Child Abuse Identification, Prevention & Reporting Susan Nisbet, Consultant

1. Child Abuse Identification, Prevention & Reporting Susan Nisbet, Consultant 2009 Training

2. 2006 Child Abuse Statistics • 862,276 Children in Oregon • 12,043 Oregon children were victims of child abuse and neglect • 17 died as a result of familial abuse or neglect

3. Assault Mental Injury Child Selling Threatened Harm Rape Sexual Abuse Sexual Exploitation Neglect Exposure to Meth labs & controlled substances IdentificationWhat is Child Abuse?ORS 419B.005 defines child abuse as:

4. Child Abuse Statistics 2006 • Physical abuse 28.6% • Mental injury 8.9% • Neglect & drug affected 20.2% • Sexual abuse 14.0% • Threat of harm 3.5% (DHS 2006)

5. IdentificationWhat is Child Abuse? • Any assault of a child and any physical injury to a child caused by other than accidental means, including any injury which appears to be at variance with the explanation. • Does the explanation match the injury? • Is there a pattern of injury? • What is the location of the injury?

6. IdentificationWhat is Child Abuse? • Any mental injury of a child, which shall include only observable and substantial impairment of the child’s mental or psychological ability to function caused by mental cruelty. • How do we recognize a harm to a child’s ability to think, reason, or have feelings? • What are symptoms at school?

7. IdentificationWhat is Child Abuse? • Threatened harm, subjecting a child to substantial risk of harm to child’s health or welfare • Living with a convicted sex offender • Living in serious domestic violence situations • Siblings to victims of death or serious injury • Child selling

8. IdentificationWhat is Child Abuse? • Negligent treatment or maltreatment, failure to provide adequate food, shelter, clothing or medical care that is likely to endanger the health or welfare • Permitting a person under 18 years of age to enter or remain in a place where Methamphetamine is being manufactured • Unlawful exposure to a controlled substance – substantial risk of harm the child’s health or safety

9. IdentificationWhat is Child Abuse? • Exposure to Meth labs & controlled substances is neglect video

10. IdentificationWhat is Child Abuse? • Rape of a child, includes but is not limited to rape, sodomy, unlawful sexual penetration and incest • Sexual abuse as defined in ORS 163 • Sexual exploitation, including use of children for pornography and prostitution

11. Identification Rape, Sexual Abuse & Sexual Exploitation • Sexual contact: fondling, intercourse, vaginal or anal penetration or oral/genital contact for the purpose of arousing or gratifying the sexual desire of either party • Sexual contact between an adult and a minor • Sexual contact between minors • Exposing children to pornography or using them for pornography • Having sex in front of children

12. Identification - Prevention Most sex offenders are strangers. True or False?

13. FALSE – Nearly all sex offenders are known to the child. They are relatives, family friends, coaches, pastors, teachers… Sex offenders intentionally live, work or volunteer where they have opportunities for regular contact with children. Identification - Prevention

14. Identifying Inappropriate Behavior “Grooming” behaviors may include: • Improper language, jokes, comments • Improper email, letters, notes • Discussion of personal or sex life • Lack of physical boundaries • Flirting, inappropriate attention • Gifts • Overrides authority of parents or staff

15. Help Prevent Child Abuse • Talk with your supervisor if you notice any inappropriate or questionable behavior. • Be open to the possibility that someone you know may have abused children. A co-worker, friend or family member. • Do not disregard rumors of sex abuse or child abuse. • Remember that children rarely lie about abuse.

16. Identifying Appropriate Behavior • Be aware of your own behavior and maintain appropriate boundaries with children • Be a role model • If you are uncertain about your own behavior, seek advice from your supervisor • When in doubt, err on the side of caution

17. Identifying Inappropriate Behavior Examples of inappropriate behavior may include: • Inviting or entertaining students in your home • Asking students to work for you outside of school • Transporting students in your vehicle • Violating the personal space of, touching or making inappropriate comments to students • Posting inappropriate material or communicating with students via the Internet

18. If a Child Discloses Abuse • Remain calm • Emphasize that the child did the right thing by telling • Stress that the child is not to blame • Report the abuse immediately to law enforcement or DHS • Do not question the child • Do not contact the child’s parents • Do not notify the alleged abuser • Avoid making promises you cannot keep

19. REPORTING ABUSE

20. Mandatory Reporters • Mandatory reporters are those people required by law to report child abuse. • All school employees are mandatory reporters. • Notifying your supervisor does not fulfill your reporting obligations. You must report to law enforcement or the Department of Human Services.

21. When To Report Abuse • Report child abuse immediately. What does immediately mean? Example: If a child tells you in the morning that he/she is the victim of abuse… …do not wait until school is out to report your concern. …do not wait until you finished attending meetings, making phone calls, etc. …do make the report right away.

22. HOW TO REPORT • Make a telephone call to the Department of Human Service– Child Protective Services and fax a copy of the District Child Abuse Reporting Form. OR • Contact local law enforcement.

23. HOW TO REPORT • Complete the District reporting form • Contact building Principal • Keep a copy for your records • Provide a copy to your Principal, Counselor & Superintendent

24. Why Should I Report? • It is required by law and District Policy that you report. • To protect the child you are concerned about as well as other possible victims.

25. What if I Don’t Report? • Failure to report is a violation of the law. • Mandatory reporters have also been sued for damages in civil court for failing to report. • You could be disciplined by the District and/or Teacher Standards & Practices Commission (TSPC).

26. FAQ Reporting Abuse Q: As a mandatory reporter, am I only obligated to report concerns I have at work? Q: Can I be sued for a making a report? Q: After I report, will my name be made public? Q: What if the abuse happened a long time ago? Q: Why should I report this time? They never do anything when I call to report suspected child abuse.

27. Self Care Reporting child abuse is stressful. Remember to take care of yourself during the process. Consider consulting with your supervisor or healthcare provider to process your experience.

28. For More Information Department of Human Services – Child Protective Services www.oregon.gov/DHS/children/index.shtml Teacher Standards & Practices Commission www.tspc.state.or.us ORS 339.370 & ORS Chapter 419B www.leg.state.or.us/ors/ The Center for Missing & Exploited Children www.missingkids.com The Status of Children in Oregon’s Child Protection System 2006 www.oregon.gov/DHS/abuse/publications/children/abusestats2006.pdf