The Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS)
is mandated by Illinois law to maintain a 24 hour Child abuse and Neglect Hotline, 1-800-25-abuse or 1-800-252-2873 to receive reports from the public and from mandated professionals about abuse and neglect of children. Illinois law defines an “abused child”, as a minor under the age of 18, who is being harmed by any person responsible for the child’s welfare, which includes: parent, a family member, babysitter, school officials, boyfriend, or day care provider. Harm to the child may be physical or emotional injury, serious risk of injury, excessive punishment, and sexual offenses or torture. Tip: Avoid corporal punishment as a form of discipline, since there is always a chance of going too far and cause severe injuries to the child, with marks and bruises left on the child and that is then considered abuse. Illinois law defines a “neglected child” as any child whose parent or persons responsible for the child’s welfare does not provide necessary support as required by law, medical or other care for the well-being of the child or such necessities as adequate, clothing food, and shelter. Neglect occurs for reasons other than poverty.
Tips:
- I) If your child has medical conditions that require medications from time to time, make sure that the school has that medication and make sure that the child takes that medication as prescribed.II). Never leave a child in a car under no conditions.
III). Provide adequate supervision to your child on parties and other public places to ensure safety of your child.Emotional Abuse: refers to refection, intimidation and humiliation of a child that undermines his/her sense of self-esteem and well-being and it may include withholding love and affection to the child.
MAJOR CAUSES OF CHILD ABUSE:
1), Family stress,
2), Domestic violence in the home,
3), Sexually abused children will most likely abuse children when they become adults. Drugs and alcohol in the family adds to the family stress.
CONSEQUENCES OF CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT: The results of abuse and neglect to children, creates children that feel violated, humiliated, dirty, and guilt ridden. Their sense of safety and well-beings is shattered, along with self worth and confidence and the symptoms often manifest when they become teenagers. As adults, they exhibit more signs of hopelessness, neurosis and timidity and depression and drug and alcohol dependency and anxiety even multiple personalities.