Publication # C-411 |
REVISED -- |
Effective Date
--10-1-99 |
Questions and Answers About Child Abuse
(For Extension Employees and Volunteers)
1. What is child abuse and neglect?
Arkansas Act 397 of 1975 defines who is considered a
child and what is considered to be abuse and neglect:
(a) "Child" means any person under eighteen (18) years of age;
(b) "Abuse" means any physical injury mental injury, or sexual mistreatment
inflicted on a child other than by accidental means, or an injury which is at variance
with the history of it;
(c) "Neglect" means a failure to provide, by those legally responsible for the
care and maintenance of the child, the proper or necessary support; education, as required
by law; or medical, surgical, or any other care necessary for his/her well-being; or any
maltreatment of the child.
2. Am I required to report known or suspected instances
of child neglect or abuse?
The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service views the
reporting of suspected child abuse as both a personal and professional obligation. You are
required to report any known or suspected incidents of child abuse occurring in
connection with an Extension program or activity. If you have knowledge of abuse or
neglect in situations not related to the Extension program, you are urged to report the
situation to appropriate authorities.
3. If I report, am I liable?
Under Arkansas law, persons who report suspected child
abuse and neglect in good faith are immune from liability.
4. To whom do I report?
Anyone who thinks that a child has been abused or
neglected should report to the Department of Human Services county office during regular
working hours. Also, a toll free number is available for reporting 24 hours per day seven
days per week (1-800-482-5964).
Instances related to Extension activities should be
reported to the Assistant Director - 4-H Youth Development either directly or
through channels.
5. What do I do if an abuse situation occurs at an Extension activity?
a. Stay calm.
b. Handle the matter as discreetly as possible.
c. Remove the child from danger.
d. Obtain any needed medical treatment.
e. Notify the Assistant Director - 4-H Youth Development either directly or
through channels.
6. How do I handle questions from the media?
Refer all questions to the associate director - family,
youth and 4-H education who is designated as the official state contact and spokesperson
on all child abuse matters related to the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service.
7. How will parents be notified?
A decision will be made by the responsible Extension
staff member regarding how a child's parent(s) or legal guardian will be notified of a
report of abuse. When possible, informing will be done by the responsible administrators.
8. How can I protect myself from unfounded allegations of child abuse?
You are encouraged to avoid, where possible, being alone with a single youth. You
are encouraged not to socialize with Extension program participants under the age of 18
outside of Extension program activities.
You
are forbidden, under any circumstances, to discipline Extension program participants by
the use of physical punishment or by failing to provide the necessities of care, such as
food or shelter. You should respect the privacy of youth participants in situations such
as changing into swimming suits or taking showers and intrude only to the extent that
health and safety requires.
Encourage parental participation in youth activities when practical.
How do I recognize child abuse?
|
