When an adult is accused of being physically or mentally abusive toward a child, they can face serious consequences. A child abuse conviction is already devastating for a family; however, it can further negatively impact the accused individual in several ways. One way that a child abuse conviction can affect an abuser’s life is their employability.
Types of Child Abuse Charges
An adult can be charged with various types of child abuse. These charges vary from neglectful to violent types of abuse, including:
- Assault
- Discipline
- Sexual Abuse
- Neglect
- Threats
Each of these charges has an impact on the convicted party’s employment opportunities.
Effects on Employment
The adult convicted of child abuse charges in New Jersey must be put on the state child abuse registry. This can negatively impact employment due to the frequency of background checks during the interview process. A background check on a potential employee will yield their name on the child abuse registry, impacting their ability to obtain a job.
Child abuse charges can also disqualify an adult from obtaining a job in specific fields, especially fields that work with children. Schools tend to perform background checks on all school employees, including teachers, substitute teachers, cafeteria workers, and bus drivers. Similarly, those working in childcare may also face disqualifications. In New Jersey, childcare centers are required to have a Certification of Life/Safety Approval. In order to obtain this certification, all regular childcare staff members over the age of 18 must fulfill a background check to notify the employer of one’s status on the child abuse registry. This will disqualify the worker from working in a childcare facility. Nurses can also be disqualified if they are found to be on the child abuse registry.
Other Penalties for Child Abuse Convictions
Child abuse convictions do not only affect job opportunities, they can also bring other penalties that include fines, jail time, or probation. An adult convicted of child abuse might have to pay thousands of dollars in fines. They may also face jail time, including a year for a misdemeanor conviction and 10 years for a felony. The convicted adult may face up to a year or more of probation. Those who are wrongfully convicted of child abuse should contact a DCPP lawyer to develop a strong defense.
New Jersey DCPP Lawyers at the Law Offices of Theodore J. Baker Help Those Accused of Child Abuse
If you were wrongfully accused of child abuse, contact a New Jersey DCPP lawyer at the Law Offices of Theodore J. Baker. Our lawyers will develop a strong case and defend your rights. For an initial consultation, contact us online or call us at 856-795-9400 today. Located in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, we proudly serve clients throughout South Jersey, including Haddonfield, Marlton, Medford, Moorestown, Mount Laurel, and Voorhees.
