Early Childhood Service

Protecting children from maltreatment

Understand childcare practitioner’s responsibility:

Child maltreatment occurs within all socio-economic and cultural groups. It is not confined to the poor and uneducated. In every province and all territories in Canada, it is a legal responsibility to report cases of suspected abuse and neglect to child welfare authorities. Reporting suspected child maltreatment is the first step to helping both the child and his or her family. The authorities are in charged with investigating the situation and determining whether a child is in need of protection.

A child who suffers or who witnesses abuse may view violence in the home as a normal way of life. As a result, the child may be more likely to become an adult who abuses others or who accepts abuse from others. This pattern of repeated violent or abusive behaviors from one generation to the next is called the cycle of violence. The only way to break this cycle is to stop all forms of violence and abuse.

inability to trust or establish healthy personal relationships

chronic or physical pain neglect or injury to oneself depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, eating

disorders abuse of alcohol or other drugs

Domestic violence is any act of violence involving family members and it is a criminal act which can be prosecuted by law.

Child abuse – domestic abuse directed at a child.

Neglect is the parent/caregiver’s failure to provide any one or a combination of the following:

physical necessities such as food, appropriate nutrition, basic hygiene, weather-appropriate clothing and shelter

a safe environment, and supervision appropriate to the child’s age and/or development

medical care affection, emotional support and nurturing developmentally appropriate stimulation protection from harm regular schooling

Definition: the intentional infliction of bodily harm or injury on another person. Hitting, slapping, punching, kicking, pinching, shaking, pushing, pulling, throwing objects at, using force to restrain in a painful or harmful way or requiring a person to assume a painful position are all forms or physical abuse.

Physical abuse is not: the use of protective restraints intended to

protect the child from pain or harm to himself or to others (rather than to punish).

the use of defensive measures to protect oneself or a child in danger from harm (rather than to correct behavior)

Any activity, sexual behaviors or acts by an adult with a child for sexual purposes is sexual abuse. Minors cannot legally consent to sexual relations with adults or with those in a position of authority. Sexually abusive behaviors include fondling, subjecting or exposing a child to sexual gestures, asking a child to touch or allow sexual touching, exposing genitals, viewing pornographic material, exhibitionism, and involving a child in pornography, prostitution or intercourse.

Children may disclose maltreatment purposefully (by telling you), accidently (in conversation about something else, for example), by showing behavioral signs (in their play and interaction) or with gentle prompting.

Children may fear the consequences for themselves or for the person who maltreated them.

Children may have been threatened or sworn to secrecy.

Children may value family loyalty above telling the truth.

Children may believe they are to blame Children may feel they will not be believed. Children may not realize what has been done to

them is abusive. Disclosure can be traumatic.

Take the child to a quiet place where you can speak privately.

Ask open ended non-leading questions such as “What happened?” Gently encourage the child to give you only enough information to evaluate your own concerns as to whether or not he or she has suffered maltreatment. You don’t need to gather facts: that is the role of the child welfare worker. In fact, well-intended but inappropriate questions could interfere with the subsequent child welfare investigation.

Remain calm, so as not to upset the child. Don’t express any anger or criticism.

Reassure the child that you believe what he or she told you, that telling was the right thing to do and that whatever happened is not his or her fault.

Let the child know that you are going to talk to someone who knows what to do and how to help. Don’t promise to keep the disclosure a secret.

If a child expresses fear about what will happen to the person who may have abused her, explain that you don’t know but you will find out what happens next.

Return the child to his or her regular activities if appropriate.

Is a pattern of behavior that attacks the emotional development and sense of worth of the individual. Emotional abuse includes exploitation, intimidation, social isolation, verbal threats, or unreasonable demands or comments that ‘put down’ or demean a child. Yelling, bullying, name-calling, and threats of physical harm are some examples of emotional abuse. Exposing children to family violence is also considered emotional abuse.

those with behavioral problems, a physical disability, chronic illness or a developmental delay. Children with special needs are particularly vulnerable because they are even less likely than their peers to recognize or disclose abusive behavior.

1. Do you have to have absolute proof of child abuse in order to report it? Explain.

2. Explain what is meant by “cycle of violence”.3. List three things that may be the long-term

result of child abuse.4. Explain the difference between child abuse

and domestic violence.5. Define “neglect” and give some examples

(from the notes).6. What kinds of children are at a higher risk of

abuse?7. What is ‘emotional abuse’? Give some

examples.

Use chapter 21 from “What to Expect: the Todder Years” to make a list of 25 things you didn’t previously know about child safety hazards.

There are no restraints other than this. Pick things that surprise you. Put them in a list, with a brief explanation of

each (summarize what’s in the book).

Complete the double-sided sheet that asks you to look around your home to see how child-safe it is and to list any childproofing measures you would need to take in that area.

You can use the textbook and the “What to Expect: the Toddler Years” book to help you with the childproofing measures.