Home | Get Involved | Child Abuse Alert | Child Abuse Alert Online Child Abuse Alert Online What You Can Do CHILD ABUSE ALERT is addressed to two groups of people — The friends, neighbors, and family members of children at risk, and the community of people who work professionally with children and are mandated to report abuse and neglect. Adults who want to help a child they suspect is being abused face a difficult dilemma. On the one hand, they worry about making an unfair accusation. On the other hand, they worry that if they don’t act, a child could be harmed. This booklet is designed to help you recognize some of the signs that a child is at-risk, and to give you the confidence to act. It discusses four types of child abuse and the signs that will help you identify each. Introduction The number of children involved in child abuse reports every year in the United States: 6 million Nearly 80% of children who die because of abuse and neglect are younger than five years old. Most child victims of abuse or neglect suffer at the hands of someone they know. Every day in the U.S. more than five children die of child abuse. In 2010 in New York City, 78,690 children were reported in incidents of child abuse and neglect. In addition to these shocking statistics, thousands of children each year suffer severe and long-term damage from abuse and neglect, including: impaired mental and physical growth, signs of depression and other psychiatric disorders, teen pregnancy, substance abuse, and poor school performance. Compelling data indicate that abused children are more likely to exhibit anti-social and criminal behaviors as they move into adulthood. They are also more likely to have serious physical illness in adulthood and die at younger ages. Moreover, researchers estimate that one-third of abused and neglected children grow up to abuse their own children once they become parents. Once child abuse and/or neglect have been identified, the most imperative action is to keep children safe. However, it is important to add that adults who abuse children are not necessarily “bad” people who want to hurt children — rather they are often parents who are themselves struggling with tremendous challenges and few resources. Professionals can work with children and parents to eliminate further abuse and help families stay together and heal. Sources: N.Y.S. Office of Children and Family Services, U.S. Government Accountability Office 2011, Safe Horizon. To report suspected child abuse or maltreatment, call the New York State Child Abuse Hot Line at the State Central Registry: General Public (anonymous calls accepted): 1-800-342-3720 Mandated Reporters: 1-800-635-1522 Types of Abuse and Maltreatment PHYSICAL ABUSE occurs when a parent or caretaker inflicts, or allows another person to inflict, physical injury to the child. In its most extreme forms, physical abuse is easy to detect. However, there are usually many warning signs and less severe incidents of abuse that occur before serious injuries happen. A timely response can make the difference. NEGLECT occurs when, regardless of the cause, a parent or caretaker does not provide necessary food, clothing, shelter, education, supervision, or health care for a child. Neglect is the most frequent form of child maltreatment and may cause more long-term damage than many cases of physical abuse. Extreme physical neglect is easily identified, but even less severe cases may result in significant, long-lasting consequences for a child. SEXUAL ABUSE is a general term describing behavior by adults or older children that seduces or forces a child into sexual contact, including sexual molestation, incest, sexual assault, or involvement in pornography. Sexual abuse is more difficult to identify than other kinds of maltreatment, as it usually can be suggested only by behavior or learned through a child’s disclosure. A physical examination may be necessary for certainty. COMMERCIAL SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF CHILDREN involves the abuse of children and youth through the exchange of sex or sexual acts for drugs, food, shelter, protection, other basics of life, and/or money (or the promise of these things). Commercial sexual exploitation includes involving children and youth in creating pornography and sexually explicit websites. Other terms that are used to talk about sexual exploitation are “child prostitution” and “youth sex trade.” We use the term “commercial sexual exploitation of children” to emphasize that youth in the sex trade are victims, and that the use of children and youth under 18 for sexual acts is ALWAYS abusive. Important Note: Many of the signs or behaviors described in this booklet may exist in families in which there is no abuse or maltreatment. Also, families in which there is abuse do not necessarily show any of these signs. Physical Abuse CHILD: Physical Signs Bruises and welts Bite marks Choke marks and scratches Burns Fractures Loss of hair or bald spot Unexplained or vaguely explained injuries Many injuries, bruises, or broken bones Evidence of multiple former broken bones CHILD: Behavioral Signs Child tells teachers or others of being hurt at home Child’s explanation of an injury does not match the physical signs Child cringes or flinches when touched Child seems afraid of adults Child wears long sleeves or other concealing clothing (often inappropriate for season) Child stares into space for long periods Child fears going home or runs away Child is unusually aggressive with peers or younger children PARENT/CARETAKER: Behavioral Signs Parent/Caretaker uses