www.pcageorgia.org helpline: 1-800-children the mandate to report, the opportunity to prevent
TRANSCRIPT
www.pcageorgia.org
HELPLINE: 1-800-CHILDREN
The Mandate to Report, The Opportunity to
Prevent
© 2006 Prevent Child Abuse Georgia 2
The Mandate to Report, The Opportunity to Prevent
Expectations and Goals
© 2006 Prevent Child Abuse Georgia 3
The Mandate to Report, The Opportunity to Prevent
Overview
Introduction to Prevent Child Abuse (PCA) Georgia
The Evolution of Child Abuse Prevention
Prevention in the 21st Century
Recognizing and Reporting Child Maltreatment
Protective Factors for Prevention
1-800 CHILDREN Helpline
© 2006 Prevent Child Abuse Georgia 4
The Mandate to Report, The Opportunity to Prevent
Preventive Action
© 2006 Prevent Child Abuse Georgia 5
The Mandate to Report, The Opportunity to Prevent
5
Continuum of Prevention
Preventing Revictimization
Preventing Initial Abuse
Primary TertiarySecondary
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The Mandate to Report, The Opportunity to Prevent
Facts About Child Maltreatment
In Georgia (2008): 84,035 reports made to DFCS
15%
49%
36% Screened Out
Family Support(Diversion)Investigated
88% of reports were screened out, unsubstantiated, closed or diverted.
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The Mandate to Report, The Opportunity to Prevent
Not always safe at home
Over 80% of maltreaters are the child’s biological parent
90% of child abuse occurs in the victim’s home
© 2006 Prevent Child Abuse Georgia 9
The Mandate to Report, The Opportunity to Prevent
Nationally
In Georgia, over 78% of substantiated abuse is neglect.
59%
11%
8%
9%
13% Neglect
Physical Abuse
Sexual Abuse
Psychologicaland Other
Multiple Types
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The Mandate to Report, The Opportunity to Prevent
Child Fatalities
Nationally, 1,760 children died of abuse and neglect in one year. (Administration for Children and Families, 2007.)
97% of all child deaths related to abuse were determined to be possibly or definitely preventable
GA Child Fatality Review Annual Report 2006
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The Mandate to Report, The Opportunity to Prevent
Cost of Child Maltreatment
Estimated annual costs of treating the effects of child maltreatment are
over $100 billion (PCA America 2007)
The Mandate to Report, The Opportunity to Prevent
-- George W. Albee, Ph.D.
“No epidemic has ever been resolved by paying attention to the treatment of
the affected individual.”
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The Mandate to Report, The Opportunity to Prevent
Physical Abuse
Non-accidental physical injury of a child
PHYSICAL INDICATORS
Unexplained bruises and welts
Unexplained burns
Unexplained fractures / dislocations
Bald patches on the scalp
BEHAVIORAL INDICATORS
Feels deserving of punishment Wary of adult/physical contact Frightened of parents/afraid to go
home Self-destructive behaviors Wears clothing to cover body –
inappropriate for weather
© 2006 Prevent Child Abuse Georgia 15
The Mandate to Report, The Opportunity to Prevent
NeglectIncludes lack of adequate food, shelter, clothing, medical care; unmet emotional/psychological needs; educational/ cognitive neglect; lack of supervision; birth addicted (drug exposure)
PHYSICAL INDICATORS
Consistent hunger/underweight Poor hygiene Consistent lack of supervision Unattended physical/medical
needs Failure to thrive/poor growth Lice, distended stomach Inappropriate dress
BEHAVIORAL INDICATORS
Self-destructive behaviors Begging, stealing food Extended stays at school (early
arrival and late departures) Constant fatigue, listlessness Assuming adult responsibilities Says no caretaker at home Frequently absent / tardy
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The Mandate to Report, The Opportunity to Prevent
Sexual AbuseExploitation of a child for the sexual gratification of an adult or older child. Includes touching (fondling, sodomy, rape) and non-touching (child prostitution, indecent exposure and exhibitionism, exposing a child to pornography or using the Internet as a vehicle for exploitation).
