Child Protective Services: Reporting Abuse and Neglect Policy, Practice, and Communication Ann Granby, Program Manager June 2015

What is Child Abuse? Inflicts or allows to be inflicted upon the child serious physical injury by other than non-accidental means. Creates or allows to be created a substantial risk of serious physical injury to the child by other than accidental means. Grossly inappropriate discipline, including the inappropriate use of objects to discipline a child. Abuse is defined as any child under the age of 18 whose parent, guardian, custodian, or caretaker:

What is Child Abuse? Commits, permits, or encourages the commission of first-degree rape of a child, first degree sexual offense, sexual exploitation of a child and promoting prostitution of the child. Creates or allows to be created serious emotional damage to the child. Encourages, directs, or approves of delinquent acts involving moral turpitude committed by the child. Commits or allows to be committed an offense under human trafficking, involuntary servitude, or sexual servitude. Abuse is defined as any child under the age of 18 whose parent, guardian, custodian, or caretaker:

Signs of Abused Children Shows sudden changes in behavior or school performance Displays overt sexualized behavior or exhibits sexual knowledge that is inconsistent with their age Has not received medical attention for a physical injury that has been brought to the parents' attention Has learning problems that cannot be attributed to specific physical or psychological causes Is always watchful, as though preparing for something bad to happen Has unexplained burns, bites, bruises, broken bones, or black eyes

Signs of Abused Children Comes to school early, stays late, and does not want to go home. Has bruises or marks in non-prominent, “fleshy” areas of the body (for example, inside of biceps or behind the knees). Has fading bruises or other marks noticeable after an absence from school. Seems frightened of the parents and protests or cries when it is time to go home from school. Reports injury by a parent or another adult caregiver.

Signs of Abusive Caregivers Shows little concern for the child. Rarely responding to the school's requests for information, for conferences, or for home visits. Denies the existence of or blames the child for the child's problems in school or at home. Asks the classroom teacher to use harsh physical discipline if the child misbehaves. Demands perfection or a level of physical or academic performance the child cannot achieve

Signs of Abusive Caregivers Offers conflicting, unconvincing, or no explanation for the child's injury. Describes the child as "evil," or in some other very negative way. Is abusing alcohol, prescription or illegal drugs and that abuse is having an adverse impact on the child. Uses harsh physical discipline with the child. Has a history of abuse as a child.

What is Child Neglect? Neglect is defined in N.C.G.S. 7B101 as a child who does not receive proper care, supervision, or discipline form the child’s parents, guardian, custodian, or caretaker or who has been abandoned. A child who is not provided the necessary medical care or who is not provided necessary remedial care. A child who lives in an environment injurious to the juvenile’s welfare. A child who who has been placed for care for adoption in violation of the law.

Signs of Neglected Children Begs or steals food or money from classmates Lacks needed medical or dental care Lacks age appropriate adult supervision Lacks clothing appropriate for the weather Reports family violence in the home Reports use of illegal substances or excessive use of alcohol by parents or caregivers Abuses alcohol or other drugs States there is no one at home to provide care

North Carolina’s mandatory reporting law states that anyone who has cause to suspect that any child is abused, neglected, dependent or has died as the result of maltreatment, shall report this information to the Department of Social Services A person that makes a report in good faith is immune from any civil or criminal liability Persons making malicious reports to the Department of Social Services may be subject to criminal prosecution. Making a Report of Child Abuse or Neglect

Helpful information to have when you are making report: Children’s names and approximate ages Parent’s names and DOB’s/Approximate ages Family’s address and phone numbers Names and phone number of professionals working with the family (if known) Names and phone number of other family members Location of child if not at home Always make a report if you think a child is at risk even if you know only limited information.

What Happens After Making a Report? A social worker takes information from the reporter using NC DHHS Structured Intake Tool. A supervisor reviews the information to determine if the report meets the standards of abuse or neglect. – These standards are defined by the N.C. Division of Social Services guidelines (N.C.G.S. 7B-101) The report is either screened in for further assessment/investigation or screened out due to not meeting statutory guidelines Any report that is screened out is reviewed by a third person – (usually a program administrator)

Timeframes for Investigative and Family Assessments Investigative Assessments: Reports of abuse and some reports of neglect require an initiation response time of immediate or 24 hours. – Investigative assessments have a 30 day completion timeframe – Immediate time response indicates the case is high risk and the child could be exposed to imminent risk or harm. – Often there is Law Enforcement involvement. Family Assessments: Reports of neglect( Lack supervision, lack of proper care, inappropriate discipline, domestic violence cases) – Initiated within an immediate, 24 hour or 72 hour response time. Most family assessments are completed with 45 days.

What Happens at the End of an Investigative Assessment? Substantiated reports may require additional intervention with our in home services team or foster care team to assist the family with ongoing resource planning and tools for prevention and family preservation. Unsubstantiated reports are closed as the allegations could not be proven. Investigative Assessments are either substantiated or unsubstantiated.

What are the Outcomes of Family Assessments? The family is found to be in need of services and the case is transferred to In-Home Services for case management. Services are recommended to the family, however oversight by a social worker is not required. Families are educated about resources available in the community and the case is closed. The case is closed without further intervention Family assessments have one of three outcomes:

Communication Between the Reporter and DSS Reporters who identify themselves maybe contacted by the assigned social workers for additional or clarifying information. Reporters will receive a letter informing them if a case has been opened based upon the report. Reporters will also receive a letter informing them about the outcome of the assessment. Most information regarding CPS investigative assessments and family assessments are protected by privacy laws and state policy and can not be provided.

Agency Contact Information CPS Hotline: Durham County Department of Social Services 414 E. Main St. Durham, NC Durham County DSS General Information or to reach a specific staff member call