NCJ Number
196493
Date Published
August 1999
Length
0 pages
Annotation
This video presents guidelines for citizens and professionals on how to recognize and report child abuse in the State of Texas.
Abstract
There are more than 50,000 reported child abuse and neglect cases in Texas. Citizens have a legal responsibility to report child abuse and neglect incidents under penalty of law. There are gray areas in recognizing and reporting child abuse. Under the Family Code, child abuse is defined as an act or omission that endangers a child’s physical, mental, and emotional health and development. A physical injury results in substantial harm to the child. An emotional injury results in observable and material impairment. Sexual abuse is conduct harmful to the child’s mental, emotional, or physical welfare. Neglect is defined as leaving a child exposed to substantial risk of harm, without arranging for necessary care. If a child discloses abuse, the citizen or professional should listen and report to the appropriate authorities. He or she should not question the child but should listen to the complete story, not prompt responses, and reinforce to the child that he or she has done the right thing by telling. In a hospital scenario, personnel should have the parent leave while asking the child what happened. A warning sign is if the parent and the child’s stories do not match. The suspected abuser should never be confronted. Police are encouraged to ask open-ended questions and be more conversational than confrontational. In cases of sexual abuse, children rarely lie or invent stories. They internalize the fear and anger and go on with their routine in life, which involves going to school. Teachers should be prepared to listen when a child opens up and speaks of abuse. The teacher should be non-judgmental, ask open-ended questions, be a good listener, offer support, and promptly report to the authorities. Texas law requires professionals to make a report within 48 hours to the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services. If the child is in immediate danger, the professional should dial 911. In reporting abuse, include as much information as possible. Victims’ compensation is available for medical bills and counseling for child abuse victims and their family members.