Child abuse and neglect are also known as child maltreatment. These terms refer to any recent act or failure to act by a parent or caregiver that results in harm, the potential for harm, or threat of harm to the child.
The Head Start Program Performance Standards (the Performance Standards) require programs to keep all enrolled children safe. The Performance Standards on child abuse and neglect align with the federal child abuse and prevention law known as the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA). Programs must also follow state, territorial, Tribal, and local laws related to child abuse and neglect. Programs should follow the stricter regulation.
Keeping children safe includes strengthening relationships with families to help them manage stress. Caregiver stress increases the risk of abuse. A program-wide culture of safety sets an expectation that everyone who works or volunteers in a Head Start program will follow the Standards of Conduct and make sure children are always supervised and are never maltreated.
Head Start Health Services Competencies
- CFH-1 A Believe that children and families have the right to be healthy and safe.
- CFH-2 A Acknowledge the importance of safe, responsive, and nurturing relationships for healthy social and emotional development.
- CFH-26 S Ensure staff implement health and safety practices, including daily health checks.
- EF-2 K Understand how the attitudes, beliefs, and traditions of individuals from different backgrounds affect health practices.
- L-10 S Develop, disseminate, review, and update program health and safety policies and procedures.
Head Start Program Performance Standards Related to Child Abuse and Neglect
Social Determinants of Health Considerations
Social determinants of health (SDOH) are the conditions in a person’s environment that can affect their health. SDOH include income, education, health care, neighborhood, and social and community context. Negative SDOH related to these factors can increase the risk of child abuse and neglect. For example, financial stress is a known risk factor for child maltreatment. Families living in poverty are more likely to experience chronic stress, which can increase the risk of neglect and abuse. While poverty is a risk factor, it is not the same as neglect. For example, families may need help buying winter coats or sneakers. They are not neglecting their child’s basic needs if they don’t have the money to buy clothes for their children.
Families without stable social supports may have more difficulty meeting their family’s basic needs. Parents with less education or limited health literacy may have trouble getting health and mental health care. It is important to be familiar with the health practices of Head Start families. One example is cupping therapy. This alternative medicine approach can cause bruising and skin discoloration. These practices are not a form of child abuse.
