Unit Two Creating a Safe and Healthful Environment 216 Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Neglect and abuse can happen in any family type or socioeconomic group. Certain situations increase the risk. The three leading factors are fi nancial problems, substance abuse, and the stress of handling parental responsibilities. Single parenthood, isolation from others, and teen parenthood are other factors. Violence between parents can also lead to abuse of their child. As a child care professional, you are very concerned about the health and safety of the children in your care. You do everything you can to see that the center is a safe place for them to be. However, the children are not in your care all the time. When they are away from the center, some children are abused. Because you are with the children for several hours a day, you may be the one to notice signs that a child is being abused or neglected. State law requires you to report known or suspected cases of child abuse. Follow your center’s procedures for reporting. Studies show that abused children often become troubled adults. Abused and neglected children may suffer developmental and learning delays. They are also more prone to physical illness and mental health problems. Abused children are more likely to drop out of school, be unemployed, and commit violent crimes. When they are parents, they are also at high risk for becoming child abusers. There are four types of child abuse: nonaccidental physical injury, neglect, emotional abuse, and sexual abuse. Be aware of the signs. Nonaccidental Physical Injury The most visible type of child abuse is nonaccidental physical injury (Figure 11.9). This is physical abuse infl icted on purpose. Children being abused in this way often come to school with bruises, bites, burns, or other injuries. They may frequently complain of pain. Physically abused children often refuse to discuss their injuries. This may be because their abusers threaten them with further harm if they tell someone. Other children may talk about harsh punishment they have received. Often these children come to the center wearing clothing to hide their injuries. Their clothing may be unsuitable for the weather. As a result of physical abuse, some children may show an unusual fear of adults. Kelly is one example. Her father abused her for two years. A teacher at Kelly’s child care center contacted authorities with her suspicions. Kelly had an unusual fear of adults, especially her father. Whenever he came to pick her up, she backed away and avoided eye contact with him. Child abuse was suspected for other reasons as well. Kelly often arrived at the center with visible bruises. She also wore long- sleeve turtleneck tops in warm weather. One hot summer day, her teacher was concerned that Kelly might be too warm. When she was changing Kelly’s top, the teacher found many bruises. Kelly could not explain the injuries. Figure 11.9 Signs of Possible Physical Abuse Child has unexplained or repeated injuries (bruises, bites, cuts, welts, burns or scalds, fractures) Child and parent provide illogical or conflicting explanations for injuries Child complains frequently of pain Child lacks ability to give or seek affection Child seems afraid to go home Child displays fear of adults, including parents Child wears clothing that can hide injuries, even when unsuitable for the weather Child can be withdrawn or aggressive Child appears anxious about routine activities, such as toileting, eating, and sleeping