What is considered harm to a child's welfare that includes physical injury or emotional distress?

The term "harm" encompasses any detrimental effect on a child's welfare, which can include both physical injury and emotional distress. This broad definition allows for the recognition of various forms of abuse and neglect that may affect a child's overall well-being. For instance, physical harm may manifest as injuries sustained through physical abuse, while emotional harm could arise from neglect or emotional abuse that leads to significant psychological distress or trauma.

In the context of child welfare, understanding harm is essential because it guides the identification and reporting of various abusive situations. Harm is not limited to one specific type of abuse; it can occur in multiple forms and may have far-reaching consequences for a child's development and mental health. This general framework helps practitioners and mandated reporters recognize a range of scenarios that may require intervention to protect the child effectively.

Choices like child neglect, institutional abuse, and emotional abuse represent specific categories or types of harm rather than the overarching concept of harm itself.