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Recognizing
& Reporting Child Abuse or Neglect
Guidelines for Employees
and Volunteers of the Diocese of Arlington
Recognizing | Reporting |
Where to Report | Definitions
Many children who aren't abused or neglected may exhibit one or more of these indicators from time to time. Children who have many of these signs or symptoms, however, may have a problem that should be reported.
In viewing possible indicators of child abuse, it is always important to distinguish between physical contact and emotional attachment that is nurturing and supportive and that which exploits a child.
Be alert for a child who:
Be alert for a child who:
Be alert for a child who:
Be alert for a child who:
Neglect and abuse are rarely willful acts on the parts of parents. When some of the conditions above combine, parents may no longer cope effectively. The result may be mistreatment of their children.
Virginia law imposes upon specific persons the legal responsibility of reporting to the local child protective agency any incidents of suspected abuse or neglect regardless of whom the suspected perpetrator may be. Persons required by the Code of Virginia (Section 63.1-248.3) to report such incidents include:
The Diocese of Arlington also requires all of its employees and volunteers who work in Diocesan programs to report suspected child abuse and neglect in those programs to the Moderator of the Diocesan Curia.
Protective service agencies are charged with the responsibility of protecting children and preserving family life. Their goal is to help families cope with the problems that cause child abuse, not to separate children from their parents.
Persons reporting child abuse or neglect shall report either by:
Or
Suspected child abuse or neglect involving any Diocesan program must also be reported to the Moderator of the Diocesan Curia or his designee.
Reports may be oral or in writing, and must disclose all information which is the basis for the suspicion of child abuse or neglect.
Persons required by state law to report suspected child abuse or neglect but who fail to do so within seventy-two hours of the first suspicion of child abuse or neglect are subject to a fine of $500.00
Any person making a report of suspected child abuse or neglect shall be immune from civil or criminal liability unless it is proven that the person acted in bad faith or with malicious intent. (Section 63.1-248.5)
Virginia Protective Services
Toll Free - 24 hour - statewide hotline 800-552-7096
Listed below are office hours only
Washington DC 24 hours
Child Family Advocate Offices
"Child" is defined as any person under eighteen years of age.
"Abused Child" is any child whose parent or other person responsible for the child's care:
Creates, inflicts, threatens, or allows a physical or mental injury to be inflicted upon a child other than by accidental means.
Or
Creates a substantial risk of the child's death, disfigurement, or impairment of bodily or mental functions.
Or
Commits or allows to be committed any act of sexual exploitation or any sexual act upon a child in violation of the law.
"Neglected Child" is any child whose parent or other person responsible for the child's care:
Neglects or refuses to provide care necessary for the child's health.
Or
Fails to perform parental duties including those of supervision, nurture, and protection.
Note Well: Persons who assault or harm a child when they have no responsibility
for the care of that child are not, under Virginia law, child abusers. These
persons may, however, be criminally guilty and may be reported to the police.
Diocese of Arlington
200 North Glebe Road
Arlington, Virginia 22203
This webpage is based on the pamphlet published by the Catholic Diocese of Arlington, in cooperation with the Office of Communications. For original copies, call 703-841-2500. Graphic Design: Graves, Fowler, & Associates. Illustrations: Richard Steadham
Updated: May 1,
2002