Diocese of Nashville

1. Protecting Our Youth & Maintaining a Safe Environment – The Duty to Report Child Abuse & Neglect Diocese of Nashville

2. Since the 1980s, the Diocese of Nashville has been taking strong steps to provide a safe environment for all children. Tennessee State Law requires that anyone who reasonably suspects that abuse is taking place to report it to civil authorities. Experts tell us that an awareness of child abuse and a willingness to respond to any reports that might come forward are two very good ways to prevent future abuse. The policies of the diocese have for many years and continue to fully support the state law. The Diocese has further encouraged anyone who knows of, or suspects that abuse has taken place, to make the proper reports to the civil authorities, as well as the diocese if the potential abuser is an employee or volunteer of the diocese or one of its institutions. 

3. Over the years we have used a number of educational programs to prepare Diocesan personnel and others to recognize signs of child abuse and to take steps to respond. The following presentation was created through collaboration between counselors from Catholic Charities and Diocesan representatives working in conjunction with recognized experts in this area. It may be used as a guide in presentations by a counselor in educational sessions or by individuals as a tutorial on the recognition, reporting and prevention of abuse. It is posted on the diocesan website and distributed as a CD to all parishes, schools, and institutions to be made widely available to anyone who wishes to learn more about the detection and response to child abuse.

4. Goals • Provide a safe environment for youth within the Diocese of Nashville • Learn the signs & symptoms of abuse & neglect • Learn how to respond upon disclosure of suspected abuse and neglect • Learn the state and diocesan requirements about reporting

5. Types-Sexual Abuse • Nontouching Offenses • Indecent exposure/exhibitionism • Exposing youth to pornographic material • Deliberately exposing a child to the act of sexual intercourse • Masturbation in front of a child. Excerpts from American Humane Association – Children’s Division

6. Types-Sexual Abuse • Touching Offenses • Fondling • Making a child touch an adult’s sexual organs • Penetration of a child’s vagina or anus- no matter how slight – by a penis or any object that doesn’t have valid medical purpose Excerpts from American Humane Association – Children’s Division

7. Types-Sexual Abuse • Sexual Exploitation • Engaging a child or soliciting a child for the purposes of prostitution • Using a child to film, photograph or model pornography Excerpts from American Humane Association – Children’s Division

8. Signs & Symptoms-Sexual Abuse • Physical Indication • Complaints of pain, itching or irritation in genital or rectal area. • Torn, stained or bloody underclothing • Child has difficulty walking or sitting • Presence of a sexually transmitted disease • Frequent urinary tract infections Excerpts from Our KIDS Center

9. Signs & Symptoms-Sexual Abuse • Behavioral Indicators The child • Displays bizarre, sophisticated or unusual sexual knowledge or behavior • Acts seductively • Masturbates excessively • Has sleep disturbances (e.g. bedwetting, nightmares) • Is fearful of particular places or people Excerpts from Our KIDS Center

10. Signs & Symptoms-Sexual Abuse • Behavioral Indicators The child • Demonstrates abrupt change in behavior or personality • Appears withdrawn or depressed • Begins to overeat or under eat • Regresses to immature behaviors such as sucking thumb Excerpts from Our KIDS Center

11. Signs & Symptoms-Sexual Abuse • Parent/Caregiver Characteristics • History of sexual maltreatment & abuse in family of origin • Dominant, protective and/or jealous of child • Misuses drugs or alcohol • Lacks social contacts outside family • Turns to child to get emotional and physical needs met. • Generational boundaries between parents and child are unclear Excerpts from Our KIDS Center

12. Signs & Symptoms- Physical Abuse • Physical Indicators • Different aged bruises or lacerations • Bruises, lacerations, swollen areas or marks on the child's face, head, back, chest, genital areas, buttocks or thighs • Wounds like human bite marks, cigarette burns, puncture marks or missing hair are present. • Family members give contradictory versions of the history of the injuries. • There is delay in seeking medical attention. Excerpts from Our KIDS Center

13. Signs & Symptoms- Physical Abuse This slide shows the location of typical accidental injuries. Note the areas of accidental injuries tend to be over bony areas of the body and not soft tissue that is protected such as arm pits or behind the ears. Excerpts from Our KIDS Center

