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Responding to Child Abuse or Neglect
If you suspect abuse:
- Be aware of both physical and behavioral signs
- Be approachable-Let the child know that you are available to talk; build a relationship with the child that will allow him/her to feel comfortable sharing such difficult information with you
- Evaluate the situation-Contact local law enforcement if you think there is immediate danger to the child or get medical help immediately if you think the child has been injured
- Make a report-Remember, you only need to have 'reasonable cause to believe' that a child is being abused or neglected for you to make a report-you don't need proof. If you think a child is being hurt in any way, you have a legal (in some cases) and moral responsibility to report it. You can report suspected abuse even if the child doesn't tell you about it.
If a Child Tells You About Abuse or Neglect
- Listen to and believe the child - Show through your words and actions that you are listening to the child and that you believe what the child is telling you. Encourage the child to talk but don't push him/her to do so. Use open-ended questions (such as, ''What happened?'') rather than leading questions (such as, ''When did she hit you?'').
- Be supportive of the child - Tell the child she/he did the right thing in telling you, and stress that the child is not to blame for what happened. Let the child know that you will try to help, but don't make any promises (such as, ''I'll make things better'') that you may not be able to keep.
- Don't overreact-Try to stay calm; this will help keep the child from becoming more frightened and may encourage him/her to tell you more. Do not talk negatively about the suspected abuser in front of the child; simply reassure the child that it is not the child's fault.
- Write down what the child says and report it - Write down as much of the child's actual words as possible so that you can share those words with the appropriate agency. Describe in writing any signs of abuse/neglect you observe.
If you need to make a report, remember:
- Anyone can make a report-while some people are legally mandated to report, you can report suspected abuse regardless of your profession or relationship to the child
- Don't delay-Never assume that somebody else will make a report, and don't put off reporting because you're not sure if you should. It is better to make a report and let trained professionals decide what action needs to be taken than to risk further harm to the child. The sooner you report, the sooner the child and family can get help.
- Identify the appropriate reporting agency-If you're not sure what agency to call to make a report, look in the front of your phone book for listings under child abuse, Department of Social Services, Department of Human Services, or Children, Youth and Family Service. You can also call your local law enforcement agency to get the correct number or if you think the child is in immediate danger.
- While you should not delay in making a report, at some point you may be asked the following information:
- Child's name, or if you don't know the child's name, a description of the child
- The name or description of the suspected abuser, including relationship to child if known (get license plate number if possible if you are in a public place and don't know the suspected abuser)
- What you observed-a description of the suspected abuse/neglect, when it occurred, any concerns for the child's immediate safety
- Any knowledge you have of suspected or known past abuse/neglect
- Any other witness
- Your relationship to the child (friend, teacher, neighbor, stranger)
- AGAIN, don't delay making a report just because you don't have all of this information-it is important to make the report as soon as possible.
Common Questions:
· Do I need to have proof of abuse/neglect in order to make a report?
No, you need reasonable cause to believe abuse/neglect has occurred. · What happens after I make a report?
The child protection agency will investigate the case and determine whether abuse/neglect has occurred and determine what actions to take. · How do I know if anything is being done after I make the report?
In Wisconsin mandated reporters usually receive information within 60 days of filing a report as to what action, if any, was taken to protect the child who was the subject of the report. Other reporters who are relatives of the child, but are not the parent, may make a written request for information from the agency. These reporters may be able to receive notice of what actions, if any, were taken to protect the child, unless there is a court order prohibiting disclosure. · Will I have to testify in court?
Not in most cases, but it is a possibility. · Will my report be confidential?
In most cases, yes. However, your identity may be revealed if you're called to testify in court. If you are concerned about being identified you can make a report without giving your name. · Can I be sued if I report abuse/neglect and it turns out I was wrong?
Wisconsin has a law protecting people who report 'in good faith,' meaning that the reporter had reasonable cause to believe abuse/neglect had occurred. · Will the child be removed from his/her home if I make a report?
In most cases, child protective services tries to keep the child and family together and provide the needed intervention to prevent the maltreatment from occurring. If the child is in immediate danger, he/she may be removed and placed in protective custody.
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Prevent Child Abuse Wisconsin |
211 S. Paterson St., Suite 250 |
Madison, WI 53703
phone 608-256-3374 |
fax 608-256-3378 | 1-800-CHILDREN
pcaw@cssw.org Disclaimer |
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