preventing and responding to child abuse presented by the children and family violence committee of...
TRANSCRIPT
Preventing and Responding to Child Abuse
Presented by the Children and Family Violence Committee
of the Domestic Violence Council
Welcome!
Preventing and Responding to Child Abuse
Agenda•Legal Obligations
•Recognizing abuse and neglect
•Responding to child abuse disclosures
•Acting on suspected child abuse (reporting)
•Adult responsibilities in helping keep children safe
•Questions and Evaluation
Preventing and Responding to Child Abuse
The Law
•Mandatory Reporting (ORS 419B)
•Training Mandate (SB 379)
•Reporting of Staff (SB 380)
AM
Recognizing Child Abuse•Physical abuse
•Sexual abuse
•Neglect
•Witnessing domestic violence
AJ
See handout:
“Recognizing Possible Abuse”
6
Deciding Whether to Report• Does reasonable cause for suspicion of possible abuse or neglect exist? If yes, call!
•If in doubt, can I check with others? Yes, but only if they are immediately available.
•Can I wait until a more convenient time or until the next day? No, make the call without delay!
•Shouldn’t I be sure before calling? No, let the experts investigate.
•I called before and nothing happened. Why bother? This may be the call that triggers an intervention. Call.
• The law requires that you report without delay.
• YOU must be the one to report!• Inform your supervisor as soon as
possible when you report. Do not delay reporting.
• More than one person can report the same situation.
Responding to Child Abuse Who Reports?
• Emergencies - 911 • Police non-emergency - 682-5111, non-
business hours, suspicions of child crime or out-of-home abuse.
• DHS - 686-7555, 8-5 M-F, in-home abuse suspicions.
• You are only required to call one, but calling both may shorten response time.
Responding to Child Abuse Who to Call
Responding to Child Abuse
Reporting - What happens when you call?
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• Call 686-7555
• Press 1 to reach a screener like Sue.
• She’ll first ask for your name and phone number.
Responding to Child Abuse
Reporting - What happens when you call?
She’ll ask for some basic information about the child - name, address, phone number, parent/guardian name, etc. Having the child’s file is helpful.
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Responding to Child Abuse
Reporting - What happens when you call? What’s going on?
What is your relationship to the child?
Is there physical injury to the child? Please describe?
Other situations or concerns about the child?
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Responding to Child Abuse
Reporting - What happens when you call?
Who reported it to you?
Have you talked to the child? To the parent(s)?
Are different accounts consistent?
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Responding to Child Abuse
Reporting - What happens when you call?
You may be told there are not sufficient grounds for an investigation or you or a history check before deciding.
In any case, you were right to call.
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• We are reporters 24/7/365.• If you have questions, consultation with the
DHS trainer at 686-7555 x5349 may be available. However, if not, report now.
• Cooperate with investigators.• Do not inform parents of the report. This
contact MUST be made by Child Welfare or law enforcement personnel.
• Document your report. Keep documentation.
Responding to Child Abuse Reporting - Requirements
• Failure to report may result in loss of certification and a $1000 fine.
• Those who report in good faith are immune from civil or criminal liability for making the report. ORS 419B.025.
• Turning it over to the pros is the right thing to do!
• Really hard but really right!
Responding to Child Abuse Reporting
Penalties and Protections
• Those reports investigated will be categorized as either “immediate response” or “within 5 day response”.
• The investigation will find if the abuse report is founded, unfounded or unable to determine. Founded reports result in a safety plan. (Fewer than 12% result in out-of-home placement.)
• The reporter’s confidentiality is respected.
Responding to Child Abuse DHS Investigations
Responding to Child Abuse Ongoing Support
• Check in with the child (see “What You Can Say, How You Can Help” handout)
• Safety plan with the child• Follow up with DHS • Report any new incidents or additional
information• Use community resources• Take care of yourself
• School safety is a priority• Adults know how to recognize and
respond to abuse disclosures and suspicions
• Teach age-appropriate curriculum in personal health and safety - including individual safety planning
Adult Responsibilities In Helping Keep Children Safe
•Follow law and policy.•Assure that school is a safe place for children; a place where they know the adults are on their side. Children should be confident that the adults in the school will act in their behalf if they disclose abuse or neglect. •Adopt policies that minimize abuse opportunities.
Adult Responsibilities In Helping Keep Children Safe
Keeping School Safe
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• District adopted comprehensive health education program
• Lessons at each grade level on child abuse prevention
• Each lesson is video based
Helping Keep Children Safe Classroom Materials - K-12 in 4J
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Supplementary Second Step Card/Lesson
Adult Responsibilities Supplementary Classroom
Materials
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Supplementary Safety Planning Lessons
Adult Responsibilities Supplementary Classroom
Materials
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Responder Support Community Resources You Can
Contact
• Parent Help Line - 485-5211
• Womenspace - 485-6513
• Child Advocacy Center - 682-3938
• DHS - 686-7555
• www.211lane.org
• www.4j.lane.edu/instruction/gp/prevention/
childabuseprevent