CHILD SAFETY & PROTECTION

What is Child Abuse and Neglect?

RCW 26-44-020 defines abuse and neglect as injury, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, negligent treatment or maltreatment of a child by any person under circumstances which indicate that the child's health, welfare, and safety is harmed. Abuse and neglect does NOT include the physical discipline of a child as defined in RCW 9A.16.100.

Recognizing Child Abuse and Neglect: Signs and Symptoms

The first step in helping abused or neglected children is learning to recognize the signs of child abuse and neglect. The presence of a single sign does not prove child abuse is occurring in a family; however, when these signs appear repeatedly or in combination you should take a closer look at the situation and consider the possibility of child abuse.

The following signs may signal the presence of child abuse or neglect.

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 (or difficulty concentrating) 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• Is overly compliant, passive, or withdrawn.
• Comes to school or other activities early, stays late, and does not want to go home.

The Parent:

• Shows little concern for the child.
• Denies the existence of-or blames the child for-the child's problems in school or at home.
• Asks teachers or other caretakers to use harsh physical discipline if the child misbehaves.
• Sees the child as entirely bad, worthless, or burdensome.
• Demands a level of physical or academic performance the child cannot achieve.
• Looks primarily to the child for care, attention, and satisfaction of emotional needs.

The Parent and Child:

• Rarely touch or look at each other.
• Consider their relationship entirely negative.
• State that they do not like each other.

Common Indicators:

• Physical Abuse
• Neglect
• Sexual Abuse
• Emotional Abuse

Author: Child Welfare Information Gateway (http://www.childwelfare.gov)