discipline which is inappropriate or extreme for the child’s age or behavior Parent/Caretaker explains child’s injury in a way that does not match the physical signs Parent/Caretaker hides child’s injuries and/or does not get medical care for an injured child Parent/Caretaker avoids contact with authorities and is reluctant to share information about the child with authorities Parent/Caretaker refuses consent for medical examination or diagnostic testing Parent/Caretaker uses many different medical facilities Parent/Caretaker regularly criticizes or threatens child Parent/Caretaker keeps child out of sight Parent/Caretaker singles out one child in family as “bad” Parent/Caretaker discourages child’s social contacts Neglect CHILD: Physical Signs Child appears malnourished; always hungry Child’s medical and/or dental needs are not met Child wears clothing that is not right for season Child is constantly tired or without energy Child is regularly dirty and messy Child cannot do things that same age children can do (developmental lags) Child has significant weight loss CHILD: Behavioral Signs Child begs or steals food Child is frequently late or absent from school Child reports that there is no caretaker at home Child uses alcohol or drugs Child bites, sucks, or rocks beyond age 3 Child demands either constant attention or seeks no attention Child has trouble paying attention PARENT/CARETAKER: Behavioral Signs Parent/Caretaker leaves child with caretakers who are too young or unable to care for child Parent/Caretaker appears intoxicated or high Parent/Caretaker allows child to do dangerous things Parent/Caretaker maintains excessively dirty, dangerous, or chaotic home Parent/Caretaker does not take child to the doctor or follow up with medical care Parent/Caretaker does not protect child from contact with dangerous or illegal substances Parent/Caretaker ignores child’s requests for affection and attention Parent/Caretaker regularly fails to keep appointments concerning child’s needs Sexual Abuse CHILD: Physical Signs Child has bruises, bleeding, or abnormalities in genital or anal area Child has pain or itching in genital area Child has venereal diseases, vaginal, or urinary tract infections Child has difficulty walking or sitting Child has frequent bad dreams, nightmares, or sleep problems Child has eating problems Child has frequent wetting or soiling after toilet training has been achieved CHILD: Behavioral Signs Child talks explicitly about adult sexual acts Child behaves in a seductive or promiscuous (sexual) manner Child shows extreme interest in his or her sexual organs, in other children’s organs, or in parents’ organs Child engages in inappropriate sexual play Child seems unusually fearful of a particular person or setting Child masturbates excessively Child either avoids being touched or is constantly seeking physical contact Child acts suspicious, watchful, or fearful of a physical examination Child regularly behaves in either a very babyish or very adult-like way Child demonstrates big behavior changes PARENT/CARETAKER: Behavioral Signs Parent/Caretaker has a history of sexual abuse offenses Parent/Caretaker is very watchful and guarded about issues related to sexuality Parent/Caretaker uses many different medical facilities Parent/Caretaker is physically intrusive with child (does not respect child’s privacy) Parent/Caretaker acts as though child is either much older or younger than actual age Parent/Caretaker prevents or limits child’s outside social contacts Parent/Caretaker views child as a possession Commercial Sexual Exploitation CHILD: Physical Signs Child has brands or tattoos Child dresses like a much older person to “pass” as an adult Child has unexplained injuries or signs of physical abuse CHILD: Behavioral Signs Child uses street slang such as “bottom girl” (the head girl), “out of pocket” (to look or talk to another pimp), or “track” (where the children work) Child has an unexplained source of money and/or expensive/fancy clothing or objects Child runs away from home for significant periods of time Child is unwilling to share his or her whereabouts Child is always in the presence of a controlling or abusive adult or teen Child is unwilling to communicate openly Child appears to be anxious, fearful, tense, and nervous Child often appears depressed and/or shows submissive behavior PARENT/CARETAKER: Signs Parents of sexually exploited youth have often done nothing that either directly or indirectly results in their child being commercially sexually exploited. There are therefore no caretakers’ behaviors that might be a sign of commercial sexual exploitation of a child. Family Risk Factors Parent/Caretaker and family characteristics and conditions that are often related to abuse and maltreatment: Parents/Caretakers were themselves neglected or abused as children or adolescents Drug or alcohol problems (any family member) Parent/Caretaker has little or no contact with extended family or other supportive adults Parent/Caretaker is not familiar with normal child development and expects child to act like a much older child Parent/Caretaker only knows how to use physical discipline Chronic illness, physical or mental disability (any family member) Multiple moves or changes in household membership Overcrowded or inadequate housing Loss of employment or other source of income Making a Report To report suspected child abuse or maltreatment, call the New York State Child Abuse Hot Line at the State Central Registry (SCR): General Public (anonymous calls accepted)1-800-342-3720 Mandated Reporters1-800-635-1522 