Safe Child

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February 17, 2012 | 157 Views

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Every child has the right to grow up in an environment free from abuse and neglect.

Child maltreatment should never be condoned and should never be tolerated.

SAFEchild was established in 1992 by the Junior League of Raleigh as an outgrowth of that organization's long-standing commitment to children and families. Reflecting its public position statement that "every child has the right to mature in an environment free from physical abuse and emotional neglect," the Junior League voted to create a child abuse prevention agency to fill a gap in human service offerings in Wake County. Working closely with Wake County Social Services and dozens of other public and private agencies in the Wake County, the League incorporated SAFEchild as an independent agency and provided the initial financial backing it needed to develop programming, procure office space, and hire staff.

In the years since, SAFEchild has served some 600 families per year in addition to the 5,000 first-graders reached each year through Funny Tummy Feelings. It has bought its own house on West Morgan Street and developed a robust fundraising process, working with individuals, corporations, agencies, and foundations. SAFEchild's priority areas are parent/caregiver education, one-to-one support, and group support.

What is Child Maltreatment?

Child maltreatment can be defined as a non-accidental injury or pattern of injuries to a child.

Physical Abuse

Sexual Abuse

Emotional Abuse

Neglect

How to Identify Child Maltreatment

Abuse and neglect rarely occur in one isolated incident. Usually a pattern of abusive or neglectful behavior can be observed over time. A child may not tell anyone that abuse or neglect is occurring but may "act out" to express hurt and anger. Some children display no negative signs. It is important to listen carefully to children who tell you about an act of abuse, even if they say that the abuse happened a long time ago or happened to a friend.

The signs below do not necessarily mean that a child is being abused. You should, however, pay close attention to the child and see if a pattern of signs emerges.

Signs of Possible Abuse

· unexplained bruises, burns or other injuries

· nervous, hyperactive, and disruptive behaviors

· unusually wary of physical contact

· expresses little or emotion when hurt

· unduly shy, withdrawn, and passive

Signs of Possible Neglect

· unattended basic needs (hunger, hygiene, medical)

· consistent lack of supervision or absence from school

· consistent fatigue or listlessness

Signs of Possible Sexual Abuse

· engages in sexual activity not appropriate for the child's age

· has a detailed and sophisticated understanding of sexual behaviors

· reverts to behaviors such as bed-wetting, speech loss

· suffers sleep disturbances or nightmares

· has pain, itching, bruising, or bleeding in the genitalia

Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse

Child abuse and neglect rarely stop without help from outside the immediate family. All North Carolina citizens are mandated by law to report suspected child abuse and neglect to the Department of Social Services in the county where the child lives. You can make a report without giving your name. Wake County report line is 212-7990.

<http://www.preventchildabusenc.org/childabuseinfo/fat05>

is defined as any serious disregard for a juvenile's supervision, care, or discipline. is expressing attitudes or behaviors toward a child that create serious emotional or psychological damage. is any sexual behavior imposed on a juvenile. This includes fondling the genital area; masturbation; oral sex; or vaginal or anal penetration by a finger, penis or other object; exhibitionism; child pornography; and suggestive behaviors or comments. includes, but is not limited to, beating, harmful restraint, use of a weapon or instrument, or actions that could or do result in serious physical injury.