Our second interview we did was at the NY Center for Children. We interviewed Sarah McNamara, the senior social worker there. This organization provide therapy, medical, and recreational services to kids who’ve been abused in any way, such as; sexually, physically, emotionally, and psychiatrically. They also work with victims of neglect. It is a non-for-profit organization, and a large amount of its budget comes from donations. When we arrived, we sat in a waiting room and waited for Sarah to come out of her meeting. Once Sarah was ready for us, we headed into a large meeting room, filled with holiday gifts for children who’s parents couldn’t afford gifts. Our interview had a large focus on corporal punishment vs abuse, discussing the types of child abuse and how to diagnose it by the visible signs. I was very surprised and upset by the corporal punishment laws for New York because I thought they would be more severe. Sarah told us that you (as a parent) are legally allowed to hit your child with your open hand and the leather tip of a belt as long as it doesn’t leave a mark. If it leaves an injury, it is categorized abuse. You cannot hit your child with closed hands or any other object. If you use corporal punishment excessively or unnecessarily, you can be charged with excessive corporal punishment. I thought this was ridiculous because I have always thought hitting your child at all is abusive. Abuse shouldn’t be verified and assessed by what it looks like, but what it feels to the child. Emotional abuse can cause physiological problems even if it doesn’t cause any physical injuries. I’m frustrated because I can’t change the laws of child discipline. My group and I are going to research more of the New York state laws of child discipline, in addition to looking up some of the court cases against child abuse. For our teach-in, I think we should share the New York state law.
