Mandated Reporter Training Legally Mandated Requirements for Educational Professionals

Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect Professionals working within the educational setting often have the ability to identify children in danger before serious illness or injury occurs. Schools represent the primary source of referrals involving child abuse/neglect. Basic identification and reporting skills are vital to the success of child protection. Everyone having direct contact with children must report situations that they learn about, suspect or observe. Daily contact and observation of change in a child's behavior, appearance and demeanor permit identification of early warning signals.

Pennsylvania Laws Juvenile Act (Act 33) The Juvenile Act grants children certain constitutional protections and allows for intervention by authorities when children are in danger. It balances the right of children to be protected and the right of parents to raise their children as they best see fit. Without proper parental care and control, subsistence, education as required by law, or other care or control as necessary for physical, mental or emotional health, or morals;

Child Protective Service Law (CPSL) Fundamental goal is the protection of children at risk of child abuse and neglect. Ensures continued safety of children by protecting them from further illness, injury, or other circumstances which endanger their health or welfare. The CPSL requires the report of suspected child abuse by ALL professionals who work with children.

Mandated Reporter People, who through the course of their employment, occupation or practice of their profession come into contact with children. Mandated Reporters are required to report when they suspect a child has been abused.

Mandated Reporters are Protected Anyone who makes a report in good faith is protected from criminal and civil immunity. CPSL also clarifies immunity from liability for schools assisting the authorities in conducting an investigation of child abuse. In fact, failure to report or to cooperate with an investigation could result in criminal charges (third degree misdemeanor)

Changes to the CPSL The child no longer needs to come before the mandated reporter. The reporter just has to have knowledge. All allegations need to be reported regardless of the perpetrators relationship to the child.

What Should I Know? Types of Abuse Physical Abuse: Any recent act or failure to act by a perpetrator which causes non-accidental serious physical injury to a child under 18 years of age. The most easily identified and frequently reported suspicions of child abuse involve serious, non- accidental physical abuse which often results in one of the following conditions: Bruises, Bone Fractures, Burns/Scalding, Welts, Scars, Sprains, Internal Injuries, Abrasions, Dislocations, Bites, Lacerations

Consider the possibility of physical abuse when the child: Has unexplained burns, bites, bruises, broken bones, or black eyes Has fading bruises or other marks noticeable after an absence from school Seems withdrawn or depressed Seems afraid to go home Shies away from physical contact Reports injury by a parent or another adult caregiver

Sexual Abuse An act or failure to act that results in the employment, use, persuasion, inducement, enticement, or coercion of a child to engage in or assist any other person to engage in any sexually explicit conduct of any simulation of any explicit conduct for the purpose of producing any visual depiction, of any sexually explicit conduct or any form of sexual exploitation of children.

Consider the possibility of sexual abuse when the child: Has difficulty walking or sitting Suddenly refuses to participate in physical activities Reports nightmares or bedwetting Experiences a sudden change in appetite Demonstrates bizarre, sophisticated, or unusual sexual knowledge or behavior Becomes pregnant or contracts a venereal disease, particularly if under age 14 Reports sexual abuse

Serious Physical Neglect A prolonged or repeated lack of supervision or the failure to provide the essentials of life including medical care, which endangers a child’s life or development or impairs the child’s functioning. Other essentials include food, shelter, clothing, dental care, personal care, protection from physical injury and supervision.

Consider the possibility of neglect when the child: Is frequently absent from school Frequently tired or hungry Lacks needed medical or dental care, immunizations, or glasses Poor hygiene Lacks sufficient clothing for the weather Abuses alcohol or other drugs States that there is no one at home to provide care

Mental Abuse An act or failure to act that results in a psychological condition, as diagnosed by a physician or licensed psychologist, including the refusal of appropriate treatment that : Renders a child chronically and severely anxious, agitated, depressed, socially withdrawn, psychotic, or in a reasonable fear that the child’s life or safety is threatened, or Seriously interferes with the child’s ability to accomplish age-appropriate developmental and social tasks.

Imminent Risk An act or failure to act that is likely to cause an imminent risk of serious physical injury or sexual abuse or exploitation. Failing to exercise reasonable judgment

Examples of Imminent Risk Firing of a gun near a child Leaving a young child unsupervised Leaving a child in a care of an unsafe caretaker such as a sex offender

Abuse of Student by a School Employee Serious bodily injury to or sexual abuse or sexual exploitation of a student by a school employee. A student is an individual enrolled in a public or private school, intermediate unit or area vocational- technical school who is under 18 years of age. School employees are persons employed by a public or private school, intermediate unit or area vocational-technical school, including persons employed as or employed by an independent contractor.

What do I do if I suspect abuse CCIU Procedures and Must report that suspicion to the building administrator or program administrator designated to receive such reports. Child Abuse: The administrator or designee must immediately make a telephone report to the Dept of Children Youth and Families ( ) or Childline( ). Student Abuse: The administrator must contact the Chester County District Attorney’s office ( ).

What do I do continued Must follow up with a written report within 48 hours. (CY-47) Cooperate with officials of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families

What do I report Provide as much of the following information as possible. Child's name, date of birth, and present location. Names, addresses and phone numbers of the child's parent(s) and/or legal guardian. Names and ages of all other household members, and their relationship to the child. Name, address and phone of the person suspected of mistreating/injuring the child, and their relationship to the child.

County in which the abuse or neglect occurred. Account of what happened to the child, when the incident occurred, description of any injury to the child and why you suspect that the child has suffered abuse or neglect. The reporting source. Any other information you feel is important to the child protection investigation, including behavioral symptoms or statements made by the child and family. Your name, address and phone number and your relationship to the child.

As mandated reporters, school personnel should attempt to facilitate a child's disclosure of maltreatment and gather information needed to complete the written CY-47 reporting form. School personnel are not responsible for "proving" that abuse occurred.

What not to do Do NOT act in isolation. Talk with other relevant adults (mental health professionals, supervisors, HR, etc) to determine a logical plan for next steps. Do Not allow the child to feel "in trouble" or "at fault". Do Not criticize or correct the child's choice of words or language. Do Not suggest answers to the child. Use open- ended questions so that the child has an opportunity to reveal details.

Do Not probe or press for information the child may not be ready to provide. Do Not display feelings of discomfort, horror or anger toward the child, parents or situation. The child will scrutinize your reaction which could prompt denial if perceived as negative. Do Not insist that the child remove clothing to examine an injury.

Do Not make promises that you will not be able to keep. Do Not suggest that a parent will not be told of the report. Do Not promise that a child will not be removed from the home. Do Not share the information with anyone who is not designated to have direct knowledge of the report.

Always Remember The law is designed to PROTECT CHILDREN from abusive/neglectful treatment. It’s not your job to believe it or to investigate it, only report it! Focus on Facts….. Better safe than sorry!

What did we forget? Questions?