Abuse Neglect

What Is the Abuse/Neglect Detail

Metro’s Abuse/Neglect Detail investigates allegations of child and elder abuse/neglect, suspicious injuries, as well as all child deaths.

Financial crimes and elder exploitation are handled by Metro’s Fraud unit.

Definitions

Child Abuse/Neglect and Endangerment - A person who willfully causes a child who is less than 18 years of age to suffer unjustifiable physical pain or mental suffering as a result of abuse or neglect or to be placed in a situation where the child may suffer physical pain or mental suffering as the result of abuse or neglect.

Elder and Vulnerable Person Abuse and Neglect - The unjustifiable infliction of physical pain or mental suffering upon a person 60 years of age or older or a vulnerable person (no stated age) or permits or allows the older person or vulnerable person to be placed in a situation where the older person or vulnerable person may suffer physical pain or mental suffering as the result of the abuse or neglect. A vulnerable person is someone who is unable to fully care for themselves due to a physical or mental impairment.

Requirements and Who is a Mandated Reporter

A mandated reporter is a person required by law to report when he /she knows or has reasonable cause to believe that a child is being abused or neglected. The following persons are mandated by law to report suspected incidents of abuse or neglect. If you are part of the below listed activities or professions, you are required to report as soon as possible, but within the next 24 hours:

1. A physician, dentist, dental hygienist, chiropractor, optometrist, podiatric physician, medical examiner, resident, intern, professional or practical nurse, physician assistant licensed pursuant to perfusionist, psychiatrist, psychologist, marriage and family therapist, clinical professional counselor, clinical alcohol and drug abuse counselor, alcohol and drug abuse counselor, clinical social worker, music therapist, athletic trainer, advanced emergency medical technician or other person providing medical services licensed or certified in this State.
2. Any personnel of a hospital or similar institution engaged in the admission, examination, care or treatment of persons or an administrator, manager or other person in charge of a hospital or similar institution upon notification of suspected abuse or neglect of a child by a member of the staff of the hospital.
3. A coroner.
4. A member of the clergy, practitioner of Christian Science or religious healer, unless the person has acquired the knowledge of the abuse or neglect from the offender during a confession.
5. A social worker and an administrator, teacher, librarian or counselor of a school.
6. Any person who maintains or is employed by a facility or establishment that provides care for children, children’s camp or other public or private facility, institution or agency furnishing care to a child.
7. Any person licensed to conduct a foster home.
8. Any officer or employee of a law enforcement agency or an adult or juvenile probation officer.
9. An attorney, unless the attorney has acquired the knowledge of the abuse or neglect from a client who is or may be accused of the abuse or neglect.
10. Any person who maintains, is employed by or serves as a volunteer for an agency or service which advises persons regarding abuse or neglect of a child and refers them to persons and agencies where their requests and needs can be met.
11. Any person who is employed by or serves as a volunteer for a youth shelter..
12. Any adult person who is employed by an entity that provides organized activities for children.

Remember, anyone can and should report incidents of suspected abuse or neglect as soon as possible.

What Should I Do

What should you do if you suspect a child is being abused?
We ask that you call to report as soon as possible but within 24 hours to Child Protective Services at 399-0081 or your local law enforcement agency. Reporters can remain anonymous.

What should you do if you suspect a person 60 years or older is being abused?
We ask that you call to report as soon as possible but within 24 hours to Adult Protective Services at 702-486-6930 or your local law enforcement agency. Reporters can remain anonymous.

What should you do if you suspect a vulnerable person less than the age of 60 years is being abused?
We ask that you call your local law enforcement agency as soon as possible but within 24 hours. Reporters can remain anonymous.

Community Corner

The Abuse/Neglect section regularly takes part in media events and public service announcements related to safe sleep for babies, drowning prevention, and the Choose Your Partner Carefully campaign. Please click on the following links for further information about these programs:

• www.PreventChildAbuseNevada.org
• Safe Sleeping
• The A, B, C & D's of Pool Safety

LVMPD would like to remind all persons responsible for caring for an infant about the importance of safe sleeping for the child.

Please take a moment to view this important safety reminder video, Safe to Sleep.

The following are recommendations by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:

• Always place your baby on his or her back to sleep, for naps and at night. The back sleep position is the safest position for all babies, including preterm babies.
• Dress your baby in light sleep clothing, such as a one-piece sleeper, and do not use a blanket.
• Make sure nothing covers the baby’s head or face.
• Baby should not sleep in an adult bed, on a couch or on a chair alone, with you, or with anyone else.
• Use a firm sleep surface such as a mattress in a safety-approved* crib, covered by a fitted sheet.
• Do not use pillows, blankets, sheepskins or crib bumpers anywhere in your baby’s sleep area.
• Keep soft objects, toys and loose bedding out of your baby’s sleep area.
• Do not smoke or let anyone smoke around your baby.

As an additional precaution, the following is recommended by the Abuse and Neglect Detail of LVMPD:

• As the caregiver, do not fall asleep with the baby in your arms or while breast-feeding the baby.

*For more information on crib safety guidelines, contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission at 1-800-638-2772.

For more information on Safe Sleeping contact the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development at 1-800-505-CRIB (2742).

LVMPD would like to thank you for always ensuring your baby is sleeping safely.

Drug Exposure

Drug use doesn't only affect the person using the substance—it can also place young children at serious risk. Infants and children under the age of five are especially vulnerable to accidental exposure to medications, opioids, marijuana products, and other drugs. Even small amounts can cause severe illness, overdose, or death.

To help protect children:

• Store all medications, marijuana products, and other substances out of reach and out of sight.
• Secure child-resistant caps after every use.
• Educate family members and visitors about safe storage practices.
• Never leave medications, edibles, or drugs unattended where children can access them.

Symptoms of drug exposure may include unusual sleepiness, difficulty breathing, vomiting, seizures, loss of consciousness, or other sudden changes in behavior. If you suspect a child has been exposed to drugs or medication, call 911 immediately in an emergency. For poison-related questions, contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or visit the Get Smart about Drugs website.

Prevention starts with safe storage and awareness. Taking simple precautions can help keep children safe from accidental poisoning and overdose.