14. Signs & Symptoms- Physical Abuse This slide shows the location of typical non-accidental injuries. These injuries are found in soft tissue and protected areas of the body. Excerpts from Our KIDS Center

15. Signs & Symptoms- Physical Abuse Bruises UT School of Social Work Office of Research & Public Service

16. Signs & Symptoms- Physical Abuse Bruising behind the ear. This is a protected area of the body and injuries here should be immediately considered suspicious. Excerpts from Our KIDS Center

17. Signs & Symptoms- Physical Abuse Defensive Bruising Excerpts from Our KIDS Center

18. Signs & Symptoms- Physical Abuse Electrical cords are often looped. UT School of Social Work Office of Research & Public Service

19. Signs & Symptoms- Physical Abuse • This is a picture of a bite mark. • Bite marks are measured a certain way to tell the difference between an adult and a child. Excerpts from Our KIDS Center

20. Signs & Symptoms- Physical Abuse • Behavioral Indicators • Regression from age-appropriate behaviors or activities • Aggressive behavior towards other people or objects • Withdrawal from age-appropriate activities • Lags in physical, emotional and/or intellectual development • Hyperactivity Excerpts from Our KIDS Center

21. Signs & Symptoms- Physical Abuse • Behavioral Indicators • Apprehension, fearfulness, self-blaming • Sleep disturbances • Fear of one or both parents or caregiver. • Seeking affection from any adult • Self-abusive behavior. Excerpts from Our KIDS Center

22. Signs & Symptoms- Physical Abuse • Parent/Caregiver Characteristics • Has history of abuse as a child • Misuses drugs or alcohol • Lacks knowledge regarding child rearing • Has unrealistic expectations of the child • Is alienated, socially isolated, immature and/or has a poor self-image Excerpts from Our KIDS Center

23. Signs & Symptoms- Physical Abuse • Parent/Caregiver Characteristics • Is punitive, using harsh discipline that does not seem right for the condition, age or what the child did wrong • Shows signs and/or expresses fear of losing control • Shows immaturity in handling conflicts, handling own feelings and dealing with crises Excerpts from Our KIDS Center

24. Signs & Symptoms- Neglect • Physical Indicators • Child • Is left unsupervised, uncared for, adequate supervision or alone • Lacks clothing or wears clothing inappropriate for the weather • Lacks medical or dental care and has unattended physical problems • Is constantly hungry • Hygiene is poor • Lacks adequate shelter • Not gaining weight • Immunizations are inadequate Excerpts from Our KIDS Center

25. Signs & Symptoms- Neglect • Behavioral Indicators • Child appears constantly tired, listless; child falls asleep in school. • Poor school attendance or chronic lateness • Child exhibits learning problems • Unruly/under socialized conduct • Poor peer relationships • Child may be withdrawn • Child may crave attention. Excerpts from Our KIDS Center

26. Signs & Symptoms- Neglect • Parent/Caregiver Characteristics • Chaotic home life • Misuses drugs or alcohol • Isolated from family & friends • Mental and/or physical illness • Passive in relationships or in dealing with people outside the family • Lacking appropriate parenting skills Excerpts from Our KIDS Center

27. Signs & Symptoms- Emotional Abuse • Emotional Abuse is a pattern of behavior that impairs a child's emotional development or sense of self-worth. This may include constant criticism, threats, or rejection, as well as withholding love, support, or guidance.

28. Signs & Symptoms- Emotional Abuse • Parent/Caregiver Characteristics • Verbal assaults • Ignoring and indifference • Constant family conflict Excerpts from Dept. of Children’s Services

29. How to Respond • Disclosure • May happen after other problems have surfaced • Often begins with revealing an isolated incident • May try to solicit a promise of not sharing this information

30. How to Respond • Response to Disclosure • Talk in a private place • Use the child’s own language and terms • Do not promise that you will not share this information • Clarification should be open ended such as: “Help me understand what that means.” • Explain what your next steps are. • Offer reassurance that they are not to blame and telling was the best thing to do.

