Question

You, an investigator (for the purposes of this assignment), are called to a local daycare. When you get there, one of the daycare workers leads you to a child who is emaciated and dressed in winter clothing (it is July in Mississippi). You also notice that the child has a black eye, bruised and cut lip, and what appears to be a round burn a little bigger than a pencil eraser on the child's neck.

1. How would you proceed with this case? Walk me through the process.
2. What legal evidence will you collect to prove maltreatment/abuse (be specific, e.g., medical, psychological, testimony)?

Answer 1

Here is how I would proceed with investigating this case of suspected child abuse at the daycare facility:

1. Process for investigating the case:

- Secure the scene and ensure the child's immediate safety and wellbeing. Provide any necessary first aid while causing minimal disturbance to potential evidence.

- Interview daycare staff to get details on the child, their behaviors and appearance, and any explanations for injuries. Ask about policies, training, and supervision procedures. Request staff contact info and documentation.

- Consult with child protective services (CPS) to ensure proper protocols are followed for investigation and child custody. Collaborate to conduct interviews, examination, and evidence collection.

- Interview the child in a sensitive, developmentally appropriate way if possible. Use open-ended, non-leading questions to get details on injuries, behaviors, home life, etc.

- Thoroughly photograph and document injuries on body maps. Collect any clothing or objects relevant as evidence. Get consent for full medical exam.

- Visit and assess the child's home environment. Interview parents/guardians on child's behaviors, medical history, explanation of injuries. Assess home conditions and relationships.

- Compile all interviews, photographic evidence, medical evidence, scene assessments into a comprehensive report. Determine if abuse can be established based on evidence or if more investigation is needed.

2. Legal evidence to prove maltreatment:

- Medical evidence of injuries, malnutrition, etc. through doctor's detailed exams, body maps, imaging, tests. Shows injuries were inflicted, not accidental.

- Psychological evidence from interviews with child, parents, teachers. Can help establish emotional abuse, trauma, changes in behavior.

- Eyewitness testimony from daycare staff, parents, others seeing interactions. Provides critical details about specific incidents.

- Photographic evidence clearly documenting injuries, environment. Shows physical signs of abuse over time.

- Social services records detailing any prior concerns or complaints about the child or family. Helps establish pattern of abuse.

- Police reports from any prior domestic incidents or arrests at the home. Can reveal violence in household.

- Expert testimony from doctors, psychologists, social workers interpreting evidence of abuse. Provides professional opinions on findings.