Page 35 - Policies and Procedures

is physically injured by the actions, whether intentional, of the caretaker. The

following are the statutory definitions of physical abuse under which the Department
of Children’s Services workers in Arizona operate in fulfilling their mandate to receive
and investigate allegations of physical abuse and intervene with rehabilitative services.

a. "Abuse" means the infliction or allowing of physical injury, impairment
of bodily function or disfigurement or the infliction of or allowing another
person to cause serious emotional damage as evidenced by severe anxiety,
depression, withdrawal, or untoward aggressive behavior and which
emotional damage is diagnosed by a medical doctor or psychologist and
which is caused by the acts or omissions of an individual having care,
custody, and control of a child. Abuse shall include inflicting or allowing
sexual abuse, sexual conduct with a minor, sexual assault, or molestation
of a child.

8. Neglect is the most common form of abuse seen and may have long-term effects.
Neglect is failing to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, supervision, or medical
care. Parents must provide adequate supervision, care, guidance, and protection to keep
children from physical or mental harm. Parents must also provide appropriate treatment
for children's problems. Children will have minor injuries during childhood. When
accidental injuries are frequent, they may be the result of neglect.

a. Physical neglect is defined as - "Neglect" or "neglected" means the
inability or unwillingness of a parent, guardian or custodian of a child to
provide that child with supervision, food, clothing, shelter or medical
care if that inability or unwillingness causes substantial risk of harm to
the child's health or welfare, except if the inability of a parent, guardian
or custodian to provide services to meet the needs of a child with a
disability or chronic illness is solely the result of the unavailability of
reasonable services.

9. A child should not be left in a position of authority or be left alone in situations beyond
his or her ability to handle. Each child must be looked at individually to make sure he or
she is physically and emotionally able to handle the given responsibility. The law does
not specify the age at which a child can be left alone. However, a child under 10 cannot
be left unattended for such a period as may likely endanger their health or welfare.

10. Children need adequate medical, dental, or mental health care services. Medical neglect is
when a parent or caregiver does not provide these. When a medical situation may result in
serious impairment, pain, or death of the child, DCS can intervene. Religious beliefs
about spiritual care are generally honored, except when the child's life is in danger. If a
parent refuses medical attention in a serious or life-threatening situation, DCS may
intervene.

11. Failure to thrive is a syndrome characterized by chronic malnutrition of an infant or young
child. Growth is delayed. Mental retardation, learning difficulties and delay in language
skills are some of the long-term consequences. Characteristics include:

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Hopess – Policy and Procedure Manual