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SCHOOLS AND CHILD ABUSE

SCHOOLS AND CHILD ABUSE. Child Advocates of Fort Bend. Agenda. R ecognize R eport R ole of Child Advocates of Fort Bend R ules of Internet Safety. The Child Abuse Epidemic. 1 in 4 girls are sexually abused before age 18 1 in 6 boys are sexually abused before age 18

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SCHOOLS AND CHILD ABUSE

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  1. SCHOOLS AND CHILD ABUSE • Child Advocates of Fort Bend

  2. Agenda • Recognize • Report • Role of Child Advocates of Fort Bend • Rules of Internet Safety

  3. The Child Abuse Epidemic • 1 in 4 girls are sexually abused before age 18 • 1 in 6 boys are sexually abused before age 18 • 40% of children abused once will be re-victimized during lifetime • Over 90% of sexually abused children are abused by someone they know • Abuse can happen for months or years before a child gains the courage to disclose

  4. Recognize • Physical Abuse • Unexplained bruises, welts, black eyes, bumps • Bite marks, swollen or tender limbs • Reluctance to change clothes for PE or wearing clothes inappropriate for the weather • Fear of adults • Neglect • Dirty or un-bathed • Unsuitable clothing for weather • Extreme hunger • Lack of apparent supervision • Medical needs uncared for

  5. Recognize • Sexual Abuse • Inappropriate interest in or knowledge of sexual acts • Promiscuous behavior with adults • Lack of trust with others • Poor peer relationships • Sudden drop in academic performance • Emotional Abuse – could indicate incidence of other abuse (sexual abuse) • Depression • Eating disorders • Apathy or hopelessness • Hostility • Stressed

  6. Legal duty to report within 48 hours – all school employees are required to report. May not transfer responsibility to others. Report Immediately to CPS CPS Hotline 1-800-252-5400 CPS Online Reporting - https://www.txabusehotline.org If incident occurred on school property, notify school Law Enforcement personnel immediately or your local Police Department Reporting – How?

  7. Make a Report: Who: Child’s name, age, DOB What: Type of abuse – what they told you or what you witnessed. Name/relationship of alleged perpetrator. Where: Location of incident (home, school) When: Immediate risk? Allow child to tell story ONE TIME to ONE PERSON – Person told is Reporter on the case. Document conversation with child – outcry witness. Minimize questioning - do not need to investigate by questioning student, friends or parents Reporting – How?

  8. Reporting – Be Careful To: • Parents: • Do not provide information to parents if they contact the school • NEVER notify parents of suspicions or report • Injuries: • For children with injuries, follow school policy regarding documentation of visible injuries

  9. CPS: Conducts safety investigation of all reports – determine if home is unsafe and child should be removed and placed in foster care. Provide CPS with private space for talking with the child CPS cannot transport children without parental permission (except under exigent circumstances) CPS must notify reporter if case was accepted for investigation or closed Children’s Advocacy Center: Conducts forensic interview Law Enforcement: Conducts criminal investigation Reporting – What Happens Next?

  10. Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) Reviews all state intakes of child abuse Conducts forensic interviews Provides therapy Provides family advocacy Provides court preparation Coordinates with law enforcement and CPS Children receiving services at the CAC are excused absence Child’s/family’s confidentiality should be respected Role of Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC)

  11. Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Advocates for children in foster care in the court system (Guardian ad Litem) Has legal rights to information and access On campus, children’s records, with teachers, nurses and counselors Collaborates with schools Provides specialized programming to children: educational, enrichment, positive behaviors, life skills, college planning Training – CEU’s available to teachers Role of Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)

  12. Social Media becoming a tool for child abuse Cyberbullying Exposure to inappropriate material Sexting Online Predators Revealing too much information Teacher Resources www.netsmartz.org Lamar iCafe (LCISD) – Child Advocates icon Short videos on child abuse Rules of Internet Safety

  13. Contact Information Contact Information • Child Advocates of Fort Bend 281-344-9955 www.cafb.org • Children’s Advocacy Center 281-344-5168 • CASA 281-344-5122 • Child Protective Services (CPS) 800-252-5400 • Fort Bend Sheriff’s Office 281-341-4704 • Law Enforcement for your city and school district Check local listings

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