3.2
We Care...
by knowing the types and signs of child abuse and neglect
Imminent Risk
Defined by PA law as: A situation* where abuse has not yet occurred but by definition was "ready to take place." Risk may be defined as a dangerous element or factor. Law and policy about imminent risk exists to protect children who would have been abused if not for happenstance, third-party intervention, or for the actions of the child.
*Does not need to be recent to be required to report.
In order to substantiate an act or failure to act as imminent risk, the allegation must pertain to serious physical injury or sexual abuse or exploitation. Serious mental injury and serious physical neglect do not apply.
Signs of Imminent Risk
These examples illustrate situations where an adult knew or should have known a child could be at risk and failed to exercise appropriate judgment to protect that child.
- An adult fires a gun toward a child but misses only because the child got out of the way.
- A parent leaves a child in the care of a known sex offender, but a neighbor walks in before abuse occurred.
- A parent or adult leaves a child unattended in an extremely hot or extremely cold car.
What it could look like:
While wiping down tables in the cafeteria, you overhear a 16-year-old girl telling a friend about an incident with her father. She says her father was drinking and got so angry with her that he grabbed his hunting rifle and shot at the girl.
She brags about her ability to "duck the shot," and run. You let the girl know you heard her, and ask if the story is actually true. She becomes a little more somber and says, "Yes."