Incident magnifies annual National Child Abuse month
By KATIE WALDROP Staff Writer

Safety and welfare of children is a major concern for parents and those involved in child care. April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

In 1974, safety awareness for children led to the first Federal child protection legislation, the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA). Since then the act has been amended, but the same principle is intact.

June 6 - 12, 1982, was designated as the first National Child Abuse Prevention Week. The following year, National Child Abuse Month was implemented.

In 2003, during the 20th anniversary of the original Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Office on Child Abuse and Neglect recast the National Child Abuse Prevention Initiative as a year-long effort at the 14th National Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect.

"Each year, an average of three children a day are fatal victims of maltreatment," said Shari Pulliam, public information officer for the Department of Family and Protective Services.

"The vast majority of these children are under the age of one. In Texas in 2007, there were 223 children who died as a result of child abuse and neglect."

The Federal CAPTA, as amended by the Keeping Children and Families Safe Act of 2003 defines child abuse and neglect as, at minimum:

• Any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation; or

• An act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm.

This definition of child abuse and neglect refers specifically to parents and other caregivers. A "child" under this definition generally means a person who is under the age of 18 or who is not an emancipated minor.

While Federal legislation sets minimum standards, each state is responsible for providing its own definition of maltreatment within civil and criminal contexts.

Some particular types of child abuse and neglect are: physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse and emotional abuse.

In order to help abused or neglected children one must recognize the signs of child abuse and neglect. The existence of one sign does not mean it is occurring in a family.

Recognition of child abuse can include some of the following signs:

• Shows changes in behavior and school performance.

• Has not received help for physical or medical problems brought to the parents' attention.

• Has learning problems or concentration difficulties that cannot be related to specific physical or psychological causes.

• Is always watchful, as though preparing for something bad to happen.

• Lacks adult supervision.

• Is overly compliant, passive, or withdrawn.

• Comes to school or other activities early, stays late, and does not want to go home.

Although these signs seemingly relate to what could be abuse within the home, that is not the only place it could happen.

Child abuse can happen anywhere and the signs may vary pertaining to each situation.

According to Pulliam there are several ways that everyone can help to prevent child abuse:

Be a believer. Each must believe that it does occur and be prepared to take action.

Be an observer. Notice the physical signs of child abuse. It it doesn't seem right, it usually isn't.

Be a listener. Listen to what children are saying.

Be a reporter. Don't second guess what may be happening.

Be a model. Children should have role models who make them feel good about themselves.

Be an advocate. Seek opportunities to get involved to hlep make a difference in a child's life.

"Child abuse and neglect are against the law in Texas, and so is failure to report," said Pulliam. "If you think a child has been abused or mistreated, you are required to report."

According to The Jasper Newsboy issue Sept. 12, 2007, Pulliam said when a daycare submits an application, background checks are made, and during the initial permit for six months the facility is inspected at least three times.

After that, the CCL (Child Care Licensing) continues to monitor and inspect every six to nine months.

Any parent can pull up inspection reports on a licensed daycare or homecare provider at www.dfps.state.tx.us, (The Jasper Newsboy - Sept. 12, 2007).

Call the Texas Abuse Hotline at 1-800-252-5400 if reporting a case of abuse.

If you have reason to suspect child abuse, but are not positive, make the report. Let child Protective Services make that decision.