Page 38 - Team Member Handbook Aug 2020.docx

GUIDELINES ON CHILD ABUSE
The following pages contain information relating to child abuse. It is extremely important to
make yourself familiar with the information. If you have any suspicions or concerns regarding
a child, please get in touch with the Early Childhood Program Director and begin to keep an
anecdotal record of the child.

CHARACTERISTICS OF BATTERED CHILDREN
Abused children endure life as if they are alone in a dangerous world, with no real hope of
safety. Feeling unprotected, an abused child tries to protect himself in all the ways he can.
 Unexplained bruises, welts, cuts or other injuries; broken bones; or burns
 Child may seem withdrawn or depressed
 Child seems afraid to go home or may run away
 Child may shy away from physical contact, be aggressive
 May wear inappropriate clothing to hide injuries.

INDICATORS OF CHILD NEGLECT
There are various characteristics that can describe child neglect in general. The following are
characteristics that may indicate physical neglect:
 Malnourished
 Ill-clad or dirty
 Overcrowded or unhealthy sleeping arrangements
 Receiving inadequate supervision
 Unattended medial needs
 Frequently tired or hungry, steal food
 Appear overly needy for adult attention

INDICATORS OF SEXUAL ABUSE
 Torn, stained or bloody underwear
 Trouble walking or sitting, pain or itching in genital area or sexually transmitted disease
 Unusual knowledge of sex or act seductively
 Fear a particular person, seem withdrawn or depressed
 Gain or lose weight suddenly
 Shy away from physical contact, or run away from home

Patterns of Abuse: Serious abuse usually involves a combination of factors. While a single sign
may not be significant, a pattern of physical or behavioral signs is serious indicator and should
be reported.

REPORTING CHILD ABUSE
In Florida, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) investigates reports of suspected
child abuse, abandonment and neglect. DCF Team members are available to receive referrals
at the state office 24 hours a day (1-800-96-ABUSE or 1-800-962-2873) or report online at:
http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/abuse/report. Calls received at DCF during normal working hours
are immediately referred to the appropriate district office. DCF accepts all reports of suspected
child abuse, abandonment and neglect and other referrals in writing, online, by telephone and
in person from all sources including identified sources, news media, anonymous sources,
sources that have incomplete information, and referrals from the child or parent himself.