Definitions Define: Child - PowerPoint Presentation

1. DefinitionsDefine:ChildAge of consentPhysical Abuse and its legal remediesSexual abuse and its legal remediesInternet abuse and its legal remediesPsychological, Emotional, and neglect abuse and their legal remediesDiscuss signs of Sexual, Physical, Psychological, Emotional and neglect abuseDiscuss tactics of Psychological, Emotional and Neglect abuseWhat does reporting look likeWhat does the process look likeThe role of the CAC**Questions on the content please ask right away…if you have any others…please jot them down and ask them at the end…we would be happy to answer them

2. AbuseTypes of Child Abuse:PhysicalSexualEmotional (Psychological)NeglectExposure to Domestic ViolenceThe internet

3. What is a Child?The Criminal code uses the following age definitions:child under the age of 12youth or young person 12-18The age of the victim (and in some instances the perpetrator) will determine the criminal charges…if any)

4. Defining the Age of ConsentThe law recognizes the following:If the child is 12 or 13, they can consent to someone up to two years olderIf the child is 14 or 15, they can consent to someone up to 5 years older But if it is 5 years plus a day older...it is a criminal offenseIf the child is 16…no limit…unless the consent is to a person who is in a position of authority

5. Consent Chart

6. Physical AbuseThe intentional use of force on any part of a child’s body that results in injuries.Generally defined as any non-accidental physical injury to a child…or any action that results in the physical impairment of a childWhat is acceptable disciplinary action? We will ALL have a differing opinions on this… So, what is criminal? Striking the head, neck, spine, or with an object. While spanking is considered acceptable…it crosses the line at…more than trifling. Acceptable from 2-12 but anyone over the age of 12 it is considered criminal Usually, the signs of Physical abuse are not apparent:Things to look out for: Bruising in non typical areas, burns/scratch marks etc.Teachers may also see distinct changes in baseline/normal demeanour of their students, but we must also be careful not to confuse this change with other possibilities for the change.

7. The Legal Remedies of Physical AbuseIf the investigation determines there IS evidence of physical abuse…the RCMP and Crown could proceed with charges. Common results are:Conditions…which could include no contact (which can include varying lengths of time)

8. Sexual AbuseThe improper exposure of a child to sexual contact, activity or behaviour.Generally defined as: violating the sexual integrity of the victimSexual abuse is multifaceted. In today’s day and age…the internet is creating a whole other facet to this (more on this in a couple of slides)Considered abuse:From the threat of touching to various types of acts A term you may have heard is…Sexual interference. This is when the victim is under 16 perpetrator is over 18

9. The Legal Remedies of Sexual AbuseCharges based on ages, acts, evidence.Aggravating factors…previous charges, investigations etc.

10. The Internet: Child Porn, Bullying, ShamingTerms commonly used when the internet is involved are:Distribution of child pornography-which includes; sharing of explicit photos, encouraging use of pornographic sites on the internet.Production, accessing, possessing, distribution of pornographic material.Making porn accessible (I want you to do this…what do you think of that?)Luring is using a telecommunication device (internet, phone) for the purpose to commit an offense Grooming is a common term-In and of itself…it is NOT criminal. Things like: teaching to keep secrets, forming a bond are common grooming strategiesYou may not be able to tell grooming apart from regular healthy relationships

11. The Legal Remedies of Internet Crimecharges based on ages, acts, evidence.aggravating factors…previous charges, investigations etc.

12. Emotional AbuseAnything that causes mental or emotional harm to a childWhile there are many definitions to Psychological/Emotional/Neglect abuse…its general intent is to make one person in the relationship inferior by using: humiliation, yelling, isolation (physically and emotionally), threats of violenceThe result for the child is: increased anxiety, debilitating stress, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorderhttps://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/health-promotion/stop-family-violence/prevention-resource-centre/family-violence/psychological-abuse-discussion-paper.html

13. Signs of Emotional Abuse:Infancy toAge 12 PTSD* (older children)Non-organic failure-to- thrive (infants) Elevated levels of cortisol (a stress hormone) that may cause damage to areas of the brain important for memory formation and emotional regulation (infants /preschoolers)Risk of being bulliedSignificant delays in language development (infants) Anxiety and depressionSocial withdrawal and limited peer interactionSevere cognitive and academic difficultiesOvert aggression (e.g., fighting, making threats, bullying) common as short-term outcome (male and female school-aged victims)Indirect aggression (e.g., gossiping, telling other's secrets) common as long-term outcome (female school-aged victims)

