|
Lesson Two: (Continued)
Summary
Sometimes people are afraid to get involved in a child abuse situation.
Ignoring any problem will not make it go away or get better. Ignoring
child abuse may result in serious injury or even the death
of a child.
All children have the right to grow up in a safe environment. Child
abuse, in all its forms, has a more long-lasting and negative effect
on children, families and the whole community than most people realize.
At its worst, its destructive impact haunts its victim through life and
can prevent the child from becoming a productive adult. Parents who were
mistreated as children will often mistreat their children.
The National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect reports that over 2,000
children die each year due to abuse or neglect. Reporting child abuse is
a first step in stopping this devastating cycle.
People who hurt children usually need help to change their behavior.
Many only get help after someone calls attention to the fact they need
it, by reporting the abuse of a child.
Commonly cited reasons for not reporting suspected cases of child abuse
or neglect include personal fears, inability to detect signs or symptoms,
lack of clarity regarding reporting procedures, frustrations with the
reporting agency, cultural concerns, or the subsequent impact on
the child.
Methods to overcome perceived personal or professional barriers to reporting
include: getting “in touch” with protecting the children in your own
family; re-interpreting reporting as a positive action which benefits the child,
perpetrator and family; visualizing making a successful phone call and written
report; and letting go of concerns regarding the reporting agency’s (LAPD,
DCFS) follow-up procedures. The mandated reporter has the specific (and limited)
responsibility of detecting and reporting suspected signs of abuse or neglect.
Mandated reporters do not investigate, diagnose, or confirm. They
report. Quiz »
|
