A message from the Director

At KARE our mission is to end child abuse and neglect through advocacy, education and support. We offer programs that strengthen families by providing resources and tools parents and relative caregivers need in raising their children. We offer specific services to families that have experienced abuse situations, and we provide programs that prevent problems before they occur. In short, we meet families where they are.

As part of our effort to reach families, we publish a monthly article on parenting issues in The Mountaineer. Our most recent article can be viewed below. We hope that you will find this information useful and thought provoking. If you would like more information on this topic or have questions about other parenting issues, please contact us @ 456-8995.

Thank you for your interest in KARE.

Yours in service to our children,

Theresa Morgan

What you need to know about Child Abuse and Neglect

Our goal will always be to prevent child abuse before it ever occurs. That said, adults still need to be vigilant to protect children from abuse. By knowing the signs and definitions of abuse, you can help a child by responding to any suspicions you might have.

YOUR ROLE IN PROTECTING CHILDREN

North Carolina law requires all adults to report suspected child maltreatment. You do not need proof that maltreatment has occurred; you only need reasonable cause to suspect maltreatment. You do not need anyone’s permission to file a report. You can report anonymously; even if you give your name, it will not be revealed. Remember, it is your job as an adult to help protect children.

WHAT IS CHILD MALTREATMENT?

Maltreatment comes in five forms: Physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect.

PHYSICAL MALTREATMENT

Physical Abuse is defined as serious injury afflicted by or allowed by a parent/caregiver or substantial risk to a child by non-accidental means. Signs of possible physical maltreatment include:

• Unexplained bruises in various states of healing.

• Self-destructive behaviors such as hitting or biting oneself.

• Welts, bite marks, bald spots.

• Unexplained fractures, abrasions, or wounds.

• Expression of unusual fear of parent/caregiver.

EMOTIONAL ABUSE

Emotional abuse is the expression of attitudes or behaviors toward a child that may create serious emotional or psychological damage. Signs of possible emotional abuse include:

• Speech disorders, developmental delays.

• Ulcers, asthma, severe allergies.

• Habit disorders including thumb sucking or rocking.

• Extreme passive or aggressive behavior.

• Very low self-esteem, antisocial, or destructive actions.

SEXUAL ABUSE

Sexual abuse is any behavior of a sexual nature imposed on a child including fondling, masturbation, oral sex, vaginal or anal penetration (by a finger, penis, or object), exhibitionism, child pornography, and suggestive behavior of comments. Signs of possible sexual abuse include:

• Engagement in sexual behaviors which are not developmentally appropriate.

• A detailed and sophisticated understanding of sexual behaviors.

• Regression to behaviors such as thumb-sucking or limited speech.

• Pain, itching, bruising, or bleeding in the genital area.

• Delinquent or aggressive behavior, depression, or suicide attempts.

• Substance abuse, self-mutilation, promiscuity, running away.

NEGLECT

Neglect is any serious disregard for a child’s supervision, care or discipline. Signs of possible neglect include:

• Reported abandonment by parent/caregiver.

• Unattended medical needs, lack of supervision.

• Consistent hunger, inappropriate dress, poor hygiene.

• Lice, distended stomach, poor social skills, begging or stealing food.

• Frequent absences or tardiness at school.

• Extreme fatigue or falling asleep in class.

Whom Should You Call?

Call your local county Department of Social Services (DSS) and ask to speak with a social worker. Share any information you have about the child-Name, age, address and parent or caregivers name-and what makes you suspect abuse.

What Happens After You Report?

If your report is accepted for assessment, DSS will initiate an assessment within 24 hours for abuse or 72 hours for neglect. The assessment will include a visit to the home and interviews with the child, his or her family, and others. DSS will work to protect the child while helping the family address issues that may be contributing to the abusive or neglectful behavior. Families most frequently work with DSS to receive services in the form of counseling, emergency foster care, help with basic needs, parenting classes, and intensive in-home services. If you disagree with DSS’ decision, your can request a review of the case by the District Attorney.

To Prevent Abuse and Neglect, YOU CAN:

• Be a nurturing Parent

• Help a friend, neighbor, or relative who is having trouble with family.

• Educate parents you know about healthy child development of healthy parenting

• Get involved-advocate for services that help families

• Volunteer at a local Child Maltreatment Prevention Program

• Help develop parenting resources at your local library

• Ask for help for yourself

• Tell Parents in your community that parenting can be hard.

• Offer your support to parents in your community.

• (Call 1-800-CHILDREN or www.PREVENTCHILDABUSENC.ORG)

If you would like more information about Child abuse/ neglect Prevention or other parenting topics, call KARE at 456-8995