Once a report of suspected child abuse or neglect has been made, an investigation is necessary to determine: (1) if the report is accurate and (2) if the child is in danger. Investigations of suspected abuse and neglect are typically conducted by child protection workers; however, in some areas law enforcement officers are responsible for investigation of such reports.

The first responsibility of the investigator is to assess the level of danger to the child and, if necessary, take immediate steps to ensure the child's safety. Situations such as those listed below suggest a child is in immediate danger:

-           The maltreatment in the home, present or potential, is such that a child could suffer permanent damage to body or mind if left there.

-           Although a child is in immediate need of medical or psychiatric care, the parents refuse to obtain it.

-           A child's physical and/or emotional damage is such that the child needs an extremely supportive environment in which to recuperate.

-           A child's sex, age, physical or mental condition renders the child incapable of self-protection--or for some reason constitutes a characteristic the parents find completely intolerable.

-           Evidence suggests that the parents are torturing the child or systematically resorting to physical force, which bears no relation to reasonable discipline.

-           The physical environment of the home poses an immediate threat to the child.

-           Evidence suggests that parental anger and discomfort with the investigation will be directed toward the child in the form of severe retaliation against him or her.

-           Evidence suggests that the parent or parents are so out of touch with reality that they cannot provide for the child's basic needs.

-           Evidence suggests that a parent's physical condition poses a threat to the child.

-           The family has a history of hiding the child from outsiders.

-           The family has a history of prior incidents or allegations of abuse or neglect.

-           The parents are completely unwilling to cooperate in the investigation or to maintain contact with any social agency and may flee the jurisdiction.

-           The parent or parents abandon the child.

The investigation centers on allegations specified in the report of suspected abuse. While evidence of other maltreatment may be collected in the course of an investigation it is important to determine the accuracy of each allegation contained in the original report.

A typical investigation begins with a check of available records to see if the child or family has been the subject of other investigations. The child protection worker may then interview the child, family, the alleged abuser (if not a family member) and others who may have special knowledge of the child or family.

It is usually best that a child be interviewed alone to minimize embarrassment or intimidation; however, in some cases a parent or other trusted adult may facilitate questioning. Though parental permission is not required to interview a child concerning suspected abuse or neglect, a parent should be notified that the child will be interviewed. When sexual abuse is suspected it is recommended that the interviewer and child be of the same gender.

Children are frequently reluctant to discuss alleged abuse with a stranger. Interviewers should make every attempt to put the child at ease. A child may need to be reassured that he or she has done nothing wrong and will not be punished. Criticism of the parent(s) may cause the child to become defensive and uncooperative with the interviewer. As much as possible, children should be allowed to tell their own story in their own words, without leading questions, prompts or undue pressure. Some child protection workers have found anatomically correct dolls useful in interviewing young children who are thought to have been sexually abused.

Reliving abuse through an interview can be traumatic for a child. Often child protection workers, law enforcement officers, lawyers and judges can combine questioning into one interview, thereby reducing trauma to the child. In some cases videotaped interviews may be used as evidence in court.

Direct observation of any injuries is an essential part of an interview. If it is necessary for the child to remove his or her clothing, care should be taken to explain the reasons for disrobing in a nonthreatening, careful manner. In some cases it may be necessary to have the child examined by a physician to determine the existence and extent of injury.

Care must be given to explain to the child both the purpose of the interview and what to expect next. The child's questions should be answered truthfully and in language appropriate to his or her age.

Adults should be informed of the reason for the interview and their legal rights with regard to the investigation. When possible, family members should be interviewed both separately and as a group. Separate interviews allow the child protection worker to compare accounts of an incident and may encourage the interviewee to share information more freely. Observing the family together often supplies important data on family interaction patterns.

Parents accused of abuse and neglect are often hostile and uncooperative. Interviewers who convey a neutral attitude toward the alleged abuse and who avoid direct confrontation are often successful in securing a reasonable level of cooperation. Keeping the focus on the child's welfare and asking open-ended questions are also useful strategies for soliciting necessary information. The child protection worker must be supportive of parents without appearing to condone inappropriate behavior.

Direct observation of a child's environment can supply useful information. Cleanliness of the home, presence of nutritious food, cooking and sanitary facilities, adequate sleeping arrangements, lighting, heat and water are all important.

Behavior of the child and family members should also be observed. An angry outburst or emotional coldness toward a child may belie a parent's description of a close relationship with the child. Secondary information may be obtained from medical, school and police records. These kinds of data can help verify information obtained from interviews and observation.

A medical or mental health evaluation of a child may help identify or confirm evidence of abuse or neglect.

Observable physical evidence of injury should be documented with carefully taken photographs. Photographs should be identified accurately (name of subject, time, location, age etc.) and should include distinguishing features that allow identification of the child as well as a clear view of the injury itself. Color film is preferred to black and white. Infrared film may increase visibility of injuries where dark skin coloring inhibits clear observation of trauma. Production of photographs that are acceptable as evidence in court requires the careful attention of a skilled photographer.

After all relevant information has been collected the investigator must make a decision concerning the accuracy of the alleged abuse or neglect and the need for further intervention.

The investigator may conclude that abuse or neglect exists, does not exist or that further information is necessary to make a determination. When abuse or neglect is substantiated interventions vary depending on the level of risk to the child, the child's needs and the family's willingness to cooperate. If the family refuses to cooperate, a court order may be necessary to ensure treatment. In some cases the investigator may conclude that abuse or neglect does not exist but that services should be offered to the family.

Free term papers are not written to satisfy your specific instructions. You can use our professional writing services to buy a custom written research paper, term paper, or essay on Child Abuse at affordable price. CustomTermPapers is the best solution for those who seek help in writing term papers, essays, and research papers related to Child Abuse and other relevant topics.