Physically disciplining a child

General Rule of Thumb separating Abuse from Corporal Punishment Corporal Punishment should leave redness which fades shortly after administration and should be administered with an open hand Abuse leaves lasting marks Including bruising or welts. abuse is often administered with a closed fist or an instrument LEGAL ILLEGAL

“Father of the Country” If the parent will not “parent” The state will parent for them

A Dependant Child A child in the custody of the state or government 3 types of dependant children… Depending on your state, the agency responsible for preventing child abuse might vary. It can be a state agency, the sheriff or local law enforcement, or a non-profit agency.

Something is DONE to a child that should NOT be done

Something is NOT done to a child that SHOULD be done

Permanently leaving a child or “lock-out” Typically occurs with newborn infants or With teenagers who have become unruly

More than 1 million children are victims of child abuse and neglect each year in Florida alone

ABUSE Reporters are: Immune from criminal charges Anonymous

False Reports: 3 rd Degree Felony Up to 5 years in prison $10,000 fine

Where does Child Abuse occur? In the home by the caretaker

Are the police needed to remove a child from a home? ONLY if sexual or physical abuse is alleged DCF operates under CIVIL law…to remove must prove 51% the police operate under CRIMINAL law…to convict must prove 100% Police consent is never needed Do police attend and investigate all DCF reports?

1.Defines child abuse 2.Requires LEO & DCF to cross report 3.Expands those defined as mandated reporters

1.DCF Workers 2.Day care workers 3.Firefighters 4.School Bus Drivers 5.Recreational Camp Counselors 6.Film Processors 7.Animal Control 8.Any person suspecting abuse or neglect

Continue on day 2

Excerpts from the Department Handbook, 1998

Notice: the State has augmented the federal list of mandated reporters Can you describe why the professions listed here would be appropriate to add to the list?

The next FOUR slides provide specific forms of child abuse and neglect