31. State Reporting Law • Department of Children’s Services • Law enforcement • Judge with Juvenile Court Jurisdiction

32. State Reporting Law • Children's Services accepts reports of child maltreatment provided it meets the following three criteria: • The report pertains to a child under the age of 18 years. • The report alleges harm or imminent risk of harm to the child. • The alleged perpetrator is: • a parent or caretaker • a relative or other person living in the home • an educator, volunteer, or employee of a recreational/organizational setting who is responsible for the child; or any individual providingtreatment, care or supervision for the child.

33. State Reporting Law • Information needed when reporting: • Nature of the harm or specific incident(s) that precipitated the report • Specific allegation(s), date(s) and descriptions(s) of the injuries or dangers • Identities of alleged perpetrator(s) and their relationships to the victim • Witnesses to the incident(s) and how to reach those witnesses • Details of any physical evidence available • Perpetrator’s current access to the child • Present condition of the child (alone, in need of medical attention, etc.) • The location of the child and directions to get there • Any statements from the child

34. State Reporting Law • Information needed when reporting: • Parent's or perpetrator's explanation of the alleged child victim's condition or the incident • Parent's current emotional, physical or mental state, especially feelings about the child(ren) and reactions to the report • How the reporter came to know the information and the reporter's thoughts about the likelihood of further harm to the child(ren).

35. State Reporting Law • If you need to report abuse or neglect involving a child, please call 1-877-237-0004.

36. What Happens Following a Report • Screening by DCS staff & determination of assignment for investigation • Investigation conducted according to priority level • DCS confirms to the referral source by letter if they will pursue the investigation. • The source of a report is confidential and cannot be revealed unless ordered by a judge.

37. What Happens Following a Report • If there is imminent danger, a safety plan is devised to protect the child. • A safety plan may require an alleged perpetrator leave the home. • Relatives are used in some situations to provide a temporary home for the child. • DCS requests temporary custody and the child is placed in foster care. • DCS offers support services and the family remains intact.

38. Diocesan Reporting Requirements • The Diocese supports, promotes and requires compliance with all federal, state and local laws including those regarding the reporting of child abuse and child sexual abuse. • All clergy and laypersons of the Diocese of Nashville and its subsidiaries are bound by Tennessee law to report all known or suspected abuse to the appropriate civil authorities.

39. Diocesan Background Checksfor Staff & Volunteers • Duties of Safety Coordinator • Diocesan Profile Form • Reference Checks • Kroll Background Checks • Update Diocesan files on a regular basis

40. Diocesan Reporting Requirements • Diocesan School Reporting Requirements • All suspected cases of child physical or sexual abuse shall be reported to the principal immediately. • The principal shall immediately inform the superior administrator and the Dept. of Children’s Services. The principal shall furthermore inform the Superintendent in a timely manner.

41. Diocesan Reporting Requirements • Protocol for other diocesan staff or volunteers • All suspected cases of child physical or sexual abuse shall be reported to the Dept of Children’s Services. • The staff member or volunteer making the report will inform the pastor or superior administrator within 24 hours.

42. Diocesan Reporting Requirements • Diocesan Reporting Requirements All clergy and laypersons of the Diocese and its subsidiaries are also bound to report to the Diocese of Nashville Victim Assistance Coordinator, Deacon Hans Toecker, (615-783-0765) all known or suspected cases of child sexual abuse of a minor by a cleric or a layperson acting on behalf of the Diocese or its subsidiaries. If he is unavailable, please contact the diocesan attorney, Mr. Gino Marchetti (615-320-3225).

43. Resources • Catholic Charities of Tennessee, Inc.; 615-352-3087 www.cctenn.org • Dept. of Children’s Services; 1-877-237-0004; www.state.tn.us/youth • Sexual Assault Center; 1-800-879-1999 (Crisis Line); www.sacenter.org • Our Kids; 615-341-4917; www.ourkidscenter.org • You Have the Power; (615) 292-7027; http://yhtp.org • Prevent Child Abuse Tennessee; (615) 383-0994; www.pcat.org • Exchange Club Family Center (615) 333-2644; www.familycentertn.org