Child Abuse and Neglect for Law Enforcement

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What is the primary objective of this lesson plan?

To identify the elements of crimes related to child abuse and neglect

According to Missouri state law, which of the following is an example of 'abuse'?

Abuse of a Child

Who has the authority to take a child into protective custody and temporary protective custody?

Law enforcement officers

What is the significance of 'no physical finding' during a medical exam of a child alleging sexual assault?

It does not rule out the possibility of sexual assault Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of 'neglect' in terms of parental responsibilities?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of a mandated reporter in suspected abuse cases?

To report the case to the authorities Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of identifying 'normal' and 'abnormal' childhood injuries?

To differentiate between accidental and intentional injuries Signup and view all the answers

What is the objective of discussing the elements of crimes related to child abuse and neglect?

To identify the actions that constitute abuse and neglect Signup and view all the answers

What is considered a form of abuse according to RSMo Chapter 210.110?

Physical injury inflicted on a child by those responsible for their care Signup and view all the answers

What was a major factor that led to the formation of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children in 1874?

A highly publicized case of child abuse and neglect in New York Signup and view all the answers

In ancient Rome, what was a father's right regarding his child?

To sell his child into slavery Signup and view all the answers

What is considered neglect according to RSMo Chapter 210.110?

Failure to provide proper nutrition to a child Signup and view all the answers

What is the crime of abuse of a child according to 568.060?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What was the attitude towards children in ancient times?

Children were considered property with no rights Signup and view all the answers

What was a common practice in the 19th century?

Forcing children to work in mines and sweat shops Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the year 1869 in New York?

A crisis point was reached in the treatment of children Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the 1874 case in New York?

The establishment of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children Signup and view all the answers

What was the biblical quote that justified the maltreatment of children?

He that spareth the rod hateth his son Signup and view all the answers

What is the age of the child that a person can be charged with Endangering the Welfare of a Child 1st Degree?

Less than 17 years old Signup and view all the answers

What is the punishment for committing Statutory Rape in the 1st Degree if the victim is less than 12 years old?

Life imprisonment or a term of years not less than 10 years Signup and view all the answers

What is the crime if a person knowingly aids a child to engage in conduct that violates chapter 195, RSMo?

Endangering the Welfare of a Child 1st Degree Signup and view all the answers

What is the crime if a person encourages a child to engage in conduct that causes them to come within the provisions of paragraph (d) of subdivision (2) of subsection 1 of section 211.031, RSMo?

Endangering the Welfare of a Child 2nd Degree Signup and view all the answers

What is the punishment for attempting to commit Statutory Rape in the 1st Degree?

Life imprisonment or a term of years not less than 5 years Signup and view all the answers

What is the crime if a person commits an intoxication-related offense while a child is present in the vehicle?

Endangering the Welfare of a Child 2nd Degree Signup and view all the answers

What is the age of the child that a person can be charged with Statutory Rape in the 1st Degree?

Less than 14 years old Signup and view all the answers

What is the crime if a person engages in sexual conduct with a person under the age of 17 years over whom the person is a parent, guardian, or otherwise charged with the care and custody?

Endangering the Welfare of a Child 1st Degree Signup and view all the answers

What is the punishment for committing Statutory Sodomy in the 1st Degree?

Life imprisonment or a term of years not less than 5 years Signup and view all the answers

What is the crime if a person recklessly fails or refuses to exercise reasonable diligence in the care or control of a child to prevent them from coming within the provisions of paragraph (c) of subdivision (l) of subsection I or subdivision (3) of subsection 1 of section 211.031, RSMo?

Endangering the Welfare of a Child 2nd Degree Signup and view all the answers

What is the authorized term of imprisonment for statutory sodomy in the first degree, unless the offense is an aggravated sexual offense or the victim is less than twelve years of age?

Life imprisonment or a term of years not less than five years Signup and view all the answers

What is the age requirement for a person to be guilty of statutory rape in the second degree?

Twenty-one years of age or older Signup and view all the answers

What is the classification of the offense of statutory sodomy in the second degree?

Class D felony Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum age of the victim in the act of enticement of a child?

Fifteen years of age Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of age misrepresentation?

To engage in sexual conduct involving a minor Signup and view all the answers

Who is mandated to report suspected abuse and neglect?

Various professionals, including physicians, nurses, and teachers Signup and view all the answers

What happens when a report of suspected abuse or neglect is made?

The medical examiner or coroner investigates the report Signup and view all the answers

Who can request that a child be taken into temporary protective custody?

A police officer, law enforcement official, or physician Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of taking a child into temporary protective custody?

To protect the child from harm Signup and view all the answers

What is required of persons taking a child into temporary protective custody?

