Certified Case Manager Practice Test

What constitutes abuse toward a child?

1. A failure to provide educational opportunities

2. Any willful act causing physical, emotional, or sexual harm

3. Neglecting hygiene practices

4. A lack of sleep and routine

The correct answer is: Any willful act causing physical, emotional, or sexual harm

The definition of abuse toward a child encompasses actions that actively harm the child, which includes physical, emotional, or sexual harm. This option directly addresses the willful intent behind such acts, indicating not just any harm, but specifically those that are deliberate and inflicted upon the child. In the context of child welfare, recognizing abuse is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of children. This type of harm can manifest in various forms—physical abuse may include hitting or causing injury; emotional abuse can involve verbal assaults, constant criticism, or rejection; and sexual abuse encompasses any inappropriate sexual behavior toward a child. The other choices highlight issues related to child care but do not encapsulate the broad and serious implications of abuse. For example, while failing to provide educational opportunities or neglecting hygiene are serious matters that can lead to neglect, they don’t necessarily imply the direct, willful intent to harm, which is central to the understanding of abuse. Similarly, a lack of sleep and routine can reflect poor caregiving or environmental issues but again falls outside the definition of abuse as it does not indicate an active harm inflicted upon the child. Therefore, the emphasis on willful acts of harm in option B makes it the correct answer.