cutsie215@... asked this question on 4/20/2000:

what is the punishment for abusing a child

courtneysmom gave this response on 4/20/2000:

Dear cutsie215:

The punishment varies from state to state, and depends on severity of the abuse. Some parents only need parenting skills that teach parents how to cope with difficulties in raising children. These classes teach them ways to handle stress and teach them how to administer age appropriate discipline without engaging in behavior that could harm their children. Others, however, have their children put into a family members home, so the children can remain with family and at the same time be safe. Others, are removed from the custody of the parent for a short while (until they get whatever help is prescribed or other treatment) or permanently. If the abuse to the child is extremely severe, a parent can be incarcerated in a jail or prison for various lengths of time. If the abuse resulted in death, a parent could get a life sentence in prison or be executed by death. So, there is not one consise answer to your question that fits every case. Child abuse is a complex and heartwrenching phenomenon. It is truly sad the question even has to be asked. Thank you for your question. Hope this helped a bit.

courtneysmom