Warning Signs for Child Abuse and Neglect

Summary

This policy outlines the incidents or evidence that qualify as neglect, physical, or sexual abuse of children.

Nationally, most incidents of child maltreatment qualify as neglect, and are often followed by physical abuse and sexual abuse.

Neglect occurs when parents, guardians or custodians do not provide proper or necessary subsistence, education, medical care or other care necessary for healthy development. By itself, lack of financial means to provide for a child is not neglect.

Physical signs may include:

Poor hygiene
Inappropriate or ill-fitting clothing
Being left alone or with people unable to provide proper supervision
Obvious lack of necessary medical treatment
Low body weight

Behavioral signs may include:

Chronic hunger or sleepiness
Delayed language development
Clinging behavior or development of indiscriminate attachments
Frequent complaints of feeling unwell
Frequent tardiness or absence from school
Stealing food

Physical abuse is non-accidental injury of a child by a parent, guardian or custodian.

Physical signs may include:

Bruises, welts, or swelling
Sprains or broken bones
Burns
Lacerations or abrasions
Bite marks
Unexplained or repeated injuries
Physical force used to correct behavior

Behavioral signs may include:

Attempts to hide injuries
Difficulty sitting or walking
Wariness of physical contact with adults
Reluctance to go home
Depression or self-mutilation
Fear of parents, guardian(s) or custodian(s) or a particular person

Sexual abuse is exploitation of a child for the sexual gratification of an adult or older child.

Physical signs may include:

Difficulty walking or sitting
Torn, stained or bloody clothing
Genital pain or itching
Sexually transmitted diseases
Pregnancy
Bruised or inner thighs or other “no touch” areas
Fear of being alone with a particular person

Behavioral signs may include:

Precocious sexual knowledge or behavior
Extremes – hostile and aggressive or fearful and withdrawn
Self-mutilation
Substance abuse
Running away
Child to child sexual contact

IMMEDIATE REPORTING

If you witness or have suspicions of child abuse or neglect, you are required to immediately report all incidents as instructed in the Minors on Campus - Abuse and Neglect Policy .

Revised December 3, 2019