Signs & Symptoms

Neglected Appearance refers to children who are poorly dressed or wear clothes that are inappropriate for the weather. An example would be a child who does not seem to own a warm coat or adequate shoes in winter, or one who wears long-sleeved shirts in hot weather to cover up bruises. 

Unexplained Injuries includes children who have injuries in places that are not the result of normal childhood activities (i.e. on the head and face, on their backs, on the back of the legs, etc.).  It also includes injuries for which the appearance of the injury does not fit the child’s explanation. These are indicators of physical abuse. Another indication is not receiving help for medical, physical, or school problems that have been brought to the parent’s attention. We often see this with vision and hearing test results when the parent does not provide the necessary medical follow-up. Educators should keep a log of suspicious injuries and untreated illnesses with the dates of occurrence if there is insufficient evidence to make a report. Often, it is not a single incident, but a series of incidents that leads to a report of physical abuse. It is typical that in the case of neglect, it will be the existence of multiple incidents over a long period of time that will cause action to be taken.

Abnormal/Extreme Behaviors occur on a continuum from withdrawn to aggressive behavior. Normal behavior is within the mid-range of the continuum. Some children respond to abuse by becoming very withdrawn, isolated, inactive, and passive, and refusing to take risks.  Other children become aggressive or angry, have numerous outbursts of negative behavior, or become demanding of adult and/or peer attention. Abnormal behavior, fluctuating behavior (especially if there is a pattern, such as after visiting a noncustodial parent or after a weekend or vacation) and abrupt changes in behavior are all causes for concern.

If a child is afraid to go home after school, it's a huge red flag. The teacher needs to converse with this child about the reasons for his or her reluctance to go home. The child’s behavior may be a signal for help related to problems in the home.

Overly compliant or adaptive behavior or habit disorders (such as nail biting, rocking or sucking) may indicate that the child is under stress. Unusual sexual behavior or sexual knowledge beyond what is normal for a child of that age is another red flag.

Critical Parenting refers to parents who express extreme criticism about their child to other adults who constantly verbally criticize or put their child down, and who use frequent and harsh discipline. These parents are at risk for abusing their child. Being alert to a parent's unreasonable verbal or physical discipline allows the educator not only to be alert to possible physical or emotional abuse, but also to educate the parent about normal expectations for behavior, normal child development and positive parenting skills.

Uncooperative Parents who isolate their families and do not allow their children to participate in school or community activities are a concern. Parents who act unconcerned about their child’s welfare or progress in school, act detached, or see the child as special or “different” may be in need of help. Indicating that they view their child as being “bad,” “possessed by the devil,” “lazy,” “stupid,” “worthless,” and so on, or asking the teacher to use harsh physical punishment to keep their child “in line,” is definitely a red flag. Parents who fail to provide medical care in a timely manner, deny or are reluctant to give information about a child’s injury, or deny that there is a problem are also of concern.