Creating Safe and Successful Spaces for Our Youth Section 800: Youth Protection Guidelines Recognizing Child Abuse © 2005 The University of CaliforniaCreated by the 4-H Policy Advisory Committee

The Importance of Child Safety Statistics for California, the nation and the California 4-H Youth Development Program.

In California In 2003 and 2004 there were 9.5 million children in the state of California. One half million children were victims of suspected child abuse each year. Over 110 thousand cases of child abuse were substantiated each year.

In the United States In 2003 there were 2.9 million referred cases of abuse, with 906,000 determined to be victims of abuse. There were an estimated 1000 fatalities related to abuse. $94 billion dollars was spent related to child abuse.

In California There are 99,000 registered sex offenders Of this number 80,600 are considered to be “serious” offenders. Over half the criteria for this category involves offenses against children.

In general It is reported that the percentage of victims who know their abusers is as high as 90%. The abuser is usually related to the victim.

Victims of Abuse Are likely to become abusers themselves by a figure of 12% to “over half” depending on who is reporting. Are prone to long-term problems.

Victims of Abuse are 59% more likely to be arrested as a juvenile. 28% more likely to be arrested as an adult. 30% more likely to be arrested for a violent crime.

In the California 4-H Youth Development Program There have been cases of abuse in our program. No youth program is immune.

The California Penal Code Defines child abuse or neglect as “ a physical injury inflicted by other than accidental means on a child by another person”; sexual abuse; the willful harming of a child or endangerment of a child’s health; and/or unlawful corporal punishment (P.C ). A child is defined as any person under the age of 18 years.

Forms of Child Abuse Child-to-Child Adult-to-Child

Types of Child Abuse Neglect Physical Abuse Sexual Abuse or Molestation Emotional Abuse or Maltreatment

Neglect Includes general and severe General neglect is the negligent failure of a person having the care or custody of a child to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, medical care or supervision and/or willfully causing or permitting the person or health of a child to be placed in a situation such that their person or health is endangered.

Severe Neglect Severe neglect is the failure of a parent or caretaker to protect the child from severe malnutrition or medically diagnosed non-organic failure to thrive.

Physical Abuse Can include striking, shaking, biting, burning, cutting, poking, twisting of limbs or torturing a child.

Sexual Abuse Includes sexual assault Rape and rape in concert Sodomy Incest Child molestation Penetration by a foreign object Sexual exploitation

Emotional Abuse or Maltreatment Includes verbal assault Belittling, screaming, threats, blaming, sarcasm, unpredictable responses, continual negative moods, constant family discord and double-message communication are ways parents or guardians may subject children to emotional abuse.

How Do I recognize Child Abuse We will look at both the physical and behavioral indicators of child abuse. A single indicator does not prove that abuse is taking place, but the repeated presence of an indicator or a combination of indicators should alert educators to the possibility of abuse. Often there are no visible indicators.

Physical Indicators of Neglect Constant hunger, inappropriate dress, poor hygiene Consistent lack of supervision, especially for long periods Abandonment Unattended physical problems or medical needs

Behavioral Indicators of Neglect Begs or steals food Constant fatigue or listlessness Falls asleep during school Substance abuse Delinquency, self- destructive Reports no caretaker at home

Physical Indicators of Physical Abuse Unexplained bruises, welts, or burns Unexplained fractures, lacerations, or abrasions Injuries inconsistent with information from the child

Behavioral Indicators of Physical Abuse Wary of physical contact by adults Behavioral extremes - aggressive or withdrawn Complains of soreness or discomfort Wears clothing inappropriate to weather Arrives early to meetings and stays late, as if afraid to go home Chronically runs away

Physical Indicators of Sexual Abuse Torn, stained, or bloody underclothes Difficulty walking or sitting Bruises or bleeding in external genitalia Pain or itching in genital area Venereal disease Pregnancy

Behavioral Indicators of Sexual Abuse Withdrawn, chronic depression, poor self- esteem Threatened by physical contact or closeness Inappropriate sexual behavior or premature knowledge of sex Reports sexual abuse by caretaker Poor peer relationships Suicide attempts Chronically runs away

Physical Indicators of Emotional Abuse Speech disorders Delayed physical development Substance abuse Ulcers, asthma, severe allergies

Behavioral Indicators of Emotional Abuse Habit disorders like sucking, rocking Antisocial destructive behavior Neurotic traits like sleep disorders, inhibition of play Overly adaptive behavior Developmentally delayed Suicide attempts

Sources California State Attorney General’s Office SafeState.org Archdiocese of Orange California Children’s Services Archive Center of Social Services Research, University of California, Berkeley Meganslaw.ca.gov