Caring For Kids And Their Parents

Child Abuse

Discussion Questions

1. What responsibility does a physician have when it comes to reporting cases of possible abuse to child protection services? How high an index of suspicion is required to initiate such reports?

2. How can you separate your own personal beliefs or attitudes about raising children when you encounter behaviors that are reportable in the United States but perceived as acceptable in other cultures?

3. How did the doctors in the two scenes differ in their approach to a physical exam that is suggestive of physical abuse? Are both approaches acceptable?

4. Might there be situations in which you should call a social worker or social services without informing the parent(s) of your suspicions? What are some examples of such situations? How would you proceed?

5. If the parent were to decline any further workup and wanted to leave and take the child, how would you respond to that situation?

6. Should children who are old enough to provide history be interviewed with or without parents present? If you decided to interview the child without parents present, how would you present that to the parents? What would you do if they refused?

7. In what situations should you admit children who are suspected victims of abuse to the hospital? How would you present that to the parents? What would you do if they refused?

8. What strategies might you employ to try to reassure parents who appear to be overly defensive, hostile, or angry?

9. Since laws regarding the reporting of possible child abuse and the particular agencies involved vary from state to state, how can you learn what laws apply and which agencies are involved in the state in which you are in training or practice?

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