14. Signs in Adolescent: Ages 13 - 19PTSD (both male and female victims)Psychological abuse in dating relationships (both male and female victims). Poor school performanceInvolvement in bullying as either victim or perpetrator (both male and female victims) Depression, social withdrawal, poor identity development, eating disorders and self-mutilation (more likely for female victims) Delinquent acts, abuse of alcohol/drugs and abusive dating behaviour (more likely for male victims) Suicide attempts or discussion (both male and female victims)

15. Tactics of Emotional AbuseDeliberate TacticsAccusing, blaming, jealous controlCriticizing behaviour and ridiculing traitsDegradingHarassingTerrorizingIsolating

16. The Legal Remedies of Emotional AbuseWhile all forms of abuse are WRONG, not all are recognized as a crime (insulting, ignoring).The Criminal Code recognizes: Uttering threats, Assault, Criminal Harassment (including stalking), forceable confinement, and forceable confinement can include isolation (psychological assault)

17. NeglectNeglect is any lack of care that causes harm to a child’s development or endangers the child in any way.Neglect is NOT providing the necessities of life

18. Tactics of NeglectNeglectful Tactics Denying emotional responsivenessDiscountingIgnoringDenying or forgettingMinimizing/TrivializingRejecting

19. Exposure to Domestic ViolenceExposure to domestic violence also known as intimate partner violence, spousal violence, family violence or violence against women, exposure to domestic violence is considered as the following:Violence between the child’s parents, regardless of whether they live together;Violence between a parent and a non-parent (e.g., a girlfriend or boyfriend of the parent); Violence between people with whom the child lives, who are not necessarily his/her parents (e.g., the child’s grandparents, if they live with him/her).

20. The Cost of AbuseIntergenerational transmission…the cycleDelinquency and adolescent maladjustmentLong term medical/mental health issuesSignificant learning issues

21. If a child discloses to me or I suspect abuse, what do I do?As educational and nursing professionals, we are entrusted to act in the best interest of a childWe want to help, we want to fixOur duty, when suspecting abuse of any kind OR a student has disclosed abuse, is to report your suspicions to your local Children Services office. When reporting to CS…your anonymity is absoluteLegislation says the person suspecting the abuse calls in (Each jurisdiction will have its’ own process…if you do not know what it is…I suggest you know what it looks like)Early intervention is CRUTIAL

22. Disclosure ContinuedListenAllow the child to relay what happened in his or her own words. Do not ask Leading Questions. Remain calm and neutral. Do not over-react, show horror or anger, or any other reaction that would lead the child to believe the abuse or neglect was his/her fault. Support and acknowledge the child’s feelings. Reassure the child and tell the child you believe what you have heard. Comfort the child by saying that it was a good thing for him/her to tell you. Assure the child that you will do something to help. Do not attempt to intervene on your own.

23. What does a Leading Question sound like?Asking a question about any thing a child has not already disclosed to youExample…Has somebody hit/hurt you? Versus How did you get that bruise?Your response(s) should sound like…’Thank you for sharing that with me’ and ‘Are you safe?’

24. What happens if I report to the RCMP as well as CS?It is important to note a couple things if you report to RCMP It is not wrong to report to the RCMP as well as CSThe RCMP will also investigate the disclosure or suspicions of child abuseWhere reporting to CS and RCMP differs is with your anonymityThe RCMP cannot protect your anonymity (ie…your complaint may be used in court proceedings that go that far and thus your name may NOT be protected)For some this may be a point of concern. But the bottom line is that we tend to get more thorough investigations with more pieces of information (ie that can be invaluable when we are building a case).

25. Important things to rememberDefinitions of: child, consent, abuse, signs and tactics of abuse, legal remedies, The investigation and charging has no time limitAnonymity is absolute when reporting to CSIt is our duty to reportWhat leading questions are and how to avoid leading questionsThe Process once I reportThe Children’s First Act is our reason and legal framework to share information in the best interest of a childALL parties are doing their best to support children but know that the resolution is not always what we feel is just or right Regardless of the resolution…we are still faced with a child and their family in trauma We need to come together and provide the best care we can

26. Important things to remember continuedThe role of the CAC is multifacetedProvide professional development to school’s on Child AdvocacyBe the contact point for schools during abuse cases Gather information about the student for casesShare progress with schools on casesWork collaboratively with schools to support plans around the child, their family, your students, your staff, and your community3) Connect ALL of the agencies involved in an advocacy case 4) Be the voice of schools at the triage table