What to do if a Child Tells you about abuse or neglect.

Ohio Department of Human Services has given us these points to keep in mine.

Remember a secret, a secret you couldn't share? You thought abut it all the time because you wanted to tell. You were ashamed of what people would think if they knew or afraid of what would happen if you told. You might have thought no one would understand, or, even worse, believe you. Children or abuse or neglect carry a secret like this.

There may be a time when a child or adolescent tell you, openly or indirectly, about abuse or neglect in his family. Recognize the strength which this child has demonstrated by sharing his secret and honor the trust he has shown by choosing you as his confidant. Although it may be difficult subject for you to discuss with sensitivity. In part, this can be accomplished by following some general guidelines:

Who Should Report Abuse and Neglect?

Anyone who has reason to believe a child is being abused or neglected! We all have a responsibility to report a child we suspect may be in danger. Ohio Law encourages you to act on behalf of a child in need of protection, and report your suspicions to the appropriate authorities. Please check with your state must states encourages people to act on the behalf of a child in need.

Certain professionals, identified in Section 2151.421 of Ohio Revised Code, are mandated to report any child they suspect may be abused or neglected. If they fail to report, they could be found guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree and liable for civil damages. Those required to report suspected child abuse and neglect include:

Ohio law provides certain exemption for the attorney and physician to protect the confidentiality of his relationship with his client or patient. An attorney or physician is not mandated to report suspected child abuse or neglect if his suspicions are the result of a communication made to him in the attorney-client or physician-patient relationship unless:

1. the client/patient is a child under 18 years of age or a physically or mentally handicapped child under 21 years of age.

2. the attorney or physician knows or suspects as a result of the communication or observation made during the communication that the client/patient has been abused or neglected; and

3. the relationship does not arise out of the client/patient 's attempt to have an abortion without notification of her parents.

What should be reported?
You should report any child under 18 years of age, or any physically or mentally handicapped child under 21, who you have reason to believe has suffered any wound, injury, disability, or condition of such a nature as to indicate abuse or neglect. It is important to note that you need only suspect-have reason to believe-that abuse or neglect is occurring; physical proof or other forms of validation are not required. It is the responsibility of the children services agency, through its investigation, to determine if abuse or neglect is in fact occurring.

A report may be made by telephone, in person, or in writing to the children services agency in the county in which the child lives or was abused, or to the law enforcement agency.

What Information Should You Give?
~The name and address of the child you suspect is being abused or neglected
~The age of the child
~The name and address of the parent or caretaker of the child
~The name of the person you suspect is abusing or neglecting the child
~The reason you suspect the child is being abused or neglected
~Any other information which may be helpful to the investigation
~Your name, if you want to give it. You may report anonymously if you choose, but you are encouraged to give your name. This makes it possible for the children's protective services worker to get in touch with you later if additional or clarifying information is needed.
~If you are a mandated reporter, you may be required by the children services agency to follow up your verbal report in writing. This request generally is made if your report is based on specific diagnostic information or if an agreement exists between your agency or employment and the children services agency.

It is helpful if you provide as much of this information as you can. You should not hesitate to report if you do not have all the information. Any uncertainty regarding whether to report should be resolved in favor of the child's protection.

A report of suspected child abuse and neglect is confidential. Your identity will not be released or affirmed to anyone without your written consent, except under direct order of the court. You also are protected from civil or criminal liability. Although no statute can forbid the filing of civil or criminal charges, Section 2151.421 of the Ohio Revised Code protects the reporter form decision or award which might be sought through the filing of such claims.

Why Should You Report?
First and foremost, to protect the child. The intent of the law is not to hurt or to punish; it is to get help to children and families in need. We all have a stake in the protection of Ohio's and your state's children. Studies have linked child abuse and neglect to a wide range of criminal and social misbehaviors. Why? Violence breeds violence. The only method of response the victim of child abuse may know is physical force or aggression. The lessons have never been taught in the abusive or neglectful environment. The emotional damage which amy result from child abuse or neglect often is vented through self-destructive expressions, such as substance abuse, running away, prostitution, or suicide; and antisocial expression, such as rape, murder, and continuation of child abuse and neglect.

Report your suspicions to the public children services agency or law enforcement agency in the county in which the child lives or was abused. Also check with your state for other information you might need to help report abuse or neglect of a child. Each state has a different process.

To report child abuse nationally, call 1-800-4ACHILD (800-422-4453)

Remember abused or neglected children can use guardian angles. You can be that angle if you just take the time to help the child.

The Heartland Parenting Center would like to thank the Ohio Department of Human Services for providing us with this information . We would like to thank each and every person who has taken the time to read these pages on Child Abuse and Neglect. We know it is not an easy topic to read about or discuss. The lives we may help with this information is well worth every moment it took to create these pages or the time it takes for someone to read the.