(2024-2025) Social and Behavioral: Child Abuse: Mandatory Reporting

You're a preschool teacher working with three-year-olds. During recess, you notice that Zoe, usually an active child, is sitting alone and seems reluctant to move. When you approach her, you see bruises on her arms and legs. Zoe says she fell down the stairs, but you're concerned because you've noticed similar marks before. What makes Zoe at high risk for abuse? Select the best answer a. She is a girl. b. She is an active child. c. She is young, under four years old. d. She speaks well.

c. She is young, under four years old.

You're a 4th-grade teacher who has noticed concerning changes in 10-year-old Tyler's behavior over the past month. Tyler used to be an enthusiastic student, but recently you've observed that his grades have dropped significantly, he often appears unkempt with unwashed hair and wrinkled clothes, he's started using sexual language that seems inappropriate for his age, and he has stopped participating in his favorite after-school activity. Based on these observations, which two behavioral indicators most strongly suggest the possibility of sexual abuse? Select the best answer a. drop in school performance and lower level of hygiene b. changes in eating habits and nightmares c. drop in school performance and use of age-inappropriate sexual language d. Lower level of hygiene and regressed behaviors such as bed-wetting

c. drop in school performance and use of age-inappropriate sexual language

You're a middle school teacher who has been observing changes in 12-year-old Alex's behavior over the past month. Alex used to be outgoing and had many friends, but lately, you've noticed that Alex often sits alone during lunch and recess, frequently responds to questions in class with "I don't know" or "I'm too stupid to answer," and has become overly clingy with you and other teachers, constantly seeking approval and attention. Based on these observations, what behavioral signs of emotional abuse do you notice in Alex's behavior? Select the best answer a. immature behavior and unusual fears b. truancy and hyperactive behavior c. poor peer relationships and being overly self-critical d. consistent expression of anger toward others

c. poor peer relationships and being overly self-critical

Notifying your supervisor satisfies your legal requirement to report child abuse. True False

False

A mandated reporter who knowingly fails to report suspected child abuse or neglect is guilty of a misdemeanor. True False

True

Child abuse reporting is taken very seriously in South Carolina. True False

True

Children with disabilities are more at risk of maltreatment that children without them. Choose an option below True False

True

In the U.S., over 3 million children are reported as abused or neglected each year, and more than 1 million are confirmed as victims of child maltreatment. True False

True

Mandated reporters are required to report "as soon as possible" after receiving information that causes you to suspect abuse or neglect. True False

True

Physical abuse is the intended, non-accidental physical injury or cruelty to a child. True False

True

You're a school counselor, and 11-year-old Mia has just confided in you that her stepfather has been physically abusing her. You know you must report this information immediately. After ensuring Mia's immediate safety, which of the following responses would be most appropriate to support Mia? Select the best answer a. "Thank you for telling me, Mia. It's not your fault, and you did the right thing by speaking up. I believe you, and I'm going to take action to get you the help you need." b. "Mia, I'm so sorry this happened. Let's keep this between us for now, and I'll figure out how to help you." c. "Oh no, Mia! We need to call your mom right away and tell her everything." d. "Are you sure about this, Mia? Sometimes kids misunderstand things. Maybe your stepfather was just playing rough."

a. "Thank you for telling me, Mia. It's not your fault, and you did the right thing by speaking up. I believe you, and I'm going to take action to get you the help you need."

Which of the following is true about emotional abuse? a. It involves words. b. It only occurs with other forms of abuse. c. Even though it is difficult to detect, it does not affect a child's psychological and social growth and development. d. It is easy to prove.

a. It involves words.

Which is a true statement about harm from neglect? Choose an option below a. Neglect is a made up concept. b. Harm from neglect results from the accumulated effects of the many actions that did or did not occur of on on behalf of a child. c. If a family does not have access to resources that usually indicates the child is being neglected. d. A family with different culturally-based family practices usually neglect their child.

b. Harm from neglect results from the accumulated effects of the many actions that did or did not occur of on on behalf of a child

When identifying physical abuse, you should consider: Choose an option below a. If the parents say everything is okay, then it is probably okay b. Instances of a child reportedly injuring themself c. Even if the child plays sports and has injuries it's likely they are being abused d. If the child has never reported anything, then they are likely fine

b. Instances of a child reportedly injuring themself

Which of the following is true about victims of sexual abuse? a. All victims of sexual abuse have lower-income backgrounds. b. Most victims are abused by someone they know and trust — in many cases by family members. c. Sexual abuse does not occur with older children. d. all of these

b. Most victims are abused by someone they know and trust — in many cases by family members.

From what form of child maltreatment do more children in the U.S. suffer than any other? a. Abuse b. Neglect c. Sexual exploitation d. None of the above

b. Neglect

If you have reasonable cause to believe that a student may have been physically or sexually abused by a school employee, what must you do? a. You must immediately report the belief and all other relevant information to the school administrative assistant. b. You must immediately notify the principal and/or law enforcement and follow appropriate state policies and procedures. c. You must immediately tell a colleague. d. You must immediately call and tell the parents.

b. You must immediately notify the principal and/or law enforcement and follow appropriate state policies and procedures

A possible behavioral sign of neglect may include: a. walking to school alone b. complaining of hunger c. staying over at a friend's house d. having tantrums in class

b. complaining of hunger

Which of the following could result in jail time for a mandatory reporter in South Carolina? a. Filing a false report of child abuse b. Knowingly failing to report abuse or neglect c. Both of these d. Both of these can only result in fines.

c. Both of these

During lunch duty, you notice that Jonathan, a usually outgoing 3rd grader, seems withdrawn. When you approach him, you see bruises on his arms. Jonathan quickly pulls down his sleeves and says he fell off his bike, but you recall seeing similar marks last week. What might be going on with Jonathan? Select the best answer a. Jonathan is probably telling the truth. b. Jonathan is probably experiencing medical abuse. c. Jonathan might be experiencing physical abuse. d. Jonathan is probably being bullied by peers.

c. Jonathan might be experiencing physical abuse.

Over the past few weeks, you've noticed concerning changes in 9-year-old Sophia's behavior. She often arrives late to school, appears tired, and frequently falls asleep in class. You've overheard her asking classmates for food, saying she's hungry. Sophia's hygiene has declined, and she's wearing the same clothes multiple days in a row. As a mandatory reporter, which combination of these behavioral signs most strongly indicates possible neglect? Select the best answer a. Sophia's chronic tardiness and use of alcohol b. Sophia loitering after school and stealing from classmates c. Sophia is apathetic and has chronic absences d. Sophia falling asleep in class and asking for food

d. Sophia falling asleep in class and asking for food

Mandatory reporters of child abuse and neglect in South Carolina include: a. School teachers b. School counselors c. Principals and assistant principals d. School attendance officers e. Childcare workers f. All of the above

f. All of the above

Mandatory reporters in South Carolina are required to notify which of the following? a. Parents of the child b. Local law enforcement. c. Hotline run by the SC Department of Social Services d. Peers and classmates e. A or B f. B or C g. All of the above

f. B or C