PHYSICAL INDICATORS
Difficulty walking or sitting Torn, stained, bloody
underclothing Pain, swelling, itching in genital
area; bruises, bleeding or laceration on external genitalia
Pain on urination; infections Presence of STD
BEHAVIORAL INDICATORS
Inappropriate sex play; advanced knowledge and promiscuity
Loss of appetite; trouble eating or swallowing
Mood swings, anger, withdrawal Excessive worrying about siblings Nightmares – problems sleeping Suddenly having money / secrets
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The Mandate to Report, The Opportunity to Prevent
Emotional Abuse
Excessive/aggressive parental behavior that places unreasonable demands on a child; verbal abuse; rejection, terrorizing, shameful punishment; withholding physical/emotional contact, and/or inappropriate expectations
PHYSICAL INDICATORS
Speech or other communication disorder
Delayed physical development Exacerbation of existing
conditions such as asthma or allergies
Substance abuse
BEHAVIORAL INDICATORS
Habit disorders (sucking, rocking)
Antisocial or destructive behaviors
Neurotic traits/sleep disorders Behavioral extremes Developmental delays
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The Mandate to Report, The Opportunity to Prevent
When a Child Discloses Maltreatment
Find a private place to talk with the childReassure the child: “I believe you,” “I’m
glad you told me,” “It’s not your fault.”Listen attentively and calmlyWrite down the facts/words as the child
stated First statements made spontaneously have
forensic significance Exact words can be important to investigators
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The Mandate to Report, The Opportunity to Prevent
When a Child Discloses Maltreatment
Respect the child’s need for confidentiality
Leave investigative work to professionals Minimize the number of questions you ask
Avoid the use of leading questions
Don’t try to get all of the details
Report the disclosure immediately to designated reporter (or CPS/police)
© 2006 Prevent Child Abuse Georgia 20
The Mandate to Report, The Opportunity to Prevent
Types of Disclosures
Indirect Hints
Disguised Disclosures
Disclosures with Strings Attached
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The Mandate to Report, The Opportunity to Prevent
Reporting Child Maltreatment
OCGA 19-7-5 defines abuse and outlines reporting guidelines
“Reasonable suspicions,” not necessarily direct evidence
An oral report should be made to DFCS (CPS) office in county where the child lives within 24 hours When unable to reach DFCS or if child is in
immediate danger, contact police or DA
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The Mandate to Report, The Opportunity to Prevent
Information Useful for Report
Name, age, address and current location of child (School child attends, if known)
Name and address of child’s parents or caregivers (if known)
Name and address of suspected perpetrator Location where the abuse took place (if known) The nature/extent of the child’s injuries/neglect,
including evidence of previous injuries/neglect Any other information helpful in establishing
cause of injuries/neglect or perpetrator identity
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The Mandate to Report, The Opportunity to Prevent
Mandated Reporters
Georgia law requires certain individuals to report suspected child abuse: School teachers/administrators School guidance counselors,
visiting teachers, social workers, school psychologists
Child care providers Child welfare agency personnel Child counseling personnel Law enforcement personnel Licensed psychologists (interns)
Physicians licensed to practice medicine; interns/residents
Registered professional nurses / Licensed practical nurses
Hospital or medical personnel Dentists Podiatrists Staff and volunteers at child-
and family- serving agencies
* Mandated reporters should know and follow the child abuse reporting protocol in their agency
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The Mandate to Report, The Opportunity to Prevent
Mandated Reporters
Rights of the Mandated Reporter Anonymity or confidentiality Knowledge of the outcome only of a report
Penalties for NOT reporting Guilty of misdemeanor –OCGA 19-7-5(h)
Discipline by school/agency and/or termination of employment
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The Mandate to Report, The Opportunity to Prevent
Role of Child Protective Services
Involved only with children under 18 Investigates substantiated suspected abuse/neglect Has authority to:
Interview the child and parents/ caregivers
Arrange for child’s medical examination, if necessary
Assess parents/caregivers’ abilities to care for/protect child
Provide support for services to parents/caregivers
Request immediate temporary custody of child from judge in juvenile court when abuse/ neglect is substantiated
Petition court for permanent custody when parents/ guardians (when given support) fail to demonstrate ability or willingness to care for the child
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The Mandate to Report, The Opportunity to Prevent
Preventing Child Maltreatment
Know the conditions that may lead to child maltreatment
Identify and reduce risk factors
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The Mandate to Report, The Opportunity to Prevent
Parental / Family Factors
Parental / Caregiver Immaturity
Unrealistic Expectations
Social Isolation Unmet Emotional
Needs Frequent Crisis
Poor Childhood Experiences
Drug/Alcohol Problems
Mental Illness
Poor Family Boundaries
Dangerous home environment
Situations vulnerable to abuse and neglect:
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The Mandate to Report, The Opportunity to Prevent
Resistance and Resilience
Recognize and increase protective factors
© 2006 Prevent Child Abuse Georgia 30
The Mandate to Report, The Opportunity to Prevent
Protective Factors
Parental resilience
Social connections
Knowledge of parenting / child development
Concrete supports in times of need
Social / emotional development of children
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The Mandate to Report, The Opportunity to Prevent
Protective Factors
Children have access to appropriate role models
Children are surrounded with secure relationships
Families are linked to services; medical, community-based, faith-based
Community social norms value the importance of families seeking help
Neighbors look out for one another
Programs and services promote resilience in families and children
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The Mandate to Report, The Opportunity to Prevent
Protective FactorsFAMILY COMMUNITY AGENCY COMMUNITY
Develops close bonding with child; effective/open communication
Is nurturing and protective; implements and regularly reinforces family safety plan
Uses high warmth/low criticism parenting style (versus authoritarian or permissive)
Values and encourages education
Manages stress
Makes spending time with children a priority
Encourages supportive relationships with caring adults beyond the immediate family
Seeks professional help and support when needed
Expresses positive expectations
Encourages goal setting and mastery
Encourages pro-social development (altruism, empathy and cooperation)
Provides opportunities for leadership and participation
Fosters active involvement for all (whatever their learning style or ability)
Provides a family-friendly environment and education
Involves parents
Staff views themselves as caring people and models pro-social behavior
Provides opportunities for family and child to participate in community life
Involves youth in community services
Provides supportive social and health networks
Leaders prioritize community health, safety and quality of life for families
Provides access to resources (healthcare, housing, day care, job training, employment, education and recreation)
Stays educated about child abuse and child abuse prevention (warning sign behavior / adult and community responsibility)
© 2006 Prevent Child Abuse Georgia 33
The Mandate to Report, The Opportunity to Prevent
Prevent Child Abuse Georgia
1-800-244-5373
© 2006 Prevent Child Abuse Georgia 34
The Mandate to Report, The Opportunity to Prevent
Adult Responsibility
A family/community culture of communication Education about risk factors and warning sign behaviors in adults
and youth Balanced understanding for accountability and treatment of
perpetrators
The most important thing we can do as adults to prevent the perpetration of child maltreatment is talk to each other and hold ourselves and others responsible for protecting children.
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The Mandate to Report, The Opportunity to Prevent
If we are sincere in our concern for children,
If we are truly dedicated to empowering families to reach
their full potential and ensuring the well-being of all children…
Something to Consider
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The Mandate to Report, The Opportunity to Prevent
Then we have….
“…promises to keep,
and miles to go before we sleep
Taken from Robert Frost’s Poem “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy
Evening”
Something to Consider