If you believe a child is in immediate danger, call (800) 342-3720 or 911
Cattaraugus County Child Protective Services is responsible for investigating allegations of the abuse or maltreatment of children that are directly caused by the actions of the child’s parent or caretaker or are allowed to happen to the child by the parent or caretaker.
The most important thing is to look for is a pattern of abuse. Just because a child has bruises does not mean that he or she is abused. Signs to look for are:
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse takes place when a child is hit, punched, slapped, whipped, beaten, or burned, and injuries such as abrasions, bruises, lacerations, bleeding, burns, or fractures occur. The physical injury is not accidental, and it causes or creates a substantial risk of death, or serious or protracted disfigurement, or protracted impairment of physical or emotional health, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily organ.
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse takes place when a child is touched by a parent or caretaker for the purpose of gratifying sexual desire; when the child is encouraged or forced to touch the parent or caretaker for the purpose of gratifying sexual desire; when a child is engaged or attempted to be engaged in sexual intercourse; forced or encouraged to engage in sexual activity with other children or adults; exposed to sexual activity or exhibitionism for the purpose of sexual stimulation or gratification of another; permitted to engage in sexual activity which is not developmentally appropriate and results in the emotional impairment of the child; or used in a sexual performance such as a photograph or video tape.
Maltreatment
Neglect takes place when a parent who is financially able or offered financial means or other means to meet a child’s health and safety needs, does not provide basic care such as food, clothing, shelter, education, medical care, medication, or adequate supervision.
Emotional abuse
Emotional abuse takes place when a parent or caretaker’s pattern of behavior has a harmful effect on the child’s emotional health or wellbeing. The effect can be observed in the child’s abnormal performance or behavior and there is substantial impairment to the child’s ability to function normally due to the parent or caretaker’s conduct. For example, a child who is repeatedly isolated, frightened, embarrassed, belittled, or threatened manifests symptoms of impact such as aggressive or self-destructive behavior, inability to think and reason, inability to speak and use language appropriately, extreme passive behavior, extreme social withdrawal, psychosomatic symptoms, or severe anxiety. A mental health professional should assess the child to determine that the child’s impairment is causally linked to the acts or omissions of the parent or caretaker.
How to report child abuse or neglect
In New York State all reports of abuse or maltreatment are received by the State Central Register which is located in Albany via a special telephone hotline which can be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The phone number to make a report is (800) 342-3720. Calls are accepted both from the general public, who are able to remain anonymous, and from certain professionals who by law are designated as mandated reporters. Reports of abuse or maltreatment may be made for children from birth up to their 18th birthday. Each county has its own Child Protective Services Department. In order for Cattaraugus County to begin an investigation, a report must be made to and accepted by the New York State Central Registry.
How a report is investigated
The investigation of a report is a fact-finding process which includes interviewing, observing, and information gathering. Its purpose is to protect the child, determine the validity of the allegations, evaluate any condition of abuse or maltreatment that was not reported, and determine the services necessary to ensure the protection of the child and reduce the degree of future risk to the child. Allegations fall into the four categories described below, which illustrate examples but are not all inclusive. The investigation includes an evaluation of all children in the home, whether or not they are actually named in the report. The final step in an investigation is the determination of whether the report is “indicated” or “unfounded”. If some credible evidence of abuse or maltreatment exists, the report is indicated, and the family is offered appropriate services. If no credible evidence of abuse or maltreatment is found, the report is unfounded and sealed. The final decision must be made within 60 days.
How to Prevent Child Abuse
Perhaps the most critical child abuse prevention strategy for parents is good communication with children. Encourage them to share concerns and problems with you. If you use day care or babysitters, screen your child’s caretaker or day care provider. Make sure you have the right to drop in and visit the program at appropriate times.
How to get Help
Many people don’t know where to report suspected child abuse and some people are afraid of reporting child abuse because of possible repercussions to the children or to themselves.
You probably will be relieved to know that if you report child abuse, it is unlikely that the abused child will be removed from their home immediately. Also, you do not have to give your name when you report child abuse, and the abuser cannot find out who reported them.
Remember that suspected abuse is sufficient reason to make a report to authorities. You do not need proof. Your call may make the difference in the very life of a child. It’s important that you understand how to respond to a child who has reported abuse.
If you are a teacher, counselor, medical professional or other professional who works with the public, you may be a Mandated Reporter and are required by law to report abuse. The Mandated Report Hotline is (800) 635-1522.
You may also read more about reporting child abuse online at the New York State Office of Children and Family Services.
Cattaraugus County Child Protective Services is responsible for investigating allegations of the abuse or maltreatment of children that are directly caused by the actions of the child’s parent or caretaker or are allowed to happen to the child by the parent or caretaker.
