Walk It Through: The Bruises on the Boy
A neighbor's child with injuries, an immediate call, a report that is everyone's duty, and an older neighbor's money.
A woman in Dover notices fresh bruises on the boy next door, who says he is afraid to go home.
Two things a person in this spot might do. Picking one shows what the law says about it.
Reports of abuse by a neighbor. The investigation that follows, foster care, and guardianship of the older adult are not worked through here.
A practice walkthrough, not a prediction of how any real one will go. Legal information, not legal advice.
Words this turns on
Terms with a legal meaning that is narrower than the everyday one. Each links to the definition and the authority behind it.
- Physical injuryThe harm that makes assault in the third degree, a class A misdemeanor, and with a deadly weapon or a victim 62 or older, the second degree.
- Report of child abuseA report every person who knows or suspects child abuse makes to the Department.
- Impaired adultAn adult 18 or older whose disability substantially impairs their ability to care for themselves, whose need for protection is reported to the Department.