Law Enforcement: Child Abuse & Neglect Identification

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of this section?

Child Abuse and Neglect

Which of the following is NOT a type of crime that may be reported by a mandated reporter?

Theft from a Vehicle

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

Peace Officers

What is an example of a 'normal' childhood injury?

Minor scrapes and cuts Signup and view all the answers

What is a sign of abusive head trauma?

Shaken Baby Syndrome Signup and view all the answers

What is a focus of child neglect?

Parental responsibilities 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 may indicate delayed disclosure Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for peace officers to be able to differentiate between situations that are and are not child abuse or neglect?

To reduce false reports Signup and view all the answers

In what century did children begin to be considered as human beings with rights?

20th Century Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason for the maltreatment of children in ancient times?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the organization formed in 1874 in New York to prevent child abuse?

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

What is the definition of abuse according to RSMo Chapter 210.110?

Any physical injury, sexual abuse, or emotional abuse inflicted on a child other than by accidental means Signup and view all the answers

What is the age of the child in the example case of 1874 in New York?

12 years old Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a Child Protective Order?

To protect children from further abuse or neglect Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of neglect according to RSMo Chapter 210.110?

Failure to provide necessary support, education, nutrition, or medical care for a child's well-being Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of law enforcement in relation to a Child Protective Order?

To enforce Child Protective Orders and protect children from further abuse Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between the 19th and 20th centuries in terms of child abuse?

Children were considered property in the 19th century and human beings in the 20th century Signup and view all the answers

What is the crime committed by a person who knowingly inflicts cruel and inhuman punishment upon a child less than 17 years old?

Abuse of a child Signup and view all the answers

What is the age of a child under which a person can commit the crime of endangering the welfare of a child?

17 years old Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum age of the victim for the offense of statutory rape in the first degree?

14 years old Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of committing an aggravated sexual offense or 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 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 consequence of committing the offense of statutory rape in the first degree or an attempt to commit statutory rape in the first 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 knowingly encourages, aids or causes a child less than 17 years of age to engage in any conduct which violates the provisions of chapter 195, RSMo?

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

What is the crime if a person acts with criminal negligence in a manner that creates a substantial risk to the life, body or health of a child less than 17 years old?

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

What is the crime if a person knowingly manufactures, or attempts to manufacture compounds, produces, prepares, sells, transports, tests or analyzes amphetamine or methamphetamine or any of their analogues in the presence of a person less than 17 years old?

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

What is the minimum age of the victim for the offense of statutory sodomy in the first degree?

14 years old Signup and view all the answers

What is the crime if a person is a parent, guardian or other person legally charged with the care or custody of a child less than 17 years old, and they recklessly fail or refuse to exercise reasonable diligence in the care or control of such child?

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

Under what circumstances can a police officer, law enforcement official, or physician take a child into temporary protective custody?

When the child is in imminent danger of suffering serious physical harm or threat to life due to abuse or neglect Signup and view all the answers

Who must be notified immediately when a child is taken into protective custody?

The juvenile officer of the court Signup and view all the answers

How long can a child be held in temporary protective custody without a court order?

24 hours Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of an abnormal injury?

Cigarette burns or deep bruising in unusual areas Signup and view all the answers

What should a peace officer be alert to when investigating a possible case of child abuse?

Small clues and inconsistencies in the explanation Signup and view all the answers

What is a sign of repetitive physical assault?

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

Who cannot remove a child from their home under the provisions of this act?

An employee of the division Signup and view all the answers

What should the person taking a child into protective custody do within 12 hours?

File a written statement with the juvenile officer Signup and view all the answers

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

To identify if the injury is a result of abuse or neglect Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of an abnormal injury area?

Small of the back Signup and view all the answers

What is the authorized term of imprisonment for statutory sodomy in the first degree or an attempt to commit statutory sodomy in the first degree?

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

What is the age of the victim in the case of statutory rape in the second degree?

Less than seventeen years of age Signup and view all the answers

What is the class of felony for the offense of statutory rape in the second degree?

Class D felony Signup and view all the answers

What is the age of the perpetrator in the case of enticement of a child?

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

What is the purpose of age misrepresentation?

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

Who is mandated to report suspected abuse or neglect?

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

What happens when a mandated reporter suspects abuse or neglect?

They must report the suspicion to the medical examiner or coroner Signup and view all the answers

Who may take a child into temporary protective custody?

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

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

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

What is the role of the medical examiner or coroner in cases of suspected child abuse or neglect?

To accept the report for investigation and report the findings to the police or other peace officer, the juvenile officer, the prosecuting attorney, and the division Signup and view all the answers

What is the ideal professional to carry out an evaluation of a child and family in a suspected abuse case?

A social worker skilled in family dynamics 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 type of burn is caused by dipping a child into scalding water?

Immersion burn Signup and view all the answers

What is a common sign of non-accidental head trauma?

Injury on the side of the head Signup and view all the answers

What is a type of injury that may be indicative of abuse?

Bruise on the buttocks Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the color of a bruise in dating the injury?

The color of a bruise can be used to estimate the age of the injury Signup and view all the answers

What is a common type of poisoning used by perpetrators of child abuse?

Barbiturates Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of 'raccoon eyes' in a child?

It is a sign of non-accidental trauma Signup and view all the answers

What is a common location for intentional burns in a child?

Buttocks and genital area Signup and view all the answers

What is a type of burn that may be indicative of abuse?

Cigarette burn Signup and view all the answers

What is a hallmark of shaken baby syndrome?

Retinal hemorrhages Signup and view all the answers

What type of fracture is often seen in abused children?

Spiral fracture Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common fracture found in abused children?

Rib fracture Signup and view all the answers

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

Shaken Baby Syndrome Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible result of Shaken Baby Syndrome?

Blindness Signup and view all the answers

What type of injury is often difficult to detect?

Internal injuries Signup and view all the answers

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

To examine children under 2 who may have been abused Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the type of fracture that occurs when a child's arm or leg is twisted violently?

Spiral fracture Signup and view all the answers

What is a sign of abusive head trauma?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a bite mark analysis in child abuse cases?

To identify bite marks as a sign of abuse Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of ecchymoses in bite marks?

Both positive and negative pressure Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the intercanine distance in bite marks?

It determines the perpetrator of the bite Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between human bites and dog bites?

Human bites compress flesh, while dog bites tear flesh Signup and view all the answers

Who should evaluate the pattern, size, contour, and color of the bite mark?

A forensic odontologist or a forensic pathologist Signup and view all the answers

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

To document other patterned injuries Signup and view all the answers

What should be collected from the bite mark?

Saliva and epithelial cells from the mouth Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with the collected samples?

They should be sent to a forensic laboratory for analysis Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of dental neglect?

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 can result from untreated dental caries and periodontal diseases?

Pain and infection Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to document the bite mark characteristics photographically?

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

What is a possible reason for a parent's failure to obtain proper dental care for their child?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

At what point should a parent be considered negligent and intervention begun?

After the parent has been alerted by a health care professional and has failed to take action Signup and view all the answers

What is a common indicator of sexual abuse?

Hematomas Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to document evidence of sexual abuse through photos and medical statements?

To build a legal case against the perpetrator Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of a hospital exam, also known as a rape kit, in suspected child sexual abuse cases?

It is a necessary step in collecting evidence Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to interview caregivers in cases of suspected child sexual abuse?

To identify potential perpetrators Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible consequence of a parent's failure to obtain necessary dental care for their child?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about 'no physical finding' during a medical exam of a child alleging sexual assault?

That it is unusual for a child to have no physical evidence of abuse 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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