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CHILD ABUSE/ NEGLECT POLICY

As educators in a caring community, each teacher must know what constitutes child abuse,
become aware of the symptoms of child abuse, respond constructively to children who might be
victims of abuse, teach children to recognize abuse and sexual harassment, encourage children to
seek help when they think they are victims, and take appropriate steps toward reporting
suspected abuse. Not only are we morally obligated to report possible child abuse, but we are
legally bound to do so.

Definitions Pertaining to Child Abuse and Neglect
According to General Statutes from the Juvenile Code of the State of North Carolina, the
following definitions apply:
1) "Abused child" means a child less that 18 years of age whose parent or other person
responsible for his/her care:
a) inflicts or allows to be inflicted upon such child a physical injury by other than
accidental means which causes or creates a substantial risk of death or disfigurement or
impairment of physical health or loss of impairment of function of any bodily organ, or
b) creates or allows to be created a substantial risk of physical injury to such child by other
than accidental means which would be likely to cause death or disfigurement or
impairment of physical health or loss of impairment of the function of any bodily organ,
or
c) commits or allows the commission of any sexual act upon a child in violation of law; or
commits, permits or encourages any act of prostitution with or by the child.
d) creates or allows to be created serious emotional damage to the child and refuses to
permit, provide for, or participate in treatment. Severe emotional damage is evidenced by
a child's severe anxiety, depression, withdrawal or aggressive behavior toward
him/herself or others, or
e) encourages moral turpitude committed by the child.
2) "Caretaker" means any person other than a parent who is in care of a juvenile,
including any blood relative, step-parent, foster parent, or houseparent, cottage parent or
other person supervising a juvenile in a child-care facility.
3) "Neglected child" means a child less than 18 years of age who does not receive proper
care, supervision, discipline from his parent, guardian, custodian, or caretaker; or who
has been abandoned; or who is not provided necessary medical care or other remedial
care recognized under State law, or who lives in an environment injurious to his/her
welfare, or who has been placed for care or adoption in violation of law.

Signals of child abuse
children frequently give signals. Of course, not all children exhibiting the characteristics listed
below are victims of child abuse. Any of these signals can be a natural part of their growth and
development. However, if a child exhibits several of these characteristics on a regular basis you
should be aware that something may be wrong.



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Behavior signals:
changes in appetite, social interaction, sleeping patterns
passivity, depression, withdrawal, or listlessness
destructiveness, violent behavior and/or aggression
fearfulness of adults
changes in self-image; belief that he/she is a failure
distrustful feelings
learning problems; child is unable to meet normal expectations
social isolation
sleepiness in class
frequent tardiness or absence from school
arriving at school unusually early or leaving unusually late

Physical signals:
inappropriately dressed for the weather
difficulty walking or sitting
pain in the genital area
injuries, bruises, or burns that the child cannot explain convincingly

Duty to Report Child Abuse or Neglect
By law (G.S. 7-A-543), any suspected case of juvenile abuse (including sexual harassment) or
neglect must be reported to the N. C. State Department of Social Services immediately. Any
Canterbury staff member who has cause to suspect that a child is neglected or abused will report
the concern to the Head of School who has details of reporting procedures and can help evaluate
the need for further investigation. If appropriate, the case will be reported to the Department of
Social Services who will make a thorough investigation of the case in order to take positive action
toward protecting the child in question. By following this process, no individual staff member will
have to act alone in reporting suspected abuse. Reporting to the Department of Social Services
will be an institutional decision based on all obtainable information.

Anyone who reports a suspected case of child abuse or neglect, who testifies in a proceeding
resulting from a report or who participates in the investigation of a report is immune from any
civil or criminal liability that might otherwise be incurred or imposed for such action provided
that the person was acting in good faith. Individuals reporting such suspected abuse may do so
with confidentiality and/or anonymously.