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Child Abuse
Child Abuse
Child abuse is the maltreatment of a minor by an adult. It is also referred to as child maltreatment and child neglect and abuse. A child is technically considered a person under the age of 18. Federal law provides a clear definition, identifying minimum sets of acts and/or behaviors that constitute child abuse. The Federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act clearly states that any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or guardian which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse, or exploitation is child abuse. Also, an act or failure to act that presents any risk of serious harm to a minor is considered child maltreatment.
The agencies responsible for investigating child abuse may be run nationally, regionally, or locally. These agencies are called Child Protective Services (CPS) or Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). In the United States, these agencies are associated with health or health and human services. Once an instance of child abuse is reported, a childrens social worker or case worker from CPS or DCFS will investigate the allegations. If investigations reveal that the allegations are correct, the minor will most likely be removed from the home and placed in safe care.
The majority of child abuse cases are treated as felonies. Murder, serious injury to a child, and aggravated sexual assault are 1st degree felonies. These acts are punishable by incarceration for 5 to 99 years or life (minimum of 30 actual years). Sexual assault and indecency with a child by touching/contact are 2nd degree felonies and are punishable by a sentence between 2 and 20 years in prison. Physical injury to a child, indecency with a child by exposure or child pornography possession are 3rd degree felonies. These felonies are punishable by 2 to 10 years imprisonment. Considering the serious nature of these offenses, it is usually mandated that at least half of the sentence be served before the offender is eligible for probation. Currently, 95% of child abuse offenders serve their entire sentence before receiving parole. Offenders may also face fines up to $10,000 and can be sued civilly.
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