Learning How to Spot Child Abuse and Neglect in New Jersey

Learning How to Spot Child Abuse and Neglect in New Jersey

Annually, 3 million children experience some form ofchild abuse and neglect in the United States. The subject is disturbing. Understanding what child abuse and neglect is and what can be done to create a safe space for a child is a good place to start. The World Health Organization identifies four main types of child abuse or maltreatment. They are physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional and psychological abuse, and neglect.

Child Neglect Upfront

A Staten Island mother was accused of leaving pain medication unattended. Her one-year old baby swallowed the medication. The mother found the baby lying face down in her crib. When EMS arrived in the home the baby was unconscious and unresponsive. The baby was taken to the hospital and died shortly thereafter.

The baby overdosed on the mother’s pain medication. The medical examiner identified that the baby ingested morphine and the anti-anxiety medication, diazepam. The mother was taking the prescribed medication for a head injury she had sustained years earlier.

The mother was arrested a year after the baby died and charged with manslaughter, criminal negligent homicide, two counts of endangering the welfare of a child, and reckless endangerment. Unfortunately for the baby, the parents had a history of child abuse allegations. There are also instances of domestic violence among the parents.

The agency in New York City charged with investigating incidences of child abuse and neglect is called the Administration for Children’s Services, or ACS for short. The baby’s family had previously been investigated seven times over allegations of abuse and neglect in the home.

At least three of those incidences investigated involved alleged drug use and inadequate supervision of the baby in the home. ACS found in each of these three instances that there was evidence of child abuse and neglect.

Physical and Behavioral Indicators of Abuse

The State of New Jersey’s Department of Children and Families published a chart of the different types of abuse and neglect along with their physical and behavioral indicators of abuse. Below is a summary of the physical abuse and neglect indicators. The full chart can be accessed here.

Physical Abuse Physical Indicators:

●       Unexplained bruises and welts;

●       Unexplained burns;

●       Unexplained fractures; or

●       Unexplained laceration or abrasions.

Physical Abuse Behavioral Indicators:

●       Wary of adults;

●       Apprehensive when other children cry;

●       Behavioral extremes – aggressiveness or withdrawal

●       Frightened of parents;

●       Afraid to go home; or

●       Reports injury by parents.

Physical Neglect Physical Indicators:

●       Consistent hunger, poor hygiene, inappropriate dress;

●       Consistent lack of supervision, especially in dangerous activities or long periods;

●       Constant fatigue or listlessness;

●       Unattended physical problems or medical needs; or

●       Abandonment.

Physical Neglect Behavioral Indicators

●       Begging, stealing food;

●       Extended stays at school;

●       Constantly falling asleep in class;

●       Alcohol or drug abuse;

●       Delinquency; or

●       States there is no care giver.

Hackensack, New Jersey Child Abuseand Neglect Attorney

Do not ignore child abuse and neglect. Protect the child and your rights. If you have questions regarding New Jersey’s child abuse and neglect laws, contact a Hackensack, NJ Child Abuse and Neglect Attorney today to schedule a consultation. The Giro Law Firm provides legal services in a variety of divorce and family law matters, including contested divorces, prenuptial agreements, paternity disputes, parental rights, and adoptions.