SCHOOLS AND CHILD ABUSE Child Advocates of Fort Bend

Recognize Report Role of Child Advocates of Fort Bend Rules of Internet Safety Agenda

The Child Abuse Epidemic 1 in 4 girls are sexually abused before age 18 1 in 6 boys are sexually abused before age 18 40% of children abused once will be re-victimized during lifetime Over 90% of sexually abused children are abused by someone they know Abuse can happen for months or years before a child gains the courage to disclose

Recognize Physical Abuse  Unexplained bruises, welts, black eyes, bumps  Bite marks, swollen or tender limbs  Reluctance to change clothes for PE or wearing clothes inappropriate for the weather  Fear of adults Neglect  Dirty or un-bathed  Unsuitable clothing for weather  Extreme hunger  Lack of apparent supervision  Medical needs uncared for

Recognize Sexual Abuse  Inappropriate interest in or knowledge of sexual acts  Promiscuous behavior with adults  Lack of trust with others  Poor peer relationships  Sudden drop in academic performance Emotional Abuse – could indicate incidence of other abuse (sexual abuse)  Depression  Eating disorders  Apathy or hopelessness  Hostility  Stressed

Reporting – How? Legal duty to report within 48 hours – all school employees are required to report. May not transfer responsibility to others. Report Immediately to CPS  CPS Hotline  CPS Online Reporting - If incident occurred on school property, notify school Law Enforcement personnel immediately or your local Police Department

Reporting – How? Make a Report: 1.Who: Child’s name, age, DOB 2.What: Type of abuse – what they told you or what you witnessed. Name/relationship of alleged perpetrator. 3.Where: Location of incident (home, school) 4.When: Immediate risk? Allow child to tell story ONE TIME to ONE PERSON – Person told is Reporter on the case. Document conversation with child – outcry witness. Minimize questioning - do not need to investigate by questioning student, friends or parents

Reporting – Be Careful To: Parents:  Do not provide information to parents if they contact the school  NEVER notify parents of suspicions or report Injuries:  For children with injuries, follow school policy regarding documentation of visible injuries

Reporting – What Happens Next? CPS: Conducts safety investigation of all reports – determine if home is unsafe and child should be removed and placed in foster care.  Provide CPS with private space for talking with the child  CPS cannot transport children without parental permission (except under exigent circumstances)  CPS must notify reporter if case was accepted for investigation or closed Children’s Advocacy Center: Conducts forensic interview Law Enforcement: Conducts criminal investigation

Role of Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC)  Reviews all state intakes of child abuse  Conducts forensic interviews  Provides therapy  Provides family advocacy  Provides court preparation  Coordinates with law enforcement and CPS  Children receiving services at the CAC are excused absence  Child’s/family’s confidentiality should be respected

Role of Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Advocates for children in foster care in the court system (Guardian ad Litem) Has legal rights to information and access  On campus, children’s records, with teachers, nurses and counselors Collaborates with schools Provides specialized programming to children: educational, enrichment, positive behaviors, life skills, college planning Training – CEU’s available to teachers

Rules of Internet Safety Social Media becoming a tool for child abuse  Cyberbullying  Exposure to inappropriate material  Sexting  Online Predators  Revealing too much information Teacher Resources   Lamar iCafe (LCISD) – Child Advocates icon  Short videos on child abuse

Contact Information Child Advocates of Fort Bend Children’s Advocacy Center CASA Child Protective Services (CPS) Fort Bend Sheriff’s Office Law Enforcement for your city and school district Check local listings