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Child Abuse/Neglect Reporting

Child Abuse/Neglect Reporting. *All this information is on staff public in the Child Abuse Reporting Folder*. Why Report?. Colorado Law – The Children’s Code Concerning Child Abuse or Neglect (Title 19, Article 3, Part 3) “Child Protection Act of 1987” School District 20 Policies

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Child Abuse/Neglect Reporting

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  1. Child Abuse/Neglect Reporting *All this information is on staff public in the Child Abuse Reporting Folder*

  2. Why Report? Colorado Law – The Children’s Code Concerning Child Abuse or Neglect (Title 19, Article 3, Part 3) “Child Protection Act of 1987” School District 20 Policies Child Abuse – Policy JLF (7136) Staff Protection – Policy 5117 Moral and ethical responsibilities

  3. Any person who has reasonable cause to know or suspect that a child has been subjected to abuse or neglect or who has observed the child being subjected to circumstances or conditions which would reasonably result in abuse or neglect shall immediately report or cause a report to be made of such fact to the County Department or Local Law Enforcement Agency. This includes public or private school officials or employees. Immunity from Liability Any person (other than perpetrator,et al) participating in good faith in the making of a report shall be immune from any liability, civil or criminal, or termination of employment that otherwise might result by reason of such reporting. Third Party Reporting -Educators are required to report these instances. Who should report?

  4. Reporting Procedures • Administrators, CARPOOL reps or teachers may call DHS and file a written report on district forms. Teachers should do this with a CARPOOL rep.

  5. DHS Statistics El Paso County D20 zip codes (Jan-Aug 2008) 1,800 reports 40 to 50 calls a day • 10,000 calls to DHS a year • 5,000 are investigated Phone Report Intake Supervisor Meeting 50% Assignment for Investigation

  6. Physical Indicators Unexplained bruises, welts and burns -on face, lips, mouth, torso, back, buttocks, thighs, arms -in various stages of healing -clustered, forming regular patterns -reflecting shape of article used to inflict (electric cord, belt buckle, rope, cigarette) -regularly appear after absence, weekend, or vacation Unexplained fractures Unexplained lacerations or abrasions Behavior Indicators -wary, apprehensive, anxious -behavior extremes (aggressive, passive) -afraid to go home -self destructive Physical Abuse

  7. Physical Abuse-cont.

  8. Physical indicators -speech disorders -lags in physical development -failure to thrive -asthma, severe allergies, or ulcers -substance abuse Behavioral indicators -habit disorders (sucking, biting, rocking) -conduct disorders (antisocial, destructive) -neurotic traits (sleep disorders, inhibition) -behavior extremes -overly adaptive behavior (too adult or too infantile) -developmental lags -delinquent behavior (especially adolescents) Emotional Abuse

  9. Physical indicators -difficulty in walking or sitting -torn, stained or bloody clothing -pain or itching, bleeding or bruises in genital area -frequent urinary or yeast infections -pregnancy Behavioral indicators -inability to concentrate -erratic school attendance -abrupt change in behavior or mood -depression, excessive crying -clinging behavior -lack of self-esteem -unwillingness to participate in physical activities -afraid to be alone, especially with male adults -seductive, promiscuous behavior -self destructive behaviors Sexual Abuse

  10. Physical indicators -consistent hunger -inappropriate dress -poor hygiene -often tired, no energy -lack of supervision -unattended physical problems or medical needs -abandonment -lice -distended stomach, emaciated Behavioral indicators -begging, stealing food -fatigue, listlessness -no caretaker at home -frequent absences, tardies -destructive -dropout -drug/alcohol misuse -sexual misconduct Neglect

  11. Do Believe the child Find a quiet, private place to talk Reassure the child Be positive Listen Tell the child help is available Let the child know you are reporting the information and what will happen Seek support Do not Promise confidentiality Express panic or shock Convey anger or impatience Make negative comments about the perpetrator Get into a moral lecture Disclose the information indiscriminately How to respond to the child

  12. Classroom strategies

  13. What happens after we report? The Department of Human Services (DHS) will make a determination about whether to investigate further. The child’s safety is of utmost importance and DHS tries to preserve the integrity of the family. Where is the line between parental discipline and abuse? If marks are left on the body, it is considered abuse. What if a child accuses me or another teacher of abuse? Notify your administrator immediately. The investigation goes through the district attorney’s office to provide confidentiality for all parties. Should we do the investigating? No, we merely report what we hear. DHS is responsible for investigating. Questions and Answers

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