Staff Concerns Regarding Abuse
What if I am wrong?A childcare provider who reports “suspected” abuse in good faith can not make a “wrong” report. In most states, those who make reports in good faith are immune from civil or criminal liability.
What will happen to the child?Each case is handled individually. Depending on the severity of the abuse and other assessments of the family a decision will be made whether to remove the child for safety reasons. In some cases, an adult may be removed from the home. I most cases, services to the family will focus on rebuilding family relationships.
What good is my report?Childcare workers often feel powerless in the process of reporting. Each report causes a disruption of an abusive situation and alerts authorities to the potentially abusive families. Sometimes the impact of your report will not show effect until much later, possibly after the child has left your care. It is important not only to look at immediate results and changes, but at long-term effects a single report may have.
Will my report cause a parent to harm a child further? This is often a concern, and sometimes a problem. If this is a fear, convey this to the authorities. You make your report so they can assess this danger. In reality, there is probably more harm to be done if a repot is not made. To the parent it may seem that you are condoning their treatment of the child.
Should I report emotional abuse or neglect?If in doubt, YES. This type of abuse and neglect is difficult to substantiate, but if unreported it is likely that no change will be made in the treatment of the child. Be aware of other kinds of abuse or neglect (physical, sexual) that may be occurring with the same children. In some cases, providing education and information to the parents can be a role the childcare provider and child protective services can assume.
What do I do to help an abused child heal?Many childcare providers are left with a feeling of helplessness, and powerlessness when they are to care for abused or neglected children. Responsible reporting is only one role; effective programming for the abused child is another very important role. Training and resources for this information should be sought.
