Child Abuse, neglect and Mandated Reporting

Child Abuse, Neglect and Mandated Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Mandated Reporting

Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Proper and adequate supervision and training of staff are the two best ways to prevent abuse of a child by staff within a program. Guidelines for discipline and how to speak to children must be followed explicitly. Many of our normal operating procedures reduce likelihood of cases of abuse as well. Follow all operating procedures carefully to get the full benefit of our experience in eliminating instances of possible abuse.

Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention, cont. The following lists a few of the ways we’ve integrated this into a daily routine: Kiddie Cams™: accessible to parents, in your office at the facility, and at Corporate. They may be recorded and archived. Two teachers assigned to each room Half walls between infant/ toddler programs- in some Schools Diaper changing tables exposed inside classroom Very small bathroom with toilet only (room only for one person) when possible Intercom systems - to supervise level of voice, tone of voice, and what teachers are saying to their class. Windows on classroom doors 

Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention, cont. The above items are already integrated into our programs for extra protection. It is the school Owner and Program Director’s responsibility to take all other necessary procedures to protect the children in our care. Some examples of this will include: Supervision of staff and children (children can abuse other children) Frequent training on how to manage stress Frequent training on Discipline Being a role model (tone of voice, following policies) Do not close the door on the office when alone with a child Create a fun work environment Keep a close eye on stress levels of staff, and give breaks when necessary Facilitate an environment of following policies, and ensure consistency in following the discipline policy

Mandated Reporting You are a mandated reporter. This means that you are legally required to phone the hotline number if you SUSPECT child abuse or neglect. You should not try to conduct any type of investigation. This must be left to professionals trained to do this.   Documentation is also very important. If a child comes in with any type of suspicious bruise, you should document the degree and location of the injury. Also document what the child tells you about what happened. These facts will be useful to the investigators. Usually, the Director and the teacher will make the call together, and when possible this is preferred. You do, however, have legal authority to make the call on your own. In this situation, you make the call in your personal name or anonymously (not on behalf of the school), but document that you did so and keep record of it. Only School Directors and Owners may make hotline calls on direct behalf of the school.

Mandated Reporting, cont. Most states expressly provide privileges to mandated reporters to maintain confidentiality of your hotline call. However, too many times we’ve found that this privilege is not carried out. It is likely the family will know who placed the call. You should prepare to have a conference with the family and be ready to answer questions they may have. Keeping the child enrolled at your facility is in the child’s best interest…so you can continue to monitor their safety. If they are pulled from your facility you will not be able to follow up with them.   Keep in mind that hotline calls need to happen quickly. If you have to go home and think about it, the child’s life may be in danger that much longer. The best advice is to go with your gut feeling and keep the child’s interest at heart. We have very strict non-tolerance policies for abuse or neglect from an internal source (an employee or Little Sunshine's Playhouse affiliated person). If you suspect any type of abuse or neglect on the part of any co-workers, you must react immediately by alerting your Program Director, Franchise Owner (if applicable) and the corporate office. It is very important to make contact with all supervisory parties.

This concludes the Child Abuse, Neglect and Mandated Reporting training, please reach out to your Program Director with any specific questions you have on this material.