Child Abuse and Neglect

The Louisiana Children’s Code defines abuse as the infliction or attempted infliction of physical or mental injury upon the child by a parent or any other person. The exploitation or overwork of a child by a parent or any other person; and the involvement of a child in any sexual act with a parent or any other person. Neglect is defined as the refusal or unreasonable failure of a parent or caretaker to supply the child with necessary food, clothing, shelter, care, treatment or counseling from any illness. Factors attributing to abuse and neglect are substance abuse, mental illness, mental retardation, poverty, and social isolation. Families do have several options available to them to receive help if they are in danger of committing abuse or neglect. In the Alexandria area, there is the Office of Community Services, the Shepards Center, Volunteers of America, and Cenla Community Action Centers. What resources are available to families in your communities?

Signs and symptoms of child abuse may range from the child having a sudden change in behavior, to being passive or withdrawn, or not wanting to go home. The parent may not be concerned about the child’s welfare, may make unreasonable demands on the child, or sees the child as worthless. Abuse can range from neglect, sexual, physical, or emotional abuse. You are a mandated reporter in Louisiana if you are an individual who provides mental health or social service diagnosis, assessment, counseling, or treatment, including a psychiatrist, psychologist, marriage or family counselor, social worker, member of the clergy, aide, or other individual who provides counseling services to a child or his or her family (childwelfare.gov). However, we are all morally mandated to stand up for children. How can we as a society take the necessary steps to prevent child abuse? What other measures can be implemented along with reporting?

Tips to preventing abuse and neglect of children

Children are the world's most precious resource. This blog is devoted to helping prevent child abuse and neglect. All parents experience stress and caring for children can become very stressful. It is important to remember you are not alone, there is help out there. Call a family member or a friend to give you a brief break. Never discipline your child when you are angry. Your few moments of losing control can create long lasting consequences for you and the child. Abused and neglected children have low self esteem, behavioral problems, emotional problems, educational and developmental problems. In the next post, we will discuss some of the indicators for identifying abuse and neglect and who is responsible for reporting this abuse.