Battered child syndrome

Alternative names:

battered child; child abuse; non-accidental trauma (NAT); shaken baby; shaken baby syndrome

Treatment:

Physical injuries are treated as appropriate for the specific injury. Counseling or intervention of some type for the parent/s is mandatory. Life threatening abuse or abuse resulting in permanent damage to the infant or child may result in incarceration for the perpetrator. In some cases, the child may be temporarily or permanently removed from further danger.

Many states require that known or suspected child abuse be reported to the police, and reporting is automatic. Child protection services are also notified. The disposition of the child will be determined by the severity of the abuse, the likelihood of recurrence, and other factors. Decisions regarding placement or returning to the home usually are made by the Child Protective Agency through the court system.

Expectations (prognosis):

The child's recovery depends on the severity of the injuries, and the outcome of the family or abuser rests with the authorities. The child protective services generally make every effort to reunite families whenever possible.

Complications:

Physical abuse of a child can lead to severe brain damage, disfigurement, blindness, crippling, and death. Abused individuals my carry emotional scars for a lifetime. Children can be removed permanently from the parents' custody if the parents are the perpetrators and the cause is sufficient to warrant termination of parental rights.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider or protective services if you suspect or know that someone is being abused.