, or burns. They also may include broken bones, which you may see with only swelling. A child who has been physically abused by also have internal injuries and the observed symptoms may be the child being overly sleepy or vomiting. In these situations, medical attention should be sought and reports should be made to the appropriate professionals. Sexual Abuse- Sexual Abuse is often not seen. There are frequently no physical signs of sexual abuse, but concerns may be noted regarding a child’s behavior. If a child’s behavior is overly sexualized (a child exhibiting sexual behavior beyond their age), concern may be noted. Sexual abuse is often discovered after a child makes an outcry. The most important thing that can happen if a child does make an outcry of sexual abuse is that the child is NOT questioned, but is kept in a safe environment until the appropriate authorities are notified. Neglectful Supervision- Neglectful Supervision may be a caregiver leaving a child in a situation that is dangerous to the child. It may also include not providing for the basic necessities for a child, including food and shelter. Signs of neglect may be a child who is constantly dirty or their clothes are constantly dirty or a child being hungry or hoarding (getting food and hiding it for later) food on a regular basis. Another form of neglect may be a parent or caregiver that is under the influence of drugs or alcohol that does not have the ability to care for the child or make sure the child is safe. Alert professionals regarding concerns of neglect as oftentimes the professionals can make the appropriate referrals for families in order to provide them the services they need. Mandatory Reporting The State of Texas has mandatory reporting laws that stated if a person has suspicion that a child is being abused or neglected, it needs to be reported. A report can be made to Child Protective Services or Child Care Licensing at 1-800-252-5400 or http://www.txabusehotline.org/ . The individual reporting it does not have to have evidence regarding the abuse, but has to make the report in good faith, which means the report is not being made maliciously or as a retaliatory measure. |
