Unit Two Creating a Safe and Healthful Environment 218 Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Sexual Abuse Sexual abuse is forcing a child to observe or engage in sexual activities with an adult. Rape, fondling, and indecent exposure are all forms of sexual abuse. Each of these acts involves adults using children for their own pleasure. Incest is sexual abuse by a relative. Molestation is sexual contact made by someone outside the family with a child. There are many signs of sexual abuse. A child may have problems when walking or sitting. The child may complain of itching, pain, or swelling in the genital area. Some abused children have bruises in the genital or anal areas. They may also have bruises in their mouths and throats. Some may complain of pain when urinating. Sexually abused children commonly have poor peer behaviors. They may show extremely disruptive or aggressive behaviors. Often they will regress to infantile behaviors, such as baby- talking, thumb-sucking, or bed-wetting. Some will show a lack of appetite. These children often express affection in improper ways (Figure 11.10). Mandated Reporting Health care workers, social workers, school administrators, and teachers are mandated reporters of child abuse. This means they are required by law to report any known or suspected cases of child abuse or neglect. As a mandated reporter, you should read your state’s statute, a formal document drawn up by elected offi cials. The statute will explain your legal responsibilities and the penalties for failing to make a report. To receive a copy of the statute, contact your local law enforcement offi ce. Follow your center’s procedure for reporting child abuse and neglect to the proper authorities. Your program must comply with the law, but may also have other guidelines in making a report. For instance, you might need to complete certain paperwork and report the abuse to the director or health consultant. Some programs designate one employee to make all reports of child abuse for the program. In other programs, each staff member reports these cases himself or herself. If you must make a child abuse report, do so immediately by telephone. Include the name, age, and address of the child and his or her parents or guardian. Report the facts that led to your suspicion (Figure 11.11). After the telephone conversation, confi rm the report in writing. Make a copy of the written report for the program and one for yourself. As long as you make the report in good faith, you will not be subject to legal action if your suspicions are found not to be child abuse or neglect. Should a child abuse case result in a trial, you may be required to testify in court. Your legal and ethical responsibility is to tell the court what you know about the case that will help the court protect the child. Background Checks Early childhood programs need to protect themselves from potential child abuse accusations. This is a licensing requirement of all states. A background check needs to be conducted on every new employee, student teacher, janitor, kitchen staff, administrative staff, and volunteers working in the program. This check will determine if they have had any felony or child abuse convictions. Some states require a one-time fi ngerprint check. Individuals convicted of crimes other than minor traffi c violations may not be employed. Figure 11.10 Case Study In recent weeks, Annabelle’s teachers began noticing some unusual behaviors that caused them to suspect she may be a victim of sexual abuse. Annabelle refused help with clothing and toileting needs. She would not allow teachers to help her remove her outdoor clothing. After observing another incident with another child, her teachers had even greater concern. Annabelle liked Richard, one of the children in her group. They saw her touching him inappropriately during group time. After observing Annabelle’s behavior, the teachers reported their suspicions of abuse. They realized if they waited for more proof, Annabelle could be at greater risk of abuse.