If any of these questions have ever entered your mind, or if you just want to become more aware of the dynamics of recognizing and reporting child abuse, this information is for you. As you read through this, remember that reporting child abuse is often a very emotional issue for educators. Unfortunately, ATPE can t change that. But we can try to make the process less scary by giving educators all the facts about child-abuse reporting. Read on to find out exactly what you must do if you suspect a student in your school is being abused or may be abused in the future.
Abuse can be mental, emotional, physical or sexual.
People may be guilty of abuse if they personally inflict the abuse, or if they cause or permit a child to be in a situation that results in the abuse. A physical injury is one that results in substantial harm or the genuine threat of substantial harm to the child. Sexual abuse is any sexual conduct that is harmful to a child s mental, emotional or physical welfare. Prohibited conduct includes allowing a child to be depicted in obscene or pornographic material. The failure to make a reasonable effort to prevent another person from committing physical or sexual abuse also constitutes abuse.