The most important thing is to look for is a pattern of abuse. Just because a child has bruises does not mean that he or she is abused. Signs to look for are:
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse takes place when a child is hit, punched, slapped, whipped, beaten, or burned, and injuries such as abrasions, bruises, lacerations, bleeding, burns, or fractures occur. The physical injury is not accidental, and it causes or creates a substantial risk of death, or serious or protracted disfigurement, or protracted impairment of physical or emotional health, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily organ.
- Injuries to eyes or both sides of the head or body. Accidental injuries typically only affect one side of the body.
- Frequently appearing injuries such as bruises, cuts or burns. These may appear as grab marks, human bite marks, cigarette burns
- Destructive, aggressive or disruptive behavior
- Fear of going home
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse takes place when a child is touched by a parent or caretaker for the purpose of gratifying sexual desire; when the child is encouraged or forced to touch the parent or caretaker for the purpose of gratifying sexual desire; when a child is engaged or attempted to be engaged in sexual intercourse; forced or encouraged to engage in sexual activity with other children or adults; exposed to sexual activity or exhibitionism for the purpose of sexual stimulation or gratification of another; permitted to engage in sexual activity which is not developmentally appropriate and results in the emotional impairment of the child; or used in a sexual performance such as a photograph or video tape.
- Symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases
- Injury to genital area
- Difficulty or pain when sitting or walking
- Sexually suggestive, inappropriate behavior or verbalization
- Sexual victimization of other children.
Maltreatment
Neglect takes place when a parent who is financially able or offered financial means or other means to meet a child’s health and safety needs, does not provide basic care such as food, clothing, shelter, education, medical care, medication, or adequate supervision.
- Obvious malnourishment, listlessness or fatigue
- Stealing or begging for food
- Poor personal hygiene, torn and/or dirty clothes
- Need for glasses, dental care or other medical attention
- Frequent absence from or tardiness to school
- Child inappropriately left unattended or without supervision
Emotional abuse
Emotional abuse takes place when a parent or caretaker’s pattern of behavior has a harmful effect on the child’s emotional health or wellbeing. The effect can be observed in the child’s abnormal performance or behavior and there is substantial impairment to the child’s ability to function normally due to the parent or caretaker’s conduct. For example, a child who is repeatedly isolated, frightened, embarrassed, belittled, or threatened manifests symptoms of impact such as aggressive or self-destructive behavior, inability to think and reason, inability to speak and use language appropriately, extreme passive behavior, extreme social withdrawal, psychosomatic symptoms, or severe anxiety. A mental health professional should assess the child to determine that the child’s impairment is causally linked to the acts or omissions of the parent or caretaker.
How to report child abuse or neglect
In New York State all reports of abuse or maltreatment are received by the State Central Register which is located in Albany via a special telephone hotline which can be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The phone number to make a report is (800) 342-3720. Calls are accepted both from the general public, who are able to remain anonymous, and from certain professionals who by law are designated as mandated reporters. Reports of abuse or maltreatment may be made for children from birth up to their 18th birthday. Each county has its own Child Protective Services Department. In order for Cattaraugus County to begin an investigation, a report must be made to and accepted by the New York State Central Registry.
How a report is investigated
The investigation of a report is a fact-finding process which includes interviewing, observing, and information gathering. Its purpose is to protect the child, determine the validity of the allegations, evaluate any condition of abuse or maltreatment that was not reported, and determine the services necessary to ensure the protection of the child and reduce the degree of future risk to the child. Allegations fall into the four categories described below, which illustrate examples but are not all inclusive. The investigation includes an evaluation of all children in the home, whether or not they are actually named in the report. The final step in an investigation is the determination of whether the report is “indicated” or “unfounded”. If some credible evidence of abuse or maltreatment exists, the report is indicated, and the family is offered appropriate services. If no credible evidence of abuse or maltreatment is found, the report is unfounded and sealed. The final decision must be made within 60 days.
How to Prevent Child Abuse
Perhaps the most critical child abuse prevention strategy for parents is good communication with children. Encourage them to share concerns and problems with you. If you use day care or babysitters, screen your child’s caretaker or day care provider. Make sure you have the right to drop in and visit the program at appropriate times.
How to get Help
Many people don’t know where to report suspected child abuse and some people are afraid of reporting child abuse because of possible repercussions to the children or to themselves.
You probably will be relieved to know that if you report child abuse, it is unlikely that the abused child will be removed from their home immediately. Also, you do not have to give your name when you report child abuse, and the abuser cannot find out who reported them.
Remember that suspected abuse is sufficient reason to make a report to authorities. You do not need proof. Your call may make the difference in the very life of a child. It’s important that you understand how to respond to a child who has reported abuse.
If you are a teacher, counselor, medical professional or other professional who works with the public, you may be a Mandated Reporter and are required by law to report abuse. The Mandated Report Hotline is (800) 635-1522.
You may also read more about reporting child abuse online at the New York State Office of Children and Family Services.