KATY I.S.D. CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION

1. KATY I.S.D.CHILD ABUSEPREVENTION

2. Child Abuse Prevention “I’m concerned about a student I have in one of my classes. He refuses to make eye contact with me and isolates himself from the other students in the class. He does not have many clothes and the clothes he does wear are always dirty. He wears the same worn-out jean jacket each day—even if it is hot outside—and refuses to take it off during class. The PE coaches have told me he refuses to dress out for PE. I know his family does not have much money, but I get the feeling there’s more to the situation. Could he be suffering from child abuse or neglect? Should I report it? Would I be making a mountain out of a molehill? What should I do?” Have you ever found yourself facing a similar situation in the classroom? If so, the following information will help you make a decision about reporting what you consider to be child abuse or neglect. • Enduring Understanding: All school personnel are required to report suspected child abuse and/or neglect within 48 hours by the Texas Family Code 261.101. • Essential Questions: • What does child abuse or neglect look like? • What steps do I take to report suspected abuse and/or neglect? • Am I at risk when reporting suspected child abuse and/or neglect? • How should I respond to a student who has told me about abuse or neglect? • Teachers and other school personnel can help identify child abuse and neglect by • Observing behaviors • Listening to what kids say • Reporting suspicions to authorities • Acting as a positive, nurturing adult role model • Serving as an advocate for children’s rights

3. Child Abuse Symptoms—Physical Abuse • What does child abuse and/or neglect look like? • Suspect physical abuse when you see two or more of the following: • Physical Indicators: • Frequent injuries without adequate explanations, such as • Bruises • Cuts • Black eyes • Burns • Frequent complaints of pain without obvious injury • Burns or bruises in unusual patterns that may indicate the use of an instrument or human bite • Cigarette burns on any part of the body • Lack of reaction to pain • Behavioral Indicators: • Aggressive, disruptive, and destructive behavior • Passive, withdrawn, and emotionless behavior • Fear of going home or seeing parents • Injuries that appear after a child has not been seen for several days • Unreasonable clothing that may hide injuries to arms or legs

4. Suspect neglect when you see: Obvious malnourishment Lack of personal cleanliness Torn or dirty clothing Stealing or begging food Child unattended for long periods of time Need for glasses, dental care, or other medical attention Frequent tardiness or absence from school Suspect sexual abuse when you see Physical Indicators: Physical signs of sexually-transmitted disease Evidence of injury to the genital area Pregnancy in young girl Difficulty in sitting and walking Behavioral Indicators: Frequent expressions of sexual activity between adult and child Extreme fear of being alone with adults of a certain sex Sexually suggestive, inappropriate, or promiscuous behavior Knowledge of sexual relations beyond what is expected for a child’s age Sexual victimization of other children Sudden change in behavior Sexual abuse behavioral indicators (continued) Fears and phobias, retreat to fantasy Disturbed sleeping patterns Changes in relationships to adults (avoidance or clinging) Problems in school Withdrawal from friends and family Running away Depression, low self-esteem, self critical Appearance of retardation Child states an adult is bothering him or her Verbalization of sexual assault Discomfort or extreme sensitivity to physical contact Discomfort about undressing in front of peers Having friends who are several years older Acquisition of unexplainable toys, money, or clothes Regression to more childish behavior Delinquent acts Suicidal gestures or attempts Plays parental role Child Abuse Symptoms—Neglect & Sexual Abuse More information on Child Abuse Prevention in Texas can be obtained online at http://preventchildabusetexas.org

5. Child Abuse Hotline 800-252-5400 Reporting Child Abuse/Neglect What steps do I take to report suspected abuse and/or neglect? If the child discloses suspected abuse or neglect, you must file a report within 48 hours. • Emergency Referral call the Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-252-5400 (Texas Department of Family and Protective Services) • Non-Emergency Referral may be submitted online to www.txabusehotline.org • Reporting a suspected abuse situation ,the individual must create his/her own login name and password to access the Website • Complete the form, Record of Suspected Child Abuse/Neglect,before making the call (seek the assistance of counselor or nurse in pulling together the child’s information) • Notify the campus administration that you have filed a report on a student in your school • Oral report should be made to KISD Police Department @ 281-237-4000 • If the child makes the disclosure to another adult in the building, that person is considered the “Outcry Witness” and should make the call to the Child Abuse Hotline • DO NOT delegate or rely on another person to make the report if you are the Outcry Witness • Failure to report a suspicion of child abuse or neglect could: • Place a child at risk of continued abuse or neglect • Violate the law and may be subject to legal penalties • Violate Board policy and may be subject to disciplinary action • Suspend, revoke ,or cancel certification from the State Board for Educator Certification • Am I at risk when reporting suspected abuse and/or neglect? • A person acting in good faith who reports or assists in the investigations of child abuse or neglect is IMMUNE from civil or criminal liability

6. Responses to a Victim of Child Abuse/Neglect • How should I respond to a student who has told me about abuse or neglect? • Look concerned, not shocked • Say, “I’m glad you could share that with us. I need to go on with our presentation now, but later I want to talk more with you about this.” • DO NOT • Say to the child, “Have you told anyone about this? Great!” • Say to the other students, “Do you children think _______ did the safest thing?” • Engage the child who discloses in a conversation or ask him/her to elaborate. • Bring the other students into the personal issue. • Fail to follow-up after the session. When in doubt, call the Texas Abuse Hotline, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, toll-free 1-800-252-5400

7. Check-up Questions—Child Abuse Have questions about child abuse and/or neglect? Your contact persons are: CampusNurse, Counselor, Administrator