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This quick reference guide is to alert you to the typical indicators of child abuse and neglect. New York State Law defines a maltreated child as a child under 18 years of age who has had serious physical injury inflicted upon him/her by other than accidental means, or who is defined as a neglected child.
This is not exhaustive. Neither does the presence of a single indicator prove that maltreatment exists. However, the repeated presence of an indicator, the presence of several indicators in combinations, or the appearance of serious physical injury, should alert school personnel to the possibility of a situation of child maltreatment
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Physical Abuse Unexplained bruises and welts face, mouth, lips, back, buttocks, thighs, in various stages of healing clustered forming regular patterns reflecting shape of article used (electric cord, belt buckle) regularly appears after absence, weekend or vacation Unexplained swelling/dislocation/sprains ankles, wrists, other joints Unexplained burns: cigar, cigarette, especially on soles, palms, back or buttocks immersion burns (sock-like, glove-like) doughnut-shaped on buttocks or genitalia rope burns on neck, arms, legs or torso Unexplained fractures to skull, nose, facial structure in various stages of healing, multiple or spiral fractures Unexplained lacerations or abrasions mouth, lips, gums, eyes, external genitalia |
Wary of adult contacts Apprehensive when other children cry Behavioral extremes: aggressiveness or withdrawal Frightened of parents Afraid to go home Reports injury by parent Wears long sleeves or similar clothing to hide injuries |
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Physical Neglect Constant hunger, poor hygiene, inappropriate dress, constant lack of supervision especially in dangerous activities or for long periods Unattended dental or medical needs Inadequate guardianship Abandonment Delayed mental or motor development |
Begging, stealing food Alcohol or drug abuse Extended stay at school Early arrival - late departure Constant fatigue, listlessness or falling asleep in class delinquent (e.g. thefts) States there is no caretaker |
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Sexual Abuse Difficulty in walking or sitting Torn, stained of bloody underclothing Pain or itching in genital area Bruises or bleeding in external genitalia, vaginal or anal area Venereal disease Pregnancy |
Unwilling to change for gym/participate Withdrawal, fantasy lnfantile behavior Bizarre, Sophisticated Unusual sexual behavior Poor peer relationships Delinquent or run-away Reports of sexual abuse by caretaker |
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Emotional Maltreatment Speech disorder Lags in physical development Failure to thrive |
Habit disorder (antisocial, destructive, etc.) Developmental lags Behavioral extremes; compliant, shy, aggressive, demanding overly adaptive Behavior: Inappropriate Adult or Infantile Attempted Suicide |
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Educational Neglect Attendance in school infrequent |
Child's unexplained absences are not the result of the child's desire to be truant. |