They must adhere to guidelines for reporting and time limits Signup and view all the answers

Who can take temporary protective custody of a child without the consent of the child's parents or guardians?

Any law enforcement official or a physician Signup and view all the answers

What is the time limit for a written statement to be filed with the juvenile officer after taking a child into protective custody?

12 hours Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum duration of temporary protective custody without a court order?

24 hours Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of recognizing and discerning between normal and abnormal childhood injuries?

To recognize signs of abuse and take appropriate action Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of a normal injury?

Looks plausible and is consistent with the described occurrence Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of an abnormal injury?

A cigarette burn on the arm Signup and view all the answers

What is a suspicious sign of abuse?

Multiple bruises, wounds, abrasions, or other skin lesions in varying states of healing Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the written statement filed with the juvenile officer?

To document the facts and circumstances of the case Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the jurisdiction of the juvenile court after a child is taken into protective custody?

It attaches from the time the child is taken into custody Signup and view all the answers

What is not a permitted placement for a child in temporary protective custody?

A secure detention facility Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of a professional skilled in family dynamics when investigating a report of suspected abuse?

To investigate the child and family Signup and view all the answers

What can be identified by examining the patterns left on the skin in welts?

The item used to strike the child Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical age range for accidental poisoning?

2 to 3 years Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of immersion burns?

Oval shape burn Signup and view all the answers

What is a common location for burns in abused children?

Privates and buttocks Signup and view all the answers

What is a common symptom of non-accidental poisoning?

Irritability and lethargy Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of head injuries from child abuse?

Injuries are often on the side of the head Signup and view all the answers

What is a common feature of 'raccoon eyes' in non-accidental trauma?

More swelling and skin injury Signup and view all the answers

What is a common cause of hyphema in child abuse?

Striking the eye with a hard object Signup and view all the answers

What is an important consideration when examining bruises in child abuse cases?

The color of the bruising should be compared to the story that the parent or caregiver relates Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common cause of internal injuries in child abuse cases?

Blunt force trauma Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical age range of children who suffer from spiral fractures?

Diaper age children Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common fracture found in abused children?

Rib fractures Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a full-body x-ray (humanogram) in child abuse cases?

To screen for child abuse in children under 2 years old Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical result of Shaken Child Syndrome?

Blindness, paralysis, or death Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the syndrome caused by violent shaking of a young child?

Shaken Baby Syndrome Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of bite marks in child abuse cases?

They are a common sign of physical abuse Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of forensic odontologists in child abuse cases?

To evaluate bite marks Signup and view all the answers

What is the hallmark of shaken baby syndrome?

Retinal hemorrhages Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of interviewing a child outside the control of the adult reporting the injury?

To allow the child to speak more freely Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason why parents may fail to obtain proper dental care for their children?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

When should a parent be considered negligent and intervention begin?

After the parent has been properly alerted by a healthcare professional Signup and view all the answers

What is a common indicator of sexual abuse in a child?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Why is a hospital exam necessary in suspected child victims of sexual abuse?

To collect evidence Signup and view all the answers

What should a healthcare professional do when a parent fails to obtain therapy for their child's dental condition?

Report the case to child protective services Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of 'no physical finding' during a medical exam of a child alleging sexual assault?

It does not necessarily rule out sexual abuse Signup and view all the answers

What should officers be alert to during interviews with caregivers to detect signs of sexual abuse?

Interview indicators that may implicate a caregiver Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential to reassure parents about the use of analgesic and anesthetic procedures during dental procedures?

To ensure the child's comfort Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of ecchymoses in bite marks?

Positive pressure from the closing of the teeth Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal distance between the maxillary canine teeth in adult humans?

2.5 to 4.0 cm Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of bite marks produced by dogs and other carnivorous animals?

Tearing of flesh Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the ABFO No. 2 reference scale?

To document the pattern of bite marks Signup and view all the answers

Who should observe and document bite mark characteristics if a forensic odontologist is not available?

A pediatrician or pediatric dentist Signup and view all the answers

Why should written observations and photographs of bite marks be repeated daily for at least 3 days?

To document the evolution and age of the bite Signup and view all the answers

What can be secreted in saliva and deposited in bites?

Blood group substances Signup and view all the answers

What type of sample should be obtained from an uninvolved area of the child's skin?

Control sample Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of dental neglect according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry?

The willful failure of a parent or guardian to seek and follow through with treatment necessary to ensure a level of oral health Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of maintaining the chain of custody on all samples submitted for forensic analysis?

To ensure the integrity of the evidence Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Child Abuse and Neglect

Child abuse dates back to ancient history, with children being treated as property rather than human beings.
In the 19th century, children were exploited economically, forcing them to work in mines and sweatshops.
The crisis point was reached in 1869 in New York, leading to the establishment of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children in 1874.

