Child Abuse and Neglect is a Community Problem

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What Is Child Abuse and Neglect?

Child abuse is non-accidental physical injury inflicted on a child by a parent or guardian. Child neglect is any treatment that threatens the child’s health, safety or welfare. Abuse and neglect can be categorized as follows:

  • Sexual Abuse is any sexual act by an adult in the presence of a child, or to a child.
  • Physical Abuse is bodily injury inflicted on a child by other than accidental means.
  • Emotional Abuse is non-physical mistreatment that endangers a child’s emotional health.
  • General Neglect is the failure to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, medical treatment or supervision where no physical injury to the child has occurred.
  • Severe Neglect refers to situations where the child’s health and life is endangered, including severe malnutrition and failure to thrive.
  • Exploitation is forcing or coercing a child into performing activities that are beyond the child’s capabilities or which are illegal or degrading.

Why Do People Abuse Children?
 There is no one answer to this question. Most everyone has the potential to abuse a child at some time. Here are some common characteristics and possible factors that may cause a parent or guardian to abuse a child:

  • Lack of knowledge and understanding of age appropriate behaviors
  • Inability to properly cope with the pressures of life
  • Socially isolated, no support group (in the form of family or friends) to help tired or overwhelmed people
  • Disruption of family structure, such as divorce or death
  • Poverty
  • Unemployment
  • Alcohol or drug abuse
  • History of child abuse or neglect in their own family of origin
  • Low self-esteem
  • Poor health of a parent or guardian

Common Indicators of Child Abuse and Neglect

  • Repeated or suspicious injuries or “accidents”
  • Neglected appearance; dirty and hungry, not dressed appropriately for the weather
  • Passive or withdrawn behavior
  • Disruptive behavior at home or school
  • Sudden personality change
  • Sexual acting out or inappropriate sexual knowledge
  • Sudden onset of eating disorders
  • Child lacking in medical or dental care
  • Disclosure of abuse or neglect by the child

While some of these factors may exist in any home, it is the extreme or persistent presence of these factors that indicate a degree of abuse or neglect. A messy or untidy home does not necessarily mean the home is unfit or that the child is a victim of neglect. Trained investigators and medical professionals have a great deal of knowledge about the nature of abuse. This information is used to distinguish accidental injuries from suspected physical abuse.

What Happens After I Make A Report of Child Abuse or Neglect?
 Once a report of suspected child abuse or neglect has been made, various steps are taken as a part of the resolution process. These steps generally involve the Child Welfare Services and the Juvenile Court. The resolution process consists of four main components:

  1. Emergency Response. The Child Welfare Service’s investigation will determine if abuse or neglect is occurring, if a child is at risk in the home, and if protective custody is necessary.
  2. Family Maintenance. To provide support services to prevent abuse and or neglect while the child continues to live in his or her own home.
  3. Family Reunification. To provide support services to the family while the child is in temporary out-of-home care (foster care or placed with relatives). These services include counseling, parent training and referrals to other community resources to address precipitating factors such as substance abuse or domestic violence.
  4. Permanent Placement. This occurs when children cannot be returned to their families. These children are referred for permanent placement through adoptions, legal guardianship or long-term foster care.

When and How Do I Report Suspected Abuse and Neglect?

  • If there is imminent danger call 911
  • 24 Hour Hotline number is (661) 631-6011

When you report suspected child abuse or neglect, please provide as much information as possible with regard to the situation-child’s name, parent’s name, address, phone number and the reason why you are concerned. You do not have to give your name, but it helps us if we have further questions. If you do give us your name, your identity is kept strictly confidential. Mandated Reporters may call (661) 633-7227 or send referrals by fax (661) 631-6568.

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