Child abuse

Child abuse is the physical or psychological maltreatment of a child by an adult or adults. Child abuse is often synonymous with the term child maltreatment or the term child abuse and neglect.

Reporting Abuse and Neglect in the US

Anyone may make an anonymous report of abuse or neglect. Trained call screeners will either open the case for investigation, or log the report. One report may not be enough to open a case, but multiple reports (by different reporters) may be enough. At that point, someone will investigate the family. The investigators may determine there is no evidence of maltreatment, there is evidence enough to offer support to the family in the home, or that there is evidence enough to remove the child from the home.

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Some people who work with children are mandatory reporters. Each State and U.S. Territory designates individuals, typically by professional group, who are mandated by law to report child maltreatment. Such individuals often include health care workers, school personnel, child care providers, social workers, law enforcement officers, and mental health professionals.

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Some States also mandate animal control officers, veterinarians, commercial film or photograph processors, substance abuse counselors, and firefighters to report abuse or neglect. Four States--Alaska, Arkansas, Connecticut, and South Dakota--include domestic violence workers on the list of mandated reporters. Approximately eighteen States require all citizens to report suspected abuse or neglect regardless of profession.

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