Child Abuse
The Federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) defines child abuse and neglect as, at a minimum, any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker, which results in
- death,
- serious physical or emotional harm,
- sexual abuse or exploitation (including sexual abuse as determined under section 111), or
- an act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm.
Child Abuse Reporting
Identification of possible child abuse is important, but immediate reporting is crucial. If you suspect a child is a victim of child abuse, please contact:
- 911 in case of an emergency
- Child Abuse Hot Line at 1-800-252-5400
- Plano ISD Community Resource List
- Plano ISD Mental Health Support Group List
What to look for:
Physical Abuse
- Bruises,
- welts,
- black eyes,
- burns and frequent injuries
Neglect
- Obvious malnourishment,
- dirty clothing and poor hygiene,
- Excessively passive or sleepy
Sexual Abuse
- Difficulty walking or sitting,
- Pregnancy in young child,
- poor peer relationships
How to Support
- Don’t be overly critical of the offender.
- The child may care for that person, regardless of what happened.
- Simply tell the child the perpetrator needs help, because what they did was wrong.
- Don’t promise not to tell.
- Tell the child you believe him/her.
- Don’t panic or express shock.
- Reassure the child that it’s not his/her fault, even if she/he participated with some willingness.
- Use the child’s vocabulary.
- Determine the child’s immediate need for safety.
- Let the child know what you will do, and what will happen when the report is made.
- Report to the proper authorities.
- Recognize your own feelings about abuse.
- If you do not, you might project them onto the child and harm the relationship.
- Talk at the child’s pace.
- Probing questions can cause anxiety and guilt for a child who seeks support and trust.