Children and Family Services

Every Family's Concern

Questions Parents/Guardians most often ask about abuse and Neglect.

1. WHAT IS CHILD ABUSE?

Answer:  There are different types of child abuse and they are as follows:

• PHYSICAL ABUSE - Physical abuse is non-accidental injury or pattern of injury by a parent or caregiver.

• NEGLECT - Physical neglect means that a parent or caregiver  (for reasons other than poverty) is not meeting the basic physical needs of the child.

• SEXUAL ABUSE - Sexual abuse includes fondling, masturbation, oral or anal sex, sexual intercourse, pornography and forced prostitution.

• EMOTIONAL ABUSE - Emotional abuse involves consistent berating and rejection treatment, scapegoating of a child and bizarre/cruel ritualistic forms of punishment (locking a child in a closet, tying a child to a bedpost) by the parent or caregiver.

   2.    WHO SHOULD REPORT?

Answer: 

• Any person who has reason to suspect a child is being abused or neglected can report.  There are many professionals that are required to report by law.

   3.    WHO DO I REPORT TO?

Answer: 

• Between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. call Langlade County Department of Social Services (627-6500) and ask to speak with an intake worker.  After hours contact the Langlade County Sheriff's Department (627-6411).

   4.    WHEN I REPORT WHAT WILL I BE ASKED?

Answer:

• The child's name, age, address, phone number, names of  parents, siblings, or other people in the home.

• To describe what you say or suspect and information about who abused the child.

• The current location and condition of the child.

• About the child's parents/guardians and how they can be located.

• Any other relevant information.

   5.    WHAT HAPPENS IF SOMEONE REFERS MY CHILD?

Answer: 

• Once a report of child abuse or neglect is made to LANGLADE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES a decision is made to assign the case.  Then a child protective service worker will then make contact with the child and parents.

   6.    WHY DOES CHILD ABUSE OCCUR?

          Answer:  There is no one single cause, but research tells us that many things can happen to families that can influence the was children are treated.  The factors that place a family "at risk" for abuse include:

              1.  Living in a society that tolerated violence,

              2.  Economic pressures and poverty,

              3.  Having a family history of child abuse, 

              4.  Limited opportunity for parent education, 

              5.  alcohol and drug use, 

              6.  isolation from other family members, or friends, 

              7.  development delays, 

              8.  inadequate community resources and opportunities and 

              9.  the family's ability to cope.

  7.    WHAT CAN BE DONE TO PREVENT CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT?

         Answer:  There is much that can be done to prevent child abuse and neglect.  If you suspect that someone is being abused or neglected the following suggestions may stop the abuse.

1. Spend time with the child.

2. Give the parents a break.

3. Talk with the family about the situation.

4. Involve other professionals in the situation.

5.  If all else fails, a report of child abuse or neglect may need to be made.

         If you have felt yourself losing control with a child, the following tips may assist you:

1. Take a time-out.  Make sure that your child is in a safe place and take a break away from your child for a few minutes to calm down

2. Talk with other parents

3. Attend parenting classes or a support group.

For more information on preventing child abuse and neglect go to www.preventchildabuse.org.