Children and Teens Program

• on the face, lips and mouth.
• in various states of healing (bruises of different colors, for example, or old and new scars together).
• on large areas of the torso, back, buttocks or thighs.
• in clusters, forming regular patterns, or reflective of the article used to inflict them (electrical cord; belt buckle).
• on several different surface areas (indicating the child has been hit from different directions).
• appearing as identical marks on both sides of the body.

• cigar or cigarette burns, especially on the soles of the feet, palms, back or buttocks.
• immersion or "wet" burns, including glove- or sock-like burns and doughnut-shaped burns on the buttocks or genitalia.
• patterned or "dry" burns which show a clearly defined mark left by the instrument used to inflict them (e.g. electrical burner).
• rope burns on the arms, legs, neck or torso.

• to the skull, nose or facial feature.
• in various stages of healing (indicating they occurred at different times).
• multiple or spiral fractures.
• swollen or tender limbs.
• any fracture in a child under the age of two.
• Unexplained Lacerations and Abrasions, including:
• to the mouth, lips, gums or eyes.
• to the external genitalia.
• on the backs of the arms, legs or torso.

• swelling of the abdomen.
• localized tenderness.
• constant vomiting.

• be wary of physical contact with adults (avoid or shrink away from any adult's touch).
• display extreme behavior (extreme aggressiveness or extreme withdrawal).
• fear his/her parents.
• fear going home, or cry when it is time to leave a protected environment.
• report injuries.
• seem anxious to please and to let others say and do things to him/her without protest.
• frequently be late or absent from school.
• consistently arrive early to school or stay long after it is time to go home.
• wear extra clothing to conceal injuries.
• give unbelievable explanations for his/her injuries or claim no knowledge of the source of injuries.
• seek more than an average amount of affection from other adults.
• exhibit habit disorders (sucking, rocking, biting or eating disorders).
• have lags in emotional and intellectual development.

• use harsh discipline which does not fit the "offense" or the age of the child.
• complain that the child cries too much or "causes trouble."
• be angry or defensive when asked about problems concerning the child, or appear uninterested and unconcerned.
• offer illogical or unconvincing explanations for a child's injuries.
• appear cold or unloving toward the child.
• misuse drugs or alcohol.
• believe in harsh, physical discipline as the only way to control the child.

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