Definition/Example
What is child neglect and how does it differ from other abuses?
Child neglect is the failure to provide for a child's basic physical, emotional, or educational needs. Unlike abuse, neglect often manifests as omission (lack of action) rather than commission (harmful action).
Identify two common risk factors that increase the likelihood of family violence occurring.
Substance abuse and financial stress or poverty.
Describe one intervention strategy aimed at breaking the cycle of family violence.
One strategy is offering counseling and support services to both victims and perpetrators, addressing underlying issues and teaching healthy coping and relationship skills.
Healthcare providers should carefully document the size, color, and location of these.
Injuries or bruises
Explain mandatory reporting laws for suspected child abuse, why they are important, and who are mandated reporters.
Laws requiring social workers, teachers, physicians, etc. to report suspected cases of child abuse to authorities. These laws are important to ensure early intervention and protect children from harm.
Multiple fractures at different stages of healing are a major red flag for this.
Repeated physical abuse.
What is expert testimony?
Court testimony based on specialized professional knowledge and experience.
How can schools play a role in identifying and preventing child abuse?
Schools can train staff to recognize signs of abuse, provide safe spaces for students to disclose abuse, and connect families with resources and support services.
Children observing family violence often exhibit what types of responses.
Aggression, cruelty to animals, acting out, immaturity, delinquency, anxiety, anger, depression, low self-esteem, peer rejection, inability to empathize, language lag, poor school performance, difficulty sleeping, poor motor skills, bed-wetting, etc.
In Maryland, at what age are children allowed to be left alone? At what age may they watch younger children?
Children under age 8 cannot be left home alone for any reason. Those 8+ may be left home alone for short periods of time as long as a parent or other responsible adult can be contacted and it is felt the child is mature and responsible enough to be unsupervised for a brief time.
What is intimate partner violence (IPV)?
A pattern of behavior used to gain power and control over another person in a relationship including tension building, acute battering, and reconciliation.
Spanking with an open hand below the chest not leaving a mark is NOT prohibited in D.C. and Maryland. Are there times when spanking should be reported as abuse? If so, when?
Physical discipline should be reported as abuse if it leaves an injury, an instrument was used (including a belt), or it put the child’s health and welfare at substantial risk of harm.
What are two potential long-term psychological effects of experiencing child abuse?
Long-term effects may include increased risk of depression and anxiety and difficulties in forming healthy relationships later in life.
Explain the cycle of violence model in the context of domestic violence.
The cycle of violence model includes phases such as tension-building, the abusive incident, and then a honeymoon period where the abuser apologizes or denies responsibility, often repeating the cycle.
Are unlicensed interns working with clients mandated reporters?
Interns qualify as “human service workers.” Even if unlicensed, if they’re completing fieldwork in a social services or behavioral health agency, they are a mandated reporter.
Describe at least three different types of child abuse.
Physical abuse (causing bodily harm), emotional abuse (harming feelings of self-worth), mental abuse (psychological manipulation), verbal abuse (using words to control, intimidate, demean, threaten) and sexual abuse (involving a child in sexual acts or exposing them to sexual material).
Per the text, children are most at risk of sexual abuse between what ages?
High-risk years for child sexual abuse range between four (they are naive and sexually curious) and nine (they are loyal, have a desire to please, and trust has been manipulated).
What is involved in case management?
Connecting clients with shelters, counseling, legal services, and other needed resources.
What are possible effects on children repeatedly traumatized by violence?
The development of mental health challenges which can permanently rewire brains which do not become fully developed until early adulthood.
What are possible consequences for mandated reporters who neglect to make a report of suspected abuse or neglect?
Upon conviction, a mandated reporter can face jail terms ranging from 30 days to 5 years, fines ranging from $300 to $10,000, or both jail and fines.
Describe the difference between confidentiality and anonymity.
Confidentiality is information shared by a known client and generally protected from disclosure. Anonymity is not knowing who is the reporter or discloser.
Regarding intimate partner violence (IPV), what are some reasons that young women are at greatest risk and what age?
Young women have higher pregnancy rates and experience violence more often than older women. Females under the age of 25 appear to be at highest risk.
What is multidisciplinary intervention?
Collaborating with law enforcement, healthcare providers, schools, etc.
Regarding alcohol and intimate partner violence (IPV), what does the Disinhibition Theory state?
Alcohol releases inhibitions and alters judgment. Medical evidence regarding the effects of alcohol on the central nervous system supports this theory.
Someone makes a hotline call of suspected abuse or neglect? The report was ruled out. Will that person be charged for making a "false" report?
Incidents are to be reported as soon as they are suspected. Anyone making a “good faith” report is immune from civil liability and criminal penalty. Reporting does not require proof that abuse or neglect has occurred.