Title: 8. Recognition of Child Abuse Indicators | ATrain Education
Headings: Pennsylvania: Child Abuse, Recognition and Reporting for Mandated Reporters, 3 units
Pennsylvania: Child Abuse, Recognition and Reporting for Mandated Reporters, 3 units
8. Recognition of Child Abuse Indicators
Indicators of Physical Abuse
Shaken Baby Syndrome
Indicators of Sexual Abuse or Exploitation
Indicators of Serious Mental Injury
Indicators of Serious Physical Neglect
Risk Factors for Child Abuse and Neglect
Individual Risk Factors for Victims
Individual Risk Factors for Perpetration
Family Risk Factors
Community Risk Factors

Content: Lack of adequate medical and dental care
Often hungry
Lack of shelter
Child’s weight is significantly lower than what is normal for his/her age and gender
Developmental delays
Persistent (untreated) conditions (e.g. head lice, diaper rash)
Exposure to hazards (e.g., illegal drugs, rodent/insect infestation, mold)
Clothing that is dirty, inappropriate for the weather, too small or too large
Behavioral indicators of serious physical neglect include: Not registered in school
Inadequate or inappropriate supervision
Poor impulse control
Frequently fatigued
Parentified behaviors (when children are forced to take on the role and responsibilities of a parent)
Healthcare providers must differentiate between neglectful situations and poverty. For example, if a family living in poverty was not providing adequate food for their children, it would be considered neglect only if the parents were aware of but chose not to use food assistance programs. Taking poverty into consideration can prevent unnecessary removals and place the focus on providing concrete services for families to protect and provide for their children (CWIG, 2012). Risk Factors for Child Abuse and Neglect
Risk factors are characteristics associated with child abuse and neglect—they may or may not be direct causes. A combination of individual, relational, community, and societal factors contribute to the risk of child maltreatment. Although children are not responsible for the harm inflicted upon them, certain characteristics have been found to increase their risk of being maltreated (CDC, 2016a). Individual Risk Factors for Victims
Children younger than 4 years of age
Special needs that may increase caregiver burden (e.g., disabilities, mental retardation, mental health issues, and chronic physical illnesses) (CDC, 2016a). Individual Risk Factors for Perpetration
Parents’ lack of understanding of children’s needs, child development and parenting skills
Parents’ history of child maltreatment in family of origin
Substance abuse and/or mental health issues including depression in the family
Parental characteristics such as young age, low education, single parenthood, large number of dependent children, and low income
Non-biological, transient caregivers in the home (e.g., mother’s male partner)
Parental thoughts and emotions that tend to support or justify maltreatment behaviors (CDC, 2016a). Family Risk Factors
Social isolation
Family disorganization, dissolution, and violence, including intimate partner violence
Parenting stress, poor parent-child relationships, and negative interactions (CDC, 2016a).