Child Abuse and Neglect Who should report - PowerPoint Presentation

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Child Abuse and Neglect

Who should report

?

I

ndiana

is a mandatory reporting state.

Any

person

who has

reason to believe a child is being abused

or neglected

shall make a

report

Medical

professionals, school personnel &

law enforcement

officials have a higher duty to report

abuse or

neglect

Child Abuse and Neglect

The school should make no attempt to investigate suspected child abuse, nor should the school inform parents of suspicions, or that a report has been made. At the point it is determined that DCS should be called, further questioning from school personnel must cease unless instructed otherwise by DCS. If school personnel suspects child abuse, no further information is needed. DCS and law enforcement are responsible for the investigation, not the school.

Child Abuse and Neglect

Both DCS case managers and law enforcement personnel will present proper identification documents (ID cards or their equivalents) to the school representative.

Child Abuse and NeglectInvestigations our 1:1 with DCS:

The

detective or DCS case manager will conduct the interview. Current research of child interviewing techniques suggests that the optimal conditions for a successful interview of a child exist when the child is placed in a one-on-one situation with the interviewer. Experts in the field indicate that when more than one adult (authority figure) is present at the initial interview, there is an unavoidable element of coercion and a natural tendency on the part of the child to want to please and tell the adults what the child thinks the adults want to hear.

What is Physical Abuse?

Any

non-accidental physical injury to a child caused by a parent or caregiver that results in or threatens serious injury.

Recognizing signsPhysical Abuse - Potential Signs

– Unexplained marks on the body

• Possible examples: Cuts, bruises, welts, burns, lumps, bumps, black eyes, fractures, or dislocations

– Bruises or welts in various stages of healing, or in clusters or patterns in the shape of an object

• Possible examples: Patterns that look like a belt or an electrical cord

– Pattern burns, burns in the shape of a specific object, or scald burns.

• Possible examples: Cigarette or iron burns

Recognizing signs• Emotional Abuse – Potential Signs – Considers or attempts suicide

–

Demonstrates self-harming behaviors

–

Gets pleasure from hurting others, pets, or

other animals

–

Exhibits difficulty in forming

positive relationships

–

Demonstrates defiant behavior

–

Is unable to trust others

–

Is unable to identify with others

–

Experiences speech and eating disorders

What Is neglect?Parent, guardian or custodian does not

supply child

with:

-

Shelter

-

Food

-

Education

-

Clothing

-

Medical Care

-

Supervision

Recognizing signsNeglect – Potential Physical Signs

–

Dirty, smelly, torn, or inappropriate clothing

for the

circumstances

–

Developmental lags

–

Underweight

• Neglect – Potential Behavioral

Signs

–

Inactive

–

Begging for or stealing food

–

Reports being left alone

–

Alcohol or drug use

–

Always tired

What is sexual abuse?Usually is unwanted sexual behavior by

a person

upon another or when consent for

such behavior

cannot be given.

Indiana

has

several statutes

that define sexual abuse.

Recognizing signsSexual Abuse – Potential Signs

–

Sexual knowledge beyond what is age-appropriate

–

Recurring pain or itching in genital or anal areas

–

Sexually transmitted disease

–

Frequent bladder or urinary tract infections

–

Genital injury

–

Unexplained fear

–

Sexual acting-out behavior

–

Drawing sexually graphic pictures

Indiana Code § 31-33-5-1 et. seq.

If

any staff member suspects any type of abuse they are required to call CPS and report the allegations IMMEDIATELY to DCS or Law Enforcement.

After

making the report they will

notify the school administrator.

Who do I call?Reports of child abuse and neglect are to be made to the Indiana Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at

1-800-800-5556.

Summary

Child

abuse or neglect suspected.

Do

not investigate the child or call the parent.

Report

to the Indiana Child Abuse Hotline (1-800-800-5556). (It is recommended that you identify yourself as a school professional).

4. Report

to your school administrator

.

5. Have

administrator sign the

Child Abuse or Neglect Form found on the T Drive.