Identification & prevention of adult and child maltreatment | Baamboozle - Baamboozle

If a child does not arrive on time to pick up, does this count as child abuse or neglect?

No. We must follow our procedures to ensure somebody is contacted, but this does not immediately count as abuse or neglect.

If you suspect that a childs home is dirty, does that count as neglect?

No, it is not our job to establish whether a home is clean enough for sanitary habilitation. Neglect is fundamentally a lack of food, clothing or shelter.

What details should you include in a report that you make?

Identifying name of child/adult and family. Description of how the individual is being mistreated. Any additional factual information that may be useful.

Does the callers identity remain anonymous?

Yes

Do mandated reporters fulfill their legal obligation by telling their supervisors about their suspicions?

No, they must follow through with the hotline, or assure that the supervisor follows through.

Does a child have to specifically tell you they are being abused or neglected before you can call the hotline?

No. You have to have reason to suspect that it is occurring.

When should you call the Hotline?

When you have reasonable cause to suspect that child abuse or neglect has occurred.

What are somethings that are considered neglect?

Failure to provide adequate supervision, medical care, food, clothing, shelter, schooling.

Who should you tell if you suspect child abuse and neglect?

It is your duty to inform the childcare hotline. You may discuss the scenario first with supervisors, but there is no need to tell others.

Is it your job to ask questions and interview the child to find out exactly what is happening?

No. Limit your questions and leave the interview process to trained professionals. Do not make promises.

How should you react if a child reports abuse or neglect to you?

Stay calm, get on their eye level. Do not act shocked/scared.

Why might children with disabilities be at a higher risk for abuse?

Family stress: lack of resources, inability to report, isolation, depedent on adults longer than typically developing children

Why might preschool children be at higher risk for abuse?

They may not be able to talk, they are dependent on adults, some forms of abuse don't leave physical signs.

What kinds of children are at a higher risk of abuse?

Preschool age children, children with disabilities, children who are questioning their sexual orientation

Name some subtle signs of abuse that may not be evident such as marks/cuts.

Extreme cautiousness, bullying smaller peers, poor social interaction, extreme fear of home, harming animals

What are some signs of abuse?

Unexplained marks, cuts, bruises, fractures. Bruises/welts in various stages of healing. Pattern burns. Marks hidden on typically exposed skin

What is the difference between abuse and neglect?

Abuse comes with an action, e.g. physical, psychological, sexual. Neglect is lack of action, lack of feeding, clothing etc.

Who at Milestones is a mandated reporter?

Everybody!

What is a mandated reporter?

Any person required by law to report suspected child abuse and neglect.