CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT


WHAT IS ABUSE?


* SERIOUS PHYSICAL INJURY *

      causes a child severe pain or significantly impairs a child's functioning
      temporary or permanent


* SERIOUS MENTAL INJURY *

      diagnosed by physician or licensed psychologist
      chronic and severe anxiousness, agitation, depression, socially withdrawn, psychotic


* SERIOUS PHYSICAL NEGLECT *

      physical condition which endangers the child's life or development or impairs functioning
      must result from prolonged or repeated lack of supervision or the failure to provide
      essentials of life, including adequate medical and dental care


* SEXUAL ABUSE OR EXPLOITATION *

      employment, use, persuasion, inducement, enticement or coercion of any child to
      engage in or assist any other person to engage in sexually explicit conduct or
      simulation of any sexually expicit conduct


WHAT IS NEGLECT?


      failure to act


INDICATORS OF CHILD ABUSE


* PHYSICAL ABUSE *

       bruises, welts, bite marks
       lacerations or abrasions
       burns
       fractures
       head injuries


* SEXUAL ABUSE *

       physical injury to the genital area
       presence of STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases)
       suspicious stains on underwear, clothing, body
       bladder infection or UTI (Urinary Tract Infection)
       early, unexplained pregnancy


* NEGLECT *

       failure to thrive
       drug positive
       lags in physical development
       consistent hunger
       poor hygiene
       speech disorders
       consistent lack of supervision
       unattended physical problems or medical needs
       chronic truancy
       abandonment
       inappropriate dress


IF YOU SUSPECT CHILD ABUSE


CONTACT THE APPROPRIATE SERVICE


* SEVERE PHYSICAL ABUSE: *
       nearest hospital


* PHYSICAL ABUSE: *

       CYS: 610-713-2000 [Upper Darby] or 610-447-1000 [Chester]
                (Delaware County Children & Youth Services (CYS))
       CHILDline: 1-800-932-0313 (Commonwealth of Pennsylvania) reports can be made anonymously


* SEXUAL ABUSE *

       has just occured: nearest hospital
       suspected: CYS/CHILDline


* NEGLECT *

       unsupervised children: local police department
       CYS


Thanks to:
Jill Schott, Program Director
CASA/Youth Advocates, Inc.
610-565-2208
for the above information.