Do you know what constitutes child abuse and what your responsiblities are if you know a child is being abused in any way? Is corporal punishment child abuse? How does child abuse affect those people who suffer from it in adulthood? The answers to these questions and more can be found in this article.
The Child Protection Service provides services to protect children and young adults from significant harm that is caused by abuse or neglect within the family unit. It ensures that these minors receive services that will allow them to deal with the impact that these negative factors have on their lives, so they can heal. The agency focuses on the well being and development of those who have been abused and neglected and teaches them to live happy and productive lives.
Professionals who are in authority of children are legally responsible to report abuse and neglect to the Child Protection Service. This includes doctors, nurses, police and school teachers. Though not legally obligated to do so, any person who suspects a child or young adult is being abused or neglected should submit a report to the Child Protection Service in their area. The Protection worker will then investigate the situation and assess if the child or children are in harm’s way.
Definition of Child Abuse
Child abuse is any act or the failure to act that causes either physical or emotional harm to come to a child or a child’s health. Abuse occurs when someone who has a child under their care fails to provide nurturing for that child, injures the child in any way, or relates or allows anyone else to relate to a child in a sexual way.
Types of Child Abuse
Neglect
Sexual abuse
Physical abuse
Emotional abuse
Child exploitation
Neglect
Neglect is when a person who has a child under their care fails to provide the child’s basic needs. There are three distinct types of neglect:
Emotional
Educational
Physical
Emotional Neglect
Emotional neglect is when a person who has a child under their care fails to provide love and emotional support.
Failure to provide psychological care when and if it is needed.
Failure to attend to a child’s needs, including the giving of love and affection.
Using drugs or alcohol abusively when a child is present or allowing a child to use drugs or alcohol.
If the authorities are called in on an emotional abuse issue, they consider family income, cultural heritage and standards of care.