Identifying and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect

Identifying and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect

Introduction

A lot of children and young people who are abused and neglected often incur neglect, exposure to domestic violence and emotional abuse, sexual and physical abuse. Dentists, school teachers, police officers, and psychologists, among other people, are mandated by the state to report all forms of child abuse and neglect (Zeanah & Humphreys, 2018). Whenever there is a reasonable ground to suspect that children are at risk of significant harm, then the law requires one to report such child violations. Reporting child abuse and neglect reflects several principles of professional conduct.

Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect and Specific Principles of Professional Conduct

Reporting child abuse and neglect reflects the principle that outlines the need for teachers to avoid denying or violating students’ legal rights intentionally (FLDOE, n.d). The intentional violation of students’ legal rights can cause emotional or psychological abuse. Just like children and young adolescents, students have their rights, and the rights should not be violated intentionally. Students should have access to their legal rights since the law of the land protects them. Also, reporting child abuse and neglect reflects the principle that specifies the need to withdraw from harassment or discrimination based on one’s race, political beliefs, sexual orientation, family or social background, religion, nationality, age, or gender (FLDOE, n.d). Any educator found in violation of the above provision is bound to face legal charges, and anyone is permitted to report abuses and violations against students based on reasonable grounds.

The principle that highlights that the primary concerns of educators are for the students and the development of their potential is a reflection of reporting child abuse and. This is so since any primary concern of a parent of a guardian is for that of their children (Zeanah & Humphreys, 2018). Further, the professional principle that explains the need for individuals not to expose students to any form of embarrassment reflects reporting child abuse and neglect.

It is uncalled for to expose a child to unnecessary embarrassment, no matter the situation. Unnecessary embarrassments are considered emotional abuse to children. If a guardian or parent is found liable, they can incur huge penalties or jail term, when proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Exploiting relationships with children for personal advantage is not permissible by the law (FLDOE, n.d). Any person found sexually abusing a child is mandated to be reported by the law, and the child should be taken away from their care. The state and federal laws safeguard the rights of children against sexual predators who exploit relationships with children for personal and selfish gains.

Conclusion

From the assignment, it is evident that individuals need to use their professional conduct while dealing with students or underage individuals. The assignment teaches people to act professionally to avoid violating the rights of children. People learn that reporting child abuse and neglect is an act of good faith as it goes a long way in ensuring the welfare of a child’s rights and wellbeing. It can be learned from the assignment that, initiating sexual relations with students is an unlawful act that is prosecuted by the law. Children need to be protected from all forms of physical, psychological, and even sexual abuse and neglect by their guardians, parents, or any other member of society.

In summation, it is important for educators to mandarin professional conduct while in schools. Acting appropriately is a necessity, and any educator who acts in violation of the principles of professional conduct for the education professionals is bound to attract and face criminal charges in courts of the law. Just like students’ rights, the rights of children should be observed, and anyone who violates them should be reported to the authorities for the proper course of action.