Every day, nearly four children die because of abuse and neglect; 1,400 such deaths occurred in 2002. Children younger than one year accounted for 41.2% of these fatalities, and 76.1% of the children who died were younger than 4. Many experts believe the number of abuse- and neglect-related deaths may be much higher than the official figures.

In 2001, Child Protective Service (CPS) agencies investigated more than 3.25 million reports of child abuse and neglect throughout the United States. This is an increase of 2 percent from the previous year. Teachers, law enforcement officers, social service workers and physicians made 56 percent of the reports.

Based on data reported by CPS agencies in 2001, it is estimated that nationwide, 2,000 children died as a result of abuse or neglect. based on this number, five to six children die each day as a result of child abuse or neglect. Of these fatalities, 85 percent were children younger than six-years-old at the time of their death, and 44 percent were under the age of one.

State and federal laws define what forms of child abuse and neglect must be reported to authorities. These definitions vary from state to state. The CWLA Standards for Services for Abused or Neglected Children and Their Families provide the following generally accepted definitions of child maltreatment: Physical Abuse. Physical acts by parents or caregivers that cause, or could have caused, physical injury to the child. Neglect.

Suspected abuse or neglect of children may be reported 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at (215) 683-6100 (TTY), or to the State Hotline, at (800) 932-0313.

The reasons for this drop in both the number of children reported and in the number of cases where abuse or neglect was substantiated probably varies from state to state. In some jurisdictions, it may be the result of changes in state policies or procedures for handling child abuse reports rather than an actual decrease in the number of children reported and maltreated.

The Department of Children's Services encourages everyone to report suspected child abuse and neglect. The exception is those professions that have an inherent responsibility to report by virtue of their positions, and thus they are mandated to report suspected child abuse and neglect. Mandated reporters are those individuals who in the course of their work come in contact with families and children. The following professionals are Mandated reporters (Penal Code Section 11165.

Ohio statistics show more than half of all reports of elder abuse involve elderly who abuse or neglect themselves. This often happens among elderly who live alone. Elderly persons may keep living alone even though it places them at risk. They may refuse or be unable to move to the home of a child or relative or to a nursing home. This presents a problem for family and friends.

The Department of Children's Services encourages everyone to report suspected child abuse and neglect. The exception is those professions that have an inherent responsibility to report by virtue of their positions, and thus they are mandated to report suspected child abuse and neglect. Mandated reporters are those individuals who in the course of their work come in contact with families and children. The following professionals are Mandated reporters (Penal Code Section 11165.

A As used in Title 19 Children's Code of the Colorado Revised Statutes, "Abuse" or "child abuse or neglect", as used in part 3 of article 3 of this title, means an act or omission in one of the following categories that threatens the health or welfare of a child: Any case in which a child exhibits evidence of skin bruising, bleeding, malnutrition, failure to thrive, burns, fracture of any bone, subdural hematoma, soft tissue swelling, or death and either: Such condition or death is not justifiab.

In Siskiyou County, call the Child Abuse Hotline at (530) 842-7009. You can also contact the Children's Services office at (530) 841-4200 during regular business hours. If you suspect a child is in immediate danger, call law enforcement at 911. If the abuse is occurring in another county or state, call the child protective services agency for that area.

Government CPS agencies, law enforcement, and the courts all carry statutory mandates to respond to the concerns of abused and neglected children and their families. Other government services, including certain public assistance programs, mental health, juvenile justice, public health, and substance abuse supplement the work of these mandated agencies. Community-based programs provide placements for abused and neglected children and their parents.

Elder abuse is a term that refers to any knowing, intentional, or negligent act by a caregiver or any other person that causes harm, or a serious risk of harm, to a vulnerable adult. In California, anyone age 65 or older is protected by a special set of laws called The Elder Adult and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act ("The Elder Abuse Act"), which is a powerful set of laws designed to help prevent neglect and abuse to California seniors. (Welf & I C 15600 et seq.

If you suspect abuse or neglect of a child it should be reported to Arizona Child Protective Services at 1-888-767-2445.

It is difficult to imagine that any person would intentionally inflict harm on a child. Many times, physical abuse is a result of excessive discipline or physical punishment that is inappropriate for the child's age. The parent may simply be unaware of the magnitude of force with which he or she strikes a child. Most parents want to be good parents but sometimes lose control and are unable to cope.

Note: Parents are the most frequent child abusers. But other guardians, e.g., parents' friends, relatives, may also be involved.) UNMET EMOTIONAL NEEDS: Parents who can't relate well to other adult may expect children to take care of parents, satisfy their need for love, protection, self-esteem. FREQUENT CRISES: Financial, job, legal problems, major illness, etc., can cause a parent to "take it out" on a child.

Each type of abuse has its consequences on children. However, the following are common consequences of child abuse:

The best way to protect children from abuse is to educate children and parents about child abuse. However, if you suspect a child abuse case, you should report it to the Family Protection Department in your region.

In addition to filing a complaint with the Department of Health, you should consider contacting us or another lawyer experienced in nursing home litigation to discuss your legal options. Attorneys Carolyn Lavecchia and Josh Silverman are experienced at representing victims of nursing home abuse and neglect including malnutrition and dehydration. You are welcome to contact us.

The amount of pain and swelling is a good clue. If you are unable to walk properly and need to use crutches, you may have a serious injury. To determine the extent of the injury, you should be examined by a sports physician.

If you are "sore", you have probably sustained an injury. Consult your doctor as soon as possible following the accident. If you simply "tough-it-out" and do not see your doctor, you give the insurance company the ability to deny that you were injured in the accident.

Not necessarily. Nearly all cases are settled. Sometimes they are settled during trial or often well before the trial begins and many times at mediation.

Thankfully, we have never had a student seriously injured on one of our Teen Spanish and Surf Camps. Every year we have our share of cuts, scraps, bruises and upset stomachs, but no broken bones or life threatening accidents. In each case that was deemed necessary for a student to see a doctor, the parent or guardian has been contacted.

For every emergency including serious injury, the camp will bring the participant to the local hospital near each camp site. Students are transported to a designated local hospital. A camp Staff member will accompany the student to the hospital and will contact the Parents immediately.

You can call our Cruelty line at 407-351-7722, extension 275 or you may e-mail your concern to investigate@ohs-spca.org.

Occasionally, a mandated reporter may be called upon to testify in court. It is rare for a non-mandated reporter to become involved in the court process.

You should immediately notify your service coordinator of your concerns. There are specific statutory requirements under which the regional office operates and responds to allegations of abuse and/or neglect. Each regional office has trained investigators who respond immediately to these circumstances.

While one sign does not necessarily indicate abuse, some tell-tale signs that there could be a problem are: Bruises, pressure marks, broken bones, abrasions, and burns may be an indication of physical abuse, neglect, or mistreatment. Unexplained withdrawal from normal activities, a sudden change in alertness, and unusual depression may be indicators of emotional abuse. Bedsores, unattended medical needs, poor hygiene, and unusual weight loss are indicators of possible neglect.

Each one of us has a responsibility to keep vulnerable elders safe from harm. The laws in most states require helping professions in the front lines -- such as doctors, nurses, and home health providers -- to report suspected abuse or neglect. These professionals are called mandated reporters. Call the Police or 911 immediately if someone you know is in immediate, life-threatening danger.