Protecting children and disabled adults from abuse and neglect Mandated Reporting Protecting children and disabled adults from abuse and neglect Perkins School for the Blind Staff Training Jim Witmer. LICSW

Pretest What is a “mandated reporter”? When are you required to report? If you are concerned about an adult, whom do you call? Who from Perkins makes the call to report a suspicion of abuse?

Who is a “Mandated Reporter”?

Mandated Reporting Law Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 119, Sections 51A-F State law describing the duty of certain people to protect the children in their care and the legal mandate to report any suspicion of child abuse or neglect by a care-giver

Who is a “Mandated Reporter”? Health care workers Public and private day care workers Police, firefighters, etc. Public or private school teachers, administrators, clinical staff and all other direct-care employees …and many others

Preventing abuse: Children with disabilities are 3 to 4 times more likely than their typical peers to be physically abused or neglected. Sullivan, P. & Knutson, J. (2000). Maltreatment and disabilities: A population-based epidemiological study. Child Abuse & Neglect, 24 (10), 1257-1273

What adds to the risk of abuse for disabled children and adults ?

Disabled children and adults: May have restricted social environments Often feel powerless Are often taught to accept being touched by anyone called “staff” May not understand that someone they know would harm them

Disabled children and adults: Often do not receive sex education May be especially challenged by communication barriers Often live in situations where compliant behavior is required Common indicators of abuse may be ascribed to the disability itself

Preventing physical and sexual abuse Teaching and modeling for our students is their best protection

Modeling and teaching appropriate boundaries: What YOU can do…

Modeling and teaching appropriate boundaries: Remember students’ need for modesty and privacy Look for opportunities to teach students about privacy If not normally part of your job, notify a Houseparent before going into a student’s bedroom or a student bathroom

Modeling and teaching appropriate boundaries: When giving routine physical care, always let the student know before you touch him or her Ask permission before touching - and wait for permission! Touch, especially in the genital area can be stimu-lating. Be aware of how you touch and of the student’s reaction

Indicators of abuse and neglect What to watch for…

Physical signs of physical abuse: Unexplained bruises or welts, especially on the buttocks, torso, back or thighs where children are not typically injured Unexplained cuts or abrasions Unexplained fractures Unexplained burns

Behavioral signs of physical abuse: New anxiety about normal activities, Behavioral extremes (overly compliant or aggressive) Complaints of soreness/Awkward movements Shying away from physical touch

Physical signs of sexual abuse: Difficulty walking or sitting Pain or itching in genital area Bruising or bleeding in genital area Frequent UTIs or yeast infections

Behavioral signs of sexual abuse: Distinct changes in behavior Lack of participation in favorite activities Bizarre, sophisticated or unusual sexual behavior or knowledge Withdrawal, fantasy or unusually infantile behavior

What to do when you suspect or a child reports abuse…

When you suspect abuse: Try to keep your own feelings in check. Try not to communicate shock, disgust, anger, embarrassment or disbelief Never agree to keep a revelation secret Try not to make the child feel bad or guilty

If a child discloses abuse: Assure the child that he or she did the right thing by telling you Let the child tell you the story in his/her own words. Try not to lead the child. Never blame the child or make judgments about what has happened

Important reminder: It is not up to you to investigate or elaborate on the child’s story. You need only have a suspicion to report.

Reporting suspected abuse or neglect

Reporting procedure: All Perkins staff must immediately report any suspicion to their direct supervisor, Program Supervisor or clinician The supervisor reports to the Director of Programs and Services An emergency meeting is held and relevant information is gathered The Director of Programs and Services decides whether a report to a state agency is appropriate

Filing a report of suspected abuse: The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is responsible to investigate reports of suspected abuse and neglect of children birth to 18. The Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC) is responsible to investigate reports of suspected abuse of disabled adults ages 18 - 59

Post-Test What is a “mandated reporter”? When are you required to report? If you are concerned about an adult, whom do you call? Who from Perkins makes a call to report a suspicion of abuse?

for your interest and attention and for your help in Thank you for your interest and attention and for your help in protecting our students!