Child Abuse and NeglectAccording to the Washington Statue ??Abuse or Neglect? means the sexual abuse, sexual exploitation or injury of a child by any person in circumstances that harm the health, well-being or safety of the child? or the negligent treatment or abuse of a child by a person responsible for or providing care to the child. (N/A, 2016). Signs of possible child abuse include, but are not limited to, a sudden change in behavior, untreated medical problems, difficulty in school, lack of attention from adults, the child finding excuses to stay far from home. Parents may also show signs, such as showing little interest in the child, blaming the child for their problems. The parent may ask the teacher to inflict severe punishment on a child and find harsh treatment acceptable. The teacher must be aware of all the signs and must take action. As a teacher, you are required by law to report child abuse. According to the Department of Health and Human Services (2016), here are some steps to follow when reporting child abuse. The first and most important action is to be able to recognize abuse. The second is to collect information. The information to be collected is the child's name and age, as well as the name of a guardian, an address, and the degree of abuse or neglect. Is there prior knowledge of other events? Is there anything else you need to know that could affect the child or affect their safety, health or otherwise? If the parents have already been reported, how did they react to the incident? Is the child of Native American origin? The most important information is YOUR NAME. Submission of the document cannot take place without your name...... middle of paper ...... belief that life is meaningless, giving away one's possessions and/or dropping out of school. ? (Recognizing and Responding to the Warning Signs of Suicide: A Guide for Teachers and School Personnel, 2016) The teacher must be prepared to ask difficult questions to reach these students and be prepared to take action. Being prepared means knowing the school's suicide policy. suicide prevention, being persistent and never leaving the student alone, talking to parents, calling 911 if necessary, finding someone who can help you and the student. Call national helplines? Call SAMHSA's National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and follow their advice. » (Suicide Prevention, 2016). Being prepared for any emergency situation is essential to all lifesaving efforts and knowing what to look for in a suicidal person could mean the difference between life and death..