Mandated Reporter Training - Unit 3

Neglect

Definition of Neglect - Failure to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, supervision, or medical care when that failure causes or is likely to cause injury including accidental injury or illness. Also failure to protect a child from harm resulting in physical abuse, sexual abuse or emotional abuse.

Indicators
Physical Indicators: Underweight ( failure to thrive) or poor growth pattern Consistent hunger Poor hygiene Inadequately dressed for the weather Unaddressed physical problems or medical needs Abandonment
Behavioral Indicators:
Begging or stealing food Extended stays at school, or rare attendance at school Constant fatigue, listlessness, or falling asleep in class Delays in meeting developmental milestones Inappropriate seeking of affection Assuming adult responsibilities and concerns Delinquency (thefts, juvenile substance abuse)

Here are some examples of neglect:

Photo showing very messy room

Photo showing soiled mattress without sheet and messy floor

Emotional Maltreatment

Definition of Emotional Maltreatment - Abusive treatment by a parent/caregiver that has resulted in emotional impairment or distress (low severity emotional abuse does not require mental health treatment whereas high severity does).

Indicators

Eating disorders
Speech disorders
Habit disorders (sucking, biting, rocking)
Neurotic traits (sleep disorders, inhibition of play, unusual fearfulness)
Behavioral extremes such as aggressiveness, disruptive behaviors, or withdrawal, which the child had not previously displayed
Overly adaptive behaviors (inappropriately adult/parentified, innappropriately infantile)
Empty facial appearance

Sexual Abuse

Definition of Sexual Abuse- A parent/caregiver engaged in sexual contact with a child, or forced a child to have sexual contact with others. Sexual offender of children has uncontrolled access to children. Or a parent/caregiver intentionally subjects a child to purposefully suggestive remarks and behaviors, creating a sexualized environment that is likely to result in sexual abuse or exploitation.

Indicators
Physical Indicators: Pain, swelling, or itching in genital areas Pain on urination Bruises, bleeding, or lacerations in external genitalia vaginal or anal areas Vaginal or penile discharge Venereal disease, especially in pre-teens Poor bowel control Pregnancy
Behavioral Indicators:
Reports nightmares or bedwetting Demonstrates bizarre, sophisticated, or unusual sexual behavior or knowledge Poor peer relationships and poor physical boundaries with others Reports sexual assault by caretaker Change in performance at school

IMPORTANT: On any given day, you could observe an indicator in anyone; it doesn't automatically mean they have been abused or neglected. You will need to apply your judgment based on a pattern of indicators, instinct, and what information is available to you at the time.