Child Abuse Detection, Reporting and Treatment
1)

Why is detecting child abuse especially challenging?
 
It is always reported by multiple eyewitnesses. Because abuse often happens in private spaces away from public view, and the signs are rarely obvious. Because it only affects families with low income or specific religions. Because definitions of abuse are identical across all states and nations.
 
2)

What two kinds of actions does CAPTA explicitly include in its definition of child maltreatment?
 
Only accidental injuries Only intentional physical acts Only actions by strangers Acts of commission (abuse) and acts of omission (neglect)
 
3)

For mandated reporters, what do clear definitions help determine?
 
Appropriate school curriculum When to report suspicions Funding levels for agencies Which family should receive tax credits
 
4)

Which statement best captures the relationship between ACEs and abuse?
 
Every ACE is automatically abuse Not every ACE is abuse, but ACEs often co-occur with maltreatment and compound its impact ACEs are unrelated to child development ACEs only include physical injuries
 
5)

What distinguishes physical abuse from accidental injury?
 
Nonaccidental infliction with intentional harm or reckless disregard for a child’s safety Minor cuts from normal play Bruises consistent with typical childhood activity Only injuries that require hospitalization
 
6)

What threshold should mandated reporters use when deciding to report suspected physical abuse?
 
A signed confession from the caregiver Confirmation from medical records Reasonable suspicion, not proof An eyewitness account from another adult
 
7)

Which professional response is recommended when a child may have experienced sexual abuse?
 
Promise secrecy and ask detailed, specific questions Ask the child to write down every detail and confront the suspected offender Believe and validate without promising secrecy, avoid leading questions, and prioritize referral to a trained forensic interviewer Wait for physical evidence before taking any action
 
8)

What is accurate about medical findings in child sexual abuse cases?
 
Definitive physical injuries are almost always present Physical evidence is required before a report can be made Injuries always leave visible scars that confirm abuse Most children have no definitive physical findings, and absence of physical injury never rules out sexual abuse
 
9)

What is accurate about medical findings in child sexual abuse cases?
 
be careful not to retraumatize and avoid asking leading or suggestive questions set ground rules and expectations about the interview Build rapport with the child by engaging her or him in brief conversations about interests and activities. Ask more closed-ended questions than open-ended questions
 
10)

Which professional response is recommended when a child may have experienced sexual abuse?
 
Promise secrecy and ask detailed, specific questions Ask the child to write down every detail and confront the suspected offender Believe and validate without promising secrecy, avoid leading questions, and prioritize referral to a trained forensic interviewer Wait for physical evidence before taking any action
 
11)

What best characterizes emotional abuse?
 
A patterned, chronic set of behaviors that undermines a child’s self-worth and development A single moment of parental frustration Mild criticism once A strict curfew
 
12)

What should recognition of emotional abuse be anchored in?
 
Tone of voice alone Family income Behavioral specificity, frequency, duration, and functional impact Parent intent only
 
13)

What defines neglect at its core?
 
Chronic failure to meet basic needs despite available resources One missed meal An overbusy week A single late pickup
 
14)

What is true about poverty and neglect?
 
Poverty equals neglect Poverty always causes bruises Poverty excuses neglect Poverty is not neglect
 
15)

In a non-mobile infant, what can a small ear bruise signal?
 
Teething irritation Sentinel injury—act on safety Vitamin deficiency Mild eczema
 
16)

Which burn pattern is most concerning for forced immersion?
 
Symmetrical, sharply demarcated mid-calf burns with sparing behind the knees Random sunburn patches Single fingertip blister Patchy cheek redness
 
17)

What are the first priorities when sextortion is disclosed?
 
Change passwords only Tell the coach Treat as sexual exploitation; assess suicide risk; safety plan Wait for evidence
 
18)

How should Eli be framed to reduce shame?
 
A rule-breaker Mutual flirting Equally to blame A victim of a crime
 
19)

Where should a CyberTip be submitted?
 
School board Local hospital NCMEC ISP helpdesk
 
20)

What service helps remove leaked images from platforms?
 
Take It Down PhotoShield SafeKids Guardian Gate
 
21)

Why is emotional abuse often missed?
 
It causes obvious bruises It lacks visible injuries It always happens in public It is rare
 
22)

What legally/clinically defines emotional abuse?
 
One bad day High standards Occasional yelling once A pattern of behaviors that demean, terrorize, isolate, exploit/corrupt, or ignore emotional needs
 
23)

What is the reporting threshold and protection for reporters?
 
Reasonable suspicion good-faith immunity Certain proof anonymity Beyond a reasonable doubt Court order first
 
24)

In some jurisdictions, who must report suspected abuse?
 
Only clinicians All adults Only school staff Only government employees
 
25)

Does telling a supervisor satisfy your duty to report?
 
Yes, always Only if they agree No—duty is personal; ensure the report Only with HR approval
 
26)

What should you tell clients up front about confidentiality?
 
Never discuss it Promise total secrecy Only tell parents Explain limits and safety exceptions
 
27)

What standard is required to report suspected abuse?
 
Court-level proof Two witnesses A confession Reasonable suspicion / reasonable basis
 
28)

What are typical consequences for failing to report?
 
No penalties anywhere Only civil fines Usually a misdemeanor; licensure/employment consequences may apply Only felony charges
 
29)

What’s the immediate step when there’s acute danger or urgent medical need?
 
Call 911/medical care, then make the report Report first and wait Confront the caregiver Email a supervisor only
 
30)

Under HIPAA, can providers report suspected child abuse without authorization?
 
No Yes Only with a court order Only with parent consent
 
31)

When culture is involved, what’s the key task?
 
Distinguish difference from danger Enforce your norms Ignore culture Use identical plans
 
32)

What can bias and inequity do in reporting?
 
Increase trust Distort reporting; minoritized families reported more at similar risk Eliminate disparities Affect only high-income families
 
33)

Which built-in risk is common in institutions?
 
Always two adults present Low staff turnover Access isolation (e.g., travel, overnights, one-on-one lessons) Open public spaces only
 
34)

What are the two reporting/action tracks in institutions?
 
Tell parents, then wait Internal inquiry only Post a public statement Legal report internal safety actions
 
35)

Does disability cause abuse?
 
Yes Sometimes Only when severe No—people do
 
36)

What factors can raise risk for children with disabilities?
 
Access to unlimited services Greater dependence, communication barriers, and systems not built around them Better supervision always Disabilities are protective
 
37)

What dual stance should guide work with these parents?
 
Punishment and removal Accountability and compassion Silence and neutrality Legal action only
 
38)

In treating intertwined interpersonal and behavioral issues, what comes first?
 
Co-regulation Skills training Meaning-making Punishment
 
39)

In the sequence for healing, what comes first?
 
Safety Relationship Practice Punishment
 
40)

What is good therapy mostly about?
 
Keeping gentle promises Clever techniques Strict rules Quick fixes