"Abuse or neglect" means sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, female genital mutilation as defined in RCW 18.130.460, or injury of a child by any person under circumstances which cause harm to the child's health, welfare, or safety, excluding conduct permitted under RCW 9A.16.100; or the negligent treatment or maltreatment of a child by a person responsible for or providing care to the child. An abused child is a child who has been subjected to child abuse or neglect as defined in this section. View the full RCW 26-44-020.
Recognizing Child Abuse and Neglect
Children and youth who are being abused or neglected often can’t or won’t speak up. They rely on others in the community to recognize that something isn’t right and take action to help protect them. Unfortunately, there is no perfect list of signs or symptoms of abuse or neglect, and any single concern may or may not mean that abuse or neglect is occurring. It is often a combination of circumstances that lead the Mandatory Reporter to know if they should offer the family support or if they must make a report to DCYF.
Things to Consider
- Do I know enough about the circumstances to understand the family’s risk and protective factors?
- What is my understanding of the parent’s unique cultural background?
- How are my own experiences impacting my understanding and assessment of the parent?
- Is the parent’s prior history influencing my decision despite evidence of change?
Some families are struggling with issues or circumstances that don’t directly impact child safety and do not meet the legal definition of abuse or neglect. Mandatory Reporters can also offer support and resources to families in order to address poverty, housing, concrete needs, and other community-based resources.
Signs of Abuse or Neglect
When you notice one or more of these signs, you may be unsure as to whether abuse or neglect has occurred, and whether you need to report. Certainly, any single indicator may not mean abuse or neglect has occurred.
But when you observe any of these indicators, you should think critically about what else you know and what you've observed from that child and family.
Each potential indicator should be understood within the context of what is typical for the child, their family, their culture, and their community. Often, it's a group of warning signs observed by someone who knows the child and family well, which provides the clearest picture.
Physical Signs Present on the Child
- Injuries to the torso, neck, ears, or genitals are not likely to occur as a result of normal activity or an accident; they are more likely to be associated with abuse.
- Injuries for which the child has no explanation or offers a reason that isn't logical. This could include changes to the explanation, or reason that isn't consistent with the type of injury.
- Difficulty walking or sitting or avoiding the use of an injured part of the body.
- An ongoing pattern of injuries that appears excessive or easily avoidable with adequate supervision.
- Medical, dental, vision, or mental health needs that appear to go unaddressed but have been discussed with the parent(s).
- Failure to thrive when no clear medical cause can be identified.
- A child who is frequently dirty or smelly, had poor hygiene, or often wears clothes inadequate for the weather.
- A girl who becomes pregnant at a very young age.
- A child who has a sexually transmitted infection.
Behavioral Signs Present on the Child
- Sudden or significant changes in behavior.
- A child who is or becomes extremely withdrawn.
- A child who is indiscriminatingly affectionate with adults.
- Arriving at school, leaving late, or not wanting to go home on an ongoing basis.
- Frequent absences from school or other activities.
- The appearance of extreme fatigue on a regular basis.
- Missing routine or follow up medical appointments.
- A child who cries, cowers, or otherwise indicates that they don't feel safein the parents of parent or caregiver.
- Stealing food or other necessities.
- Development regression, including incontinence when potty training has been well established.
- Running away from home.
- Attempting suicide or displaying self-injurious behavior.
Statements Made by the Child
- Statements about being alone or unsupervised at home before they can safely care for themselves.
- Statements that they fear or do not like their parents or caregivers, or that they don't want to go home.
- Begging for food or asking others to supply basic necessities.
- Statements about being afraid when parents or caregivers use alcohol or drugs, fight or display bizarre behavior.
- Reporting no attachment to the parent or caregiver.
- Statements that indicate a sophisticated, age-inappropriate understanding about sex.
- Direct statements about experiencing abuse or neglect by a parent or caregiver.
- Parents told them not to tell or talk to CPS.
Behaviors or Statements Made by the Parent or Caregiver
- Disregard for the child's feelings, needs, or emotions.
- Showing little concern for the child.
- Blaming child for struggles at school or home.
- Requesting the teachers or others use harsh or unusual discipline techniques with the child.
- Seeing the child as entirely bad, evil, worthless, or a burden.
- Describing the child in sexual terms, implying that the child may provoke sexual contact from others.
- Demanding the child behave in ways inappropriate to their skills or developmental level.
- Seeming to purposefully isolate the child, including removing them from school or other activities.
- Offering conflicting, unconvincing, or no explanation for injuries or event.
Author: National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information (DHHS)