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Child neglect and psychological abuse

Treatment: Treatment of the abused child may include nutritional therapy and mental health. Removing the child from the home may be necessary to protect the child from further abuse. Text Continues Below Anyone with suspicion of this form of child abuse should report the matter to Child Protective Services or the police. Health care workers, school employees and child care professionals are mandated by law to report suspected abuse. The goal of child protective agencies is to reunite families after the abuser has received help. Treatment for abusers may involve parenting classes and mental health and medical treatment for mental illness, alcohol, or street drugs. Support Groups: There are many support groups available for both abusers and abused children, including: Prevent Child Abuse America 200 S. Michigan Avenue 17th Floor Chicago, IL 60604-2404 312-663-3520 www.preventchildabuse.org Expectations (prognosis): With treatment, most children and parents can be reunited as a family. Long-term outcome depends on the severity of abuse, length of abuse, success of both child and adult psychotherapy, and how well parenting classes worked. Complications: As in all forms of child abuse, severe injury or death are possible. Other long-term problems may include a lack of self confidence, depression, rebellious behavior, and becoming an abuser during adulthood. Calling your health care provider: Call your primary health care provider if a child is appears depressed, is losing weight, or is not growing or developing normally. Remember that suspected child abuse of any form must be reported to the authorities.

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