Was your child physically or sexually abused by a daycare worker in Utah? Please call us today at 1-877-403-9378 for a free consultation with our attorneys so that we can discuss your legal options moving forward.
A daycare center is supposed to be a safe space for children whose parents are attending to different responsibilities. It is also supposed to be a place where young kids can learn and socialize with other kids for a few hours a day. Daycare centers are a dime a dozen in every suburban area, and parents are often spoiled for choice.
That being said, daycare centers differ when it comes to their culture as well as management. It is important for you as a parent to carry out adequate research when finding a new daycare, and also to be acutely aware of any signs which may point to physical, sexual, or emotional abuse occurring at the daycare.
Daycare Centers Require Skilled Workers
Daycare centers are required to hire squeaky clean individuals who love children and are patient with them. This doesn’t always happen. Some less-scrupulous day care owners (wanting to save on costs) will sometimes fail in their duties to conduct extensive background checks, and may require little to no educational qualifications of their employees.
Children need someone they can trust. On top of that, they need a firm but gentle hand as well as someone that is patient. A daycare worker who doesn’t possess these qualities (by virtue of lack of experience or them not being innate personality traits) will have a hard time controlling their temper and behavior around children. As a result, they may resort to physical violence, bulling, intimidation and even sexual, mental and emotional abuse. In addition, some of these people may be hardened and unapologetic criminals who have prior convictions that were conveniently missed by management during the hiring process.
Signs of Daycare Abuse
Daycare abuse is multi-faceted and complicated. That being said, you as a parent should be keen and notice your child’s behavior at all times, especially if you sense they are not in the best head space. Things that may point to abuse include night terrors, belligerent or defiant behavior, bedwetting, an unusual interest in sexual matters, refusal to go back to daycare, unexplained bruises and cuts, welts and blisters as well as difficulty using the bathroom. Click here for a full list of warning signs.
Daycare Abuse in Utah – The Consequences
Daycare abuse in Utah is a serious issue with long-standing consequences. Since a child’s future is shaped by his or her formative experiences, children who are abused will have a hard time reaching developmental milestones and may carry the trauma for decades, which will eventually hold them back from achieving their dreams and goals.
Daycare abuse usually affects more than one child, and your actions could help save other children under their care. The perpetrator, if not stopped, will continue to abuse other children. This makes it all the more important that you file a police report as soon as you suspect abuse.
While parents do not have a say in whether or not police decide to file criminal charges against the abuser, they do have one more avenue for pursuing justice; a civil lawsuit. You have the right to seek compensation from the daycare facility to cover your related damages such as therapy, medical bills, and even alternative child care. To discuss your legal options with a daycare abuse attorney today, call us at 1-877-403-9378 for a free consultation.
1 Comment
Hello I am reaching out from Layton Utah in regards to a situation that happened on Hill AFB. My daughter is 2 years old. I was notified on March 24th that there is an investigation open for 2 daycare teachers using physical aggression and for physical maltreatment on my daughter. I was interviewed by OSI today march 30th 2023. Where I was asked about my daughters behavior any changes or concerns. They described what was on the footage but said they could not show me as it was classified as evidence. I do believe my daughter has suffered severely from emotional distress from this incident and would like to know what my rights are against this case.