A TEACHER'S GUIDE FOR RECOGNIZING AND REPORTING CHILD NEGLECT AND ABUSE
A. In 1992, 2.9 million children were suspected victims of abuse of neglect
B. Consequences include a range of problems for children
2. problem adjusting to school environment
C. Suggests that educators might diagnose abuse based on developmental problems of students in school
II. Definitions and Extent of the Problem
A. Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act of 1974 definition
B. Maltreatment in terms of neglect and physical, verbal, emotional, and sexual abuse
1. Neglect--failure to provide for child's needs
2. Verbal--derision, taunting, teasing, mocking
3. Emotional--pattern of behavior over time, includes intimidating, belittling, and damaging interactions
4. Sexual--defined by criminal laws
C. Physical and behavioral indicators of neglect and abuse suggest or indicate that abuse may have taken place but do not prove it
A. Child abuse cannot legally be ignored by school officials
B. State laws require teachers and others to report suspected child abuse
C. Different laws in different states
1. To whom should I report abuse?
2. Should I tell the parents of my suspicions?
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