Florida DCF CAAN Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

When a caregiver observes that a four-year-old frequently arrives at school with unexplained cuts and bruises, it raises significant concerns about the child's safety and well-being. The presence of such injuries, especially when they are unexplained, can indicate possible abuse or neglect.

Frequent unexplained injuries in a young child can be a warning sign that they may be experiencing physical abuse, where intentional harm is inflicted upon them. Additionally, these injuries may also suggest a neglectful environment where the child's basic needs for safety and care are not being met. In situations involving a child, it is critical to consider both possibilities since neglect might provide an unsafe context in which abuse could occur or go unaddressed.

While normal childhood injuries can happen due to play and exploration, unexplained patterns or frequency raise red flags that warrant further investigation. Similarly, behavioral issues might result from the child's environment but do not directly explain the physical signs of harm.

Thus, the appropriate response for a caregiver in this scenario is to suspect both abuse and neglect, necessitating a careful approach to assess the child's situation and ensure their protection.