MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Location: file:///C:/26791632/PCP2.htm Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Content-Type: text/html; charset="us-ascii" Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting

Chi= ld Abuse Recognition and Reporting

 

Poli= cy:

 

Child abuse is the physical or mental injury, sexual abu= se, negligent treatment, or maltreatment of a child under the age of 18 by a pe= rson who is responsible for the child’s welfare.  The recognition of abuse and the p= roper reporting is a critical step to improving the safety of children and preven= ting child abuse.

 

Purp= ose:

 

Asse= ssment of a child abuse case based upon the following principles:

 

  • Protect the life of the child from harm, as well as that of the EMS team.
  • Suspect that the child may be a victim of abuse, especially if the injury / illness= is not consistent with the reported history.=
  • Respect the privacy of the child and family.
  • Collect as much evidence as possible, especially information.

 

Proc= edure:

 

= 1.&n= bsp;      With all children, assess for and document psychological characteristics of abuse, including excessive passivity, compliant or fearful behavior, excessive aggression, violent tendencies, excessive crying, fussy behavior, or other behavioral disorders.=

 

= 2.&n= bsp;      With all children, assess for and document physic= al signs of abuse, including especially any injuries that are inconsistent with the reported mechanism of injury.  The back, buttocks, genitals, and face are common sites for abusive = injuries.

 

= 3.&n= bsp;      With all children, assess for and document signs = and symptoms of neglect, including inappropriate level of clothing for weather, inadequate hygiene, absence of attentive care giver(s), or physical signs of malnutrition.

 

= 4.&n= bsp;      With all children, assess for and document signs = of sexual abuse, including torn, stained, or bloody underclothing, unexplained injuries, pregnancy, or sexually transmitted diseases.

 

= 5.&n= bsp;      With all children, assess for and document any in= fant resuscitation that could be the result of “shaken baby” syndrom= e.

 

= 6.&n= bsp;      With all children assess for and document element= s of dangerous or unhealthy environments; and children endangered by domestic violence or impaired adults.

 

= 7.&n= bsp;      Immediately report any suspicious findings to both the receiving hospital (if transported) and to the Catawba County Departmen= t of Social Services - Child Protective Services Division.  During office hours the Child Prot= ective Services intake worker can be contacted at (828) 324 - 9111.  After office hours Child Protective Services intake worker can be contacted through the = Catawba County Communications Center.  This is a legal requirement to report, not an accusation.