Definitions

Abuse: Any physical injury, sexual abuse, or emotional abuse inflicted on a child by those responsible for their care, custody, and control.
Neglect: Failure to provide necessary support, education, nutrition, or medical care for a child's well-being.

Abuse of a Child: Knowingly inflicting cruel and inhuman punishment upon a child less than 17 years old.
Endangering the Welfare of a Child in the First Degree: Creating a substantial risk to a child's life, body, or health, including engaging in sexual conduct with a child.
Endangering the Welfare of a Child in the Second Degree: Acting with criminal negligence, creating a risk to a child's life, body, or health.
Statutory Rape in the First Degree: Engaging in sexual intercourse with a person less than 14 years old.
Statutory Sodomy in the First Degree: Engaging in deviate sexual intercourse with a person less than 14 years old.
Enticement of a Child: Persuading or enticing a child less than 15 years old for sexual conduct.
Age Misrepresentation: Misrepresenting one's age to engage in criminal sexual conduct involving a minor.

Mandated Reporters

Physicians, medical examiners, coroners, dentists, chiropractors, optometrists, podiatrists, nurses, hospital and clinic personnel, psychologists, mental health professionals, social workers, day care center workers, juvenile officers, probation or parole officers, teachers, principals, Christian Science practitioners, peace officers, and law enforcement officials.

Taking a Child into Protective Custody

A police officer, law enforcement official, or physician who has reasonable cause to suspect child abuse or neglect can take a child into temporary protective custody.
The child must be taken to a suitable placement, and the juvenile officer must be notified within 12 hours.

Normal vs. Abnormal Injuries

Normal Injuries: Cuts, scrapes, and bruises that can be explained by normal play.
Abnormal Injuries: Injuries that are unlikely to occur during normal play, such as cigarette burns, symmetrical burn marks, or deep bruising in unusual areas.

Identifying Abnormal Injuries

Repetitive accidents or injuries may indicate abuse.
Bruises can be dated by their coloration.
Burns, poisoning, head injuries, and eye injuries can be indicative of abuse.
Child abuse can be caused by various agents, including barbiturates, psychoactive drugs, tranquilizers, insulin, ipecac, arsenic, laxatives, salt, water, alcohol, marijuana, and opiates.### Child Abuse Injuries
Raccoon eyes from non-accidental trauma typically have more swelling and skin injury compared to accidental fractures.
Hyphema is a traumatic entry of blood into the front chamber of the eye, often caused by striking the eye with a hard object.

Retinal Hemorrhages and Shaken Baby Syndrome

Retinal hemorrhages are a hallmark of shaken baby syndrome and are rarely associated with other mechanisms of injury.
Non-accidental trauma must be considered in children under 3 years old with retinal hemorrhages or traumatic disruptions to the eye.

Internal Injuries

Damage to internal organs is a leading cause of death in child abuse cases.
Blunt force trauma is the most common cause of internal injuries.
Pummeling is a common cause of internal injuries, often seen during toilet training.
Internal injuries are difficult to detect due to the lack of visible injuries.

Fractures

Average of four fractures in abused children.
Spiral fractures occur when small children are abused, resulting in injuries to the long bones.
Twisting of the long bone is a common indicator of abuse.
Skull fractures are often found in children under 2 years old.
Rib fractures are the most common fracture found in abused children.
Full body x-ray (humanogram) is usually done on children under 2 who may have been abused.

Abusive Head Trauma (Shaken Baby Syndrome)

Violent shaking of a young child causes the brain to bounce violently, leading to subdural hematomas and retinal bleeding.
Symptoms include nausea, drowsiness, and unequal pupil size.
Possible results include blindness, paralysis, and death.

Bites/Dental

Bite marks are lesions that may indicate abuse.
Bite marks may have a central area of ecchymoses caused by positive or negative pressure.
Distance between the maxillary canine teeth in adult humans is 2.5 to 4.0 cm.
Bite marks can be evaluated by a forensic odontologist or forensic pathologist.

Dental Neglect

Dental neglect is the willful failure of a parent or guardian to seek and follow through with necessary treatment.
Dental caries, periodontal diseases, and other oral conditions can lead to pain, infection, and loss of function.
Failure to seek or obtain proper dental care may result from factors such as family isolation, lack of finances, or parental ignorance.

Sexual Abuse Injuries

Physical indicators of sexual abuse include hematomas, lacerations, irritation, pain, or injury in the genital area.
Venereal disease in small children, vaginal or penile discharges, and difficulty with urination are also indicators of sexual abuse.
Repeated urinary tract infections and bite marks are common in sexual abuse cases.
Hospital exam (rape kit) is necessary on suspected child victims of sexual abuse.

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