Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting
Fractures and Child Abuse
Fractures are the second most common injury in child physical abuse. Certain fractures have high specificity as indicators of abuse. Common but low specificity indicates typical presentation in childhood without consistent or significant evidence of child abuse.
High specificity
- Classic metaphyseal lesions
- Rib fractures, especially posterior
- Scapular fractures
- Spinous process fractures
- Sternal fractures
- Any infant with an unexplained fracture
Moderate specificity
- Multiple fractures, especially bilateral
- Fractures of different ages (history of fractures over time)
- Epiphyseal separations
- Vertebral body fractures and subluxations
- Digital fractures
- Complex skull fractures
Common but low specificity
- Subperiosteal new bone formation
- Clavicular fractures
- Long bone shaft fractures, unless child pre-ambulatory
- Linear skull fractures
Definition of Child Abuse and Neglect in Oregon
Every state has laws in place to define and protect children from abuse and neglect. Oregon's definitions and resources can be referenced through the Department of Human Services
By Oregon law, PTAs are Mandatory Reporters of child and elder abuse and neglect. If a licensed PTA suspects abuse/neglect, there is a legal obligation to report the alleged abuse to law enforcement or the Department of Human Services.
80,683 reports of abuse and neglect were received.
43,976 reports were referred for investigation.
7,063 referrals were founded for abuse or neglect—involving 11,077 victims.
45.1 percent of victims were younger than 6 years old.
10.1% of referrals were from medical professionals
There were 1479 incidents of child abuse and neglect cases in Lane County; 1182 incidents of child abuse and neglect cases in Jackson County, and 345
incidents of child abuse and neglect cases in Josephine County.
Oregon Department of Human Services. 2017 Child Welfare Data Book. State of Oregon. Web 2 April 2019.
Guidelines to responding and reporting to accounts of abuse are found on the Oregon Department of Human Services website.
PTAs can access the "Report Child Abuse and Neglect" link to identify local child welfare offices by county in order to expedite the reporting process.