The Warning signs
What warning signs are considered cause for reporting?
This is a very difficult question to answer and requires more than knowing
the laundry list of signs. The mandatory day of training will help you
recognize and react to the symptoms of child abuse and neglect. But, in
a nutshell, you should file a report if you have reasonable cause to suspect—based
on your training,
observations and personal knowledge—that a child
may be abused, maltreated or neglected. You do not have to have absolute
proof. If you wait for that, a child could be seriously hurt or die.
Physical signs of abuse include:
• Unexplained bruises and welts.
• Unexplained fractures.
• Unexplained lacerations or abrasions.
Behavioral signs of physical abuse include:
• Wariness of adult contacts.
• Apprehensiveness when other children cry.
• Fear of parents or going home.
• Unexplained absences.
• Behavioral extremes like aggression or withdrawal.
Signs of neglect include:
• Abandonment.
• Unattended physical problems or medical needs.
• Constant lack of supervision.
• Hunger.
• Poor hygiene.
• Inappropriate dress.
Behavioral signs of physical neglect include:
• Begging or stealing of food.
• Constant fatigue, listlessness or falling asleep in class.
• Alcohol or drug abuse.
• Extended stays at school.
Signs of sexual abuse include:
• Pregnancy.
• VD.
• Difficulty in walking or sitting.
• Torn, stained or bloody underclothing.
• Pain or itching in the genital area.
Behavioral signs of sexual abuse include:
• Unwillingness to change for gym.
• Withdrawal to infantile behavior.
• Bizarre, sophisticated or unusual sexual behavior or knowledge.
• Poor peer relationships.
• Delinquency.
What evidence should I collect?
It is not your responsibility to collect evidence. A principal or his/her designee may, at public expense, take pictures of trauma visible on the child. He/she should give photographs and medical reports to the investigating caseworker or send them to the appropriate field office of the Administration for Children’s Services (the city agency responsible for protecting children in these situations). If necessary, you may request the Emergency Medical Service.
Can I examine a child or look for warning signs under a child’s clothes?
We repeat: It’s not your responsibility to collect evidence! Your obligation is to speak to the designated reporter in your school or to someone on your school team. Let those responsible do the examination.
What’s the procedure for examining a child?
Deciding whether to check under a child’s clothes depends on many common
sense factors, including the child’s age, the strength of one’s
suspicion and where one is checking.
Under no circumstances should anyone touch or examine the child alone. The
inspection must take place in the school building and in the presence of
a school nurse or another member of the staff. If no nurse is available and
you believe a prompt examination is essential, consult with the principal.
What should I say to the child?
Try not to upset or scare the student. Do not interrogate the child. Refer him/her to a school team member in as routine a way as possible.