HEALTH PROFESSIONS AND CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT

• NCJ Number: 52241
• Journal: JOURNAL OF THE MEDICAL SOCIETY OF NEW JERSEY Volume: 72 Issue: 7 Dated: (JULY 1975) Pages: 605-609
• Author(s): ANON
• Date Published: 1975
• Length: 5 pages
• Corporate Author: New Jersey Dept of Human Services; Medical Soc of New Jersey
• Sale Source: New Jersey Dept of Human Services
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

FINDINGS THAT INDICATE CHILD ABUSE OR NEGLECT, PHYSICIAN ACTIONS AND JUDGMENTS IN HANDLING AND REPORTING CASES OF ABUSE OR NEGLECT, AND PROCEDURES FOR DEALING WITH PARENTS AND CHILDREN ARE EXAMINED.

Abstract

HEALTH PROFESSIONALS OFTEN HAVE THE FIRST CONTACT WITH ABUSED OR NEGLECTED CHILDREN WHETHER IN PRIVATE PRACTICES, CLINICS, OR HOSPITALS. ACCORDING TO NEW JERSEY LAW, ANY PERSON HAVING REASONABLE CAUSE TO BELIEVE THAT A CHILD HAS BEEN SUBJECTED TO ABUSE OF NEGLECT MUST REPORT THE SITUATION TO THE DIVISION OF YOUTH AND FAMILY SERVICES, EVEN IF DEFINITE PROOF IS NOT AVAILABLE. THE LAW PROTECTS THE PERSON MAKING THE REPORT BY GUARANTEEING IMMUNITY FROM CIVIL OR CRIMINAL LIABILITY RESULTING FROM THE ACTION. NEW JERSEY STATUTES DIRECTLY ADDRESS THE ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF PHYSICIANS IN HANDLING AND REPORTING CASES OF SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE OR NEGLECT, INCLUDING THE CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT LAW AND THE PROTECTIVE CUSTODY LAW. THE DEPARTMENT OF YOUTH AND FAMILY SERVICES OFFERS DAY CARE, HOMEMAKER ASSISTANCE, FAMILY PLANNING, MEDICAL CARE, JOB AND PERSONAL COUNSELING, PERIODIC HOME VISITS, DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE PROGRAMS, COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH CENTERS, FAMILY COUNSELING, AND REFERRAL TO AND COOPERATION WITH OTHER AGENCIES PROVIDING NEEDED SERVICES. SEVERE ABUSE OR NEGLECT OCCURS WHEN A CHILD HAS SUFFERED SERIOUS INJURY INFLICTED BY OTHER THAN ACCIDENTAL MEANS. MODERATE ABUSE OR NEGLECT OCCURS WHEN THE SITUATION, ALTHOUGH NOT CRITICAL, IS CHRONIC AND CAUSES ACTUAL PHYSICAL DAMAGE TO A CHILD. PROBLEMS IN CHILD CARE ARE CHARACTERIZED BY INADEQUATE PARENTING OR FAMILY DISORGANIZATION. CERTAIN FINDINGS, EITHER INDIVIDUALLY OR IN COMBINATION, MAY INDICATE ABUSE OR NEGLECT IN SOME CASES. THESE FINDINGS CAN BE DERIVED FROM HISTORIES, A CHILD'S CONDITION, THE BEHAVIOR OF PARENTS, PHYSICIAN DEALINGS WITH PARENTS AND CHILDREN, AND OBSERVATIONS OF NEGLECT CASES. PROCEDURES FOR PHYSICIANS TO FOLLOW WHEN THEY HAVE REASON TO SUSPECT ABUSE OR NEGLECT ARE DETAILED. COUNTY GOVERNMENT OFFICE ADDRESSES IN NEW JERSEY, WITH TELEPHONE NUMBERS, AND SUGGESTED READINGS ARE LISTED. (DEP)