Child Abuse
Child abuse and child neglect cases in the United States are perhaps one of the most misunderstood procedures in our society today. What many people in the public fail to realize is that in order for a child protective service agency to take necessary legal action against cases of child abuse and child neglect, there must be substantial evidence that the child abuse and child neglect is occurring prior to initial investigation by the agency. In other words, for any action to happen against child abuse and child neglect, the damage must be already done. Though this system may seem backwards and puzzling, it is still a matter of importance that must be taken care of properly to protect the children of America. To combat child abuse and child neglect efficiently and effectively, it is essential to compile sufficient and significant evidence to bring to the court of law.
If you suspect any form of child abuse or child neglect may be occurring within your community, start taking notes and eventually form an eyewitness report. While doing so, be sure to always record the date and time of any occurrence that seems suspicious. In order for your records to be useful and establish a strong argument in court, write down hard facts rather than mere opinions. Opinions and speculations do not hold up in court very well, and are often regarded with little importance by the jury or the judge. For example, if you happen to notice a bruise on a child, record significant details such as the size, color, location, and severity of the bruise, and avoid writing down your own thoughts and suppositions as to how the bruise may have formed. Going into specific details will further strengthen your eyewitness report and help your case against child abuse and child neglect.
While investigating a suspicion incident in which you believe child abuse or child neglect is being committed, be sure to record what the parent/guardian says about the occurrence. In the case of a physical injury, write down exactly what the caretaker of the child says about it. And if possible, make a note of what the child says about it as well. If child abuse and/or child neglect is really happening, there will often be discrepancies between witness reports. Take caution while talking to the child however, and look for signs that the child could be lying due to the parent/guardian’s influence.
Once you feel you have enough evidence to present a strong case in court against child abuse and/or child neglect, contact the proper authorities, child protective agencies, and possibly an attorney to begin the legal procedure. Child abuse and child neglect cases deserve the utmost scrutiny, yet too many parents and guardians are getting away unpunished every year. Using the information provided in this article, you can prevent child abuse and/or child neglect, and possibly even save a life in the process.