Problem
Anne is 10 years old, lives in a major metropolitan U.S. city, and is currently in fourth grade. Today, during gym class.
Anne's teacher notices several large bruises on all of Anne's arms and legs and that her clothing is torn and dirty. When the teacher questions Anne about how she got the bruises, Anne replies, "I fell on the playground." The teacher reports the bruising to the school principal. The teacher and the principal request Anne's mother to attend a conference after school.
During the conference, Anne's mother is difficult to communicate with. She appears to be intoxicated but denies having had anything to drink. She is also very defensive, stating that Anne is a clumsy, lazy child and that Anne lies to get attention. The mother denies that anyone has physically hurt Anne. During the conference, Anne sits next to her mother but does not make eye contact with anyone in the room, nor does she speak. When questioned as to why Anne's father could not attend the conference, Anne's mother replies that he was too tired because he works two jobs and has to sleep during the day. Anne and her mother leave the conference, and Anne is not in school the next day. As Anne's teacher, you are a mandated reporter, which means that you must notify authorities of suspected cases of child abuse and neglect. You are very concerned about Anne, but you are not sure whether what you have observed rises to the level of abuse or neglect.
• List the rationale of Anne being abused, including signs or symptoms, parental concerns, and contacts with Anne.
• What would be said In a recommendation to your principal about whether or not you should contact Child Welfare Services.