Child Abuse and Neglect, Prevention Strategies, and Resources
By: Kelly Stockman Reid, Resources and Training Manager, Office of the Governor, Washington Council for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect
- What is the legal definition of child abuse and neglect?
- What are the types of abuse and neglect?
- What are some effective strategies to strengthen families and prevent child abuse and neglect?
- Resources
What is the legal definition of child abuse and neglect? [1]
Washington State law defines child abuse or neglect as follows: “Child abuse or neglect shall mean the injury, sexual abuse, or negligent treatment or maltreatment of a child by any person under circumstances which indicate that the child’s health, welfare and safety is harmed thereby.” (RCW 26.44.020)
Negligence is further defined: “Negligent treatment or maltreatment shall mean an act or omission which evinces a serious disregard of consequences of such magnitude as to constitute a clear and present danger to the child’s health, welfare and safety.” (RCW 26.44.020)
What are the types of abuse and neglect?
Physical injury: A physically abused child is one who has sustained non-accidental physical injury or injuries such as: bruises, burns, fractures, bites, internal injuries, auditory, dental, ocular or brain damage, etc. Injuries sustained may be permanent or temporary.
Mental injury: A child who has been injured mentally is one who sustains damage to intellectual, psychological, emotional or psychological functioning which is clearly attributable to the non-accidental acts or omissions of the parent or guardian. Examples of a parental or caretaker behaviors include a pattern of rejecting, isolating, ignoring, corrupting or terrorizing a child.
Sexual abuse: There is a wide range of sexual offenses defined in the Washington state criminal code involving children that constitute sexual abuse such as: indecent liberties, communication with a minor for immoral purposes, sexual exploitation of a minor, child molestation, sexual misconduct with a minor, rape of a child and rape.
Neglect: Negligent treatment or maltreatment (a dangerous act) is that which constitutes a clear and present danger to the child’s health, welfare, and safety such as:
- Failure to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, emotional nurturing or health care.
- Failure to provide adequate supervision in relation to a child’s level of development.
- An act of abandonment, exploitation, or reckless endangerment.
- Other dangerous acts such as hitting, kicking, throwing, choking a child or shaking an infant.
What are some effective strategies to strengthen families and prevent child abuse and neglect?
Informal social support networks (families and friends): Parents need support from people they know and trust, who can assist with child care and offer help when needed.
Parent education and support: Through parenting classes and support groups, parents can learn about child development, gain non-punitive discipline and guidance skills, learn techniques for managing family life and reducing stress, and connect with other parents who share similar experiences.
Home visiting: Trained home visitors offer consistent, intensive support to a family that is stressed or isolated, and provide tailored assistance to meet family needs
Family support centers: Based in neighborhood settings such as schools or community centers, family support centers are welcoming places where families gather and gain access to a variety of services, such as parent support, child developmental screening, life skills, and English as a Second Language classes.
Respite care programs: Parenting is a tough job, and there are times when parents need a break. Respite and crisis care programs offer safe, nurturing care for children while parents take time out to address their own needs.
Public education: Media campaigns can be effective in raising community awareness of issues such as the need for greater support for families, the critical importance of the first three years of children’s development, and effective strategies to prevent child abuse and neglect.
Resources
Asian Counseling and Referral Service |
(206) 695-7600 |
Chinese Information and Service Center |
(206) 624-4062 |
Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Washington (information and referral for prenatal care, immunizations, breastfeeding, free or low-cost health insurance for children, child development; translation services available) |
800-322-2588 |
Korean Community Counseling Center |
(206) 784-5691 |
Parents’ Guide to Child Protective Services (available in several languages) |
To order, call DSHS publications: (360) 902-7840 |
Parent Trust for Washington Children (parent support groups across Washington) Family Help Line (24-hour statewide toll-free line offering support and referrals to families under stress) Pacific Islander programs |
1-800-932-HOPE (4673) or (206) 233-0139 (Seattle) |
Program for Early Parent Support (neighborhood support groups for new parents in King County) |
(206) 547-8570 |
Refugee Community Building Conference 2000: “Bridging Generations in Changing Times”, Shoreline Conference Center in Seattle, Sept. 7-8, 2000 |
For information call: Tung Nguyen (206-725-9181), Xuan Hruby (206-720-3404) or Judy de Barros (206-587-3839) |
Refugee Women’s Alliance (support for refugee and immigrant women and their families in King County) |
(206) 721-0243 |
Washington Asian Pacific Islanders Families Against Substance Abuse |
(206) 223-9578 |
Washington School-Age Care Alliance (activities for out-of-school time) |
(206) 323-2396 |
Washington State Child Care Resource and Referral Network (assists parents to find child care, through local child care resource and referral agencies) |
(253) 383-1735 |
Washington Council for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect/Children’s Trust Fund of Washington (funding, training, and public education to strengthen families and prevent child abuse and neglect) |
(206) 464-6151/ wcpcan@dshs.wa.gov |
To report child abuse or neglect, call Child Protective Services
1-800-562-5624 (24 hours)
Information provided by Washington Council for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (Children’s Trust Fund of Washington)
[1] Information in this section excerpted from: Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, Children’s Administration, Protecting the abused and neglected child: An explanation of the Washington State mandatory reporting law on child abuse, 1997.
