Child Abuse and Neglect Mandated Reporting Cadence Education, Inc.

 Cadence Education is dedicated to the goal of protecting our children from child abuse and neglect and to responding effectively to incidents of child abuse and neglect. Not only does Cadence train to licensing requirements, we take additional steps to educate our employees on the guidelines of child abuse or neglect, including requirements related to the reporting of suspected child abuse or neglect. Our Role

Under the Child Protection Act of 1987:  As a child care worker, if you have “reasonable cause” then you are required to report suspected child abuse or neglect.  “Reasonable cause” to suspect child abuse or neglect means that based on your observations of the evidence, professional training and experience you believe that the parent or legal guardian has harmed or placed a child in danger of being harmed. Mandated Reporters

 If at any time a staff member reasonably suspects child abuse, it’s the responsibility of that staff member to report or to cause a report to be made of this suspicion to the applicable local or state department charged with investigating such reports or local law enforcement agency. It is not the staff member’s role to investigate suspected abuse – only to report it. Persons who make a good faith report are immune from civil and criminal liability. Additionally, the law provides for the confidentiality of the identity of the reporting person. Reporting

 “Abuse” or “child abuse or neglect” means an act or omission in one of the following categories which threatens the health or welfare of a child: skin bruising, bleeding, tissue swelling, or death; any case in which a child is in need of services because the child’s parents, legal guardian, or custodian fails to take the actions to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, medical care, or supervision that a prudent parent would take. Definition

Physical AbuseSexual AbuseNeglectEmotional Maltreatment Child: -Unexplained marks of any kind -Conflicting information on how injuries occurred -Frightened of parents or adults -Reports injury by parent or caregiver Parent or other adult caregiver: -Offers conflicting, unconvincing or no explanation about child’s injury -Describes child in a negative way -Uses harsh physical discipline -Has a history of child abuse Child: -Difficulty walking/sitting -Nightmares/bedwetting -Refuses to participate in physical activities -Sudden change in appetite -Unusual sexual knowledge or behavior -Runs away -Reports abuse by parent or other adult caregiver Parent or other adult caregiver: -Is secretive and isolated -Is jealous or controlling with family members -Is unduly protective of child or severely limits child’s contact with other children Child: -Frequently absent from school -Begs or steals food/money -Lacks basic/medical care -Abuses alcohol/drugs -States that there is no one at home to provide care Parent or other adult caregiver: -Appears indifferent towards child -Seems apathetic or depressed -Behaves irrationally or in a bizarre manner -Abuses alcohol/drugs Child: -Shows extremes in behavior (aggressive, compliant, demanding etc.) -Inappropriately acting too adult or infantile -Delayed physical or emotional development -Attempts suicide -Reports lack of attachment to parents Parent or other adult caregiver: -Constantly berates, blames or belittles child -Is unconcerned about child and refuses offers of help for child -Overtly rejects child Recognizing Abuse & Neglect

 Immediately contact your Director or Assistant Director  In most cases, the Director and Assistant Director will collect information concerning the situation and contact the appropriate state or local agency  Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein is intended to prevent any staff member, from making direct reports to the state or local department charged with investigating reports of child abuse or to local law enforcement in the event he or she suspects child abuse. Reporting Procedures

 Remain calm and find a private place to talk.  Put the child at ease, sitting near them – not behind a desk.  Ask permission to touch the child and reassure the child that he/she is not in trouble.  Use the child’s vocabulary to let them know what you will do. How Should I Respond to the Child?

 Pressing for details. You do not have to prove abuse.  Do not ask “why” questions.  Do not ask leading or suggestive questions.  Do not make angry or critical comments about the alleged abuser. The child usually knows or loves this person. Do Not Respond By:

P.1.8 We shall be familiar with the risk factors for and symptoms of child abuse and neglect. We shall know and follow state laws and community procedures that protect children against abuse and neglect. P.1.1 Above all we shall not harm children. We shall not participate in practices that are emotionally damaging, physically harmful, disrespectful, degrading, dangerous, exploitative or intimidating to children. This principle has precedence over all others in this Code. P.1.9 When we have reasonable cause to suspect child abuse or neglect, we shall report it to the appropriate community agency and follow up to ensure that appropriate action ahs been taken. P.1.10 When another person tells us of his or her suspicion that a child is being abused or neglected, we shall assist that person in taking appropriate action in order to protect the child. P.1.11 When we become aware of a practice or situation that endangers the health, safety or wellbeing of children, we have an ethical responsibility to protect children or inform parents and/or others who can. NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct Ethical Responsibilities towards Children Handout – NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct, How Early Childhood Educators Can Prevent Child Abuse

Reporting is primarily the raising of a question about the condition or state of a child – it does not necessarily constitute a proven fact! Making a report can begin a process that can help parents learn to care for and protect their own children. To keep the situation and details from being discussed or shared with anyone who does not need to be involved. Respect confidentiality. Remember

 CPS Intake staff determines whether the situation described meets the legal definition of child abuse or neglect.  In order for CPS to intervene the report must meet the legal definition of abuse or neglect or there is risk of imminent harm to the child.  Most often CPS/law enforcement will investigate the case independently. CPS Response What happens after the call?

 1. Can I be sued for making a report? You are immune from civil or criminal liability if you made the report in good faith.  2. Must I give my name to CPS? Yes, this fulfills your legal obligation and makes it possible for the worker to contact you if additional information is required.  3. Should I tell the parents? Work with your Director to ensure the appropriate communication. Frequently Asked Questions