Suburban Law Enforcement Academy (SLEA) BA State Certification Practice Exam

Who can inflict or allow to be inflicted physical injury on a child according to the definition of 'abused child'?

1. Parents or immediate family members

2. School authorities

3. Neighbors or friends

4. Social services

The correct answer is: Parents or immediate family members

The definition of an "abused child" typically includes those who are subjected to physical injury inflicted by parents or immediate family members. This encompasses both acts of direct violence as well as neglect or emotional harm that can also contribute to a child’s suffering. Parents and immediate family members hold a primary role in a child’s life, having a significant degree of responsibility for their well-being and safety. When harm comes from this group, it is particularly concerning, as they are in a position of trust and authority. In contrast, while school authorities and social services may have certain responsibilities regarding child welfare and reporting suspected abuse, they do not have the same direct legal responsibility for inflicting physical injury. Neighbors or friends may have limited influence over a child’s environment but are generally not recognized as having the capacity to inflict abuse in a formal legal sense like parents or family members do. Therefore, the focus on parents or immediate family members aligns with the established definitions in child protection laws regarding abuse.