When you make a report to the Hotline, you will be asked to describe what you have witnessed or heard that makes you suspect that a child has been abused or maltreated. If you are a mandated reporter (meaning that you are making the report in your professional capacity), you will be asked for information regarding yourself, including your professional relationship with the child and/or caretaker and your contact information. In response to your call, Hotline personnel will determine whether further investigation is needed. If so, they will “register” the case and refer it to the local Child Protective Services (CPS) for investigation. The report is then investigated and a Safety Assessment is performed by the local CPS. The report will be either “indicated” or “unfounded.” If the report is unfounded, then it will be sealed. After the call, in New York State, mandated reporters must also fill out a 2221-A form within 48 hours. Forms are available on the OCFS website: www.ocfs.state.ny.us/main/cps. Additional information about being a mandated reporter is also available on the OCFS site. If a case is “indicated,” the local CPS will determine whether community services are needed to support the family and will make referrals for services. Families receiving services will continue to be monitored until services are no longer needed. In some cases, where there is extreme risk, children may be removed from their home and placed in foster care. Whenever possible, every attempt is made to keep families together, or to reunite families as soon as possible if the children need to be removed from home. When the circumstances of your call involve a crime (as can be the case for commercially sexually exploited youth), the State Central Registry will send the information to the New York State Police Information Network (NYSPIN) or to the New York City Police Department (NYPD) for necessary action. Questions for Mandated Reporters If you are a mandated reporter (caseworker, teacher, healthcare worker, etc.), the following questions may be useful to help gather information from children and caretakers to determine risk. Please remember that there are no right answers to these questions. The questions are designed to simply open the door to further conversation with family members about their relationships. Questions for Mandated Reporters to Engage Children What do you like most about yourself? What do you feel proud of? What do you do that makes your parents proud of you? How do your parents show you that they are proud of you? What do you do that makes your parents angry or worried? How do they show you that they are angry or worried? What happens when you do something wrong? What kinds of things worry you about yourself? What kinds of things worry you about your family? What do you do when you are scared? Who do you talk to when you are sad or worried? When you do something great, who do you tell about it? Questions for Mandated Reporters to Engage Parents, Foster Parents, or Other Caretakers What about your child do you like best? How does your child make you proud? What do you do when you are pleased with your child? What kinds of things did you do as a child that upset your parents? What do you do when your child upsets you? How do you punish your child? What are your greatest worries about your child? What do you do well as a parent/caretaker? What do you need to learn as a parent/caretaker? What advice would you give someone who was thinking about becoming a parent/caretaker? About Jewish Child Care Association Jewish Child Care Association (JCCA) is a comprehensive, non-denominational child and family services agency. Since 1822, we have helped victims of abuse and neglect lead productive and meaningful lives. We work with those who need us most, including children who have been neglected or abused, immigrant Jewish families, and those building new lives. Most of our clients come to us because they struggle with poverty or family crises, and because they are working to create an independent future. JCCA helps more than 16,000 children and families every year and is consistently rated at the highest levels for the quality of our programs. In all our work, we are motivated by tikkun olam, the value within Jewish tradition that calls upon all of us to repair the world, and by our belief that every child deserves to grow up hopeful. This booklet has been developed by JCCA’s experts and distributed to the community in order to further our mission of tikkun olam and help families, caretakers, and professionals protect all the children in our communities. 858 E. 29th Street Brooklyn, NY 11210 917-808-4800 • jccany.org About COFCCA The Council of Family and Child Caring Agencies is the principal representative for nearly all the not-for-profit organizations providing foster care, adoption, family preservation, juvenile justice and special education services in New York State. COFCCA is comprised of over 100 member organizations, ranging in size from small community based programs to the nation’s largest multi-service agencies — all of which share the mission of serving children and families. COFCCA works with its members and government to ensure quality services for our most vulnerable children — children who have suffered abuse and abandonment and children at-risk. 254 West 31st Street, 5th Floor New York, NY 10001 212-929-2626 • cofcca.org Get Involved Volunteer Internships Psychology Internship Program Becoming a Foster Parent Child Abuse Alert Child Abuse Alert Online Join Our Team! Contact JCCA | Privacy Policy | © 2021 JCCA