Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment Lebanon Road Elementary School Professional Development October 5, 2016

What is Child Maltreatment? PHYSICAL ABUSE- Serious physical injury inflicted by or allowed by a parent/caregiver, or substantial risk of serious injury by non- accidental means. SEXUAL ABUSE- Any behavior of a sexual nature imposed on a child including fondling, masturbation, oral sex, vaginal or anal penetration (by a finger, penis or object), exhibitionism, child pornography, and suggestive behavior/comments. EMOTIONAL ABUSE- Expression of attitudes or behaviors toward a child that may create serious emotional of psychological damage. NEGLECT- Any serious disregard for a child’s supervision, care or discipline.

Reporting Facts By law, ALL STAFF MEMBERS are mandated reporters. If you suspect abuse/neglect, YOU are required to contact DSS to make a report, regardless if that information has been shared with a school counselor or if a school counselor is unavailable to assist you with the reporting. You do not need to have proof that maltreatment is occurring, however having REASONABLE cause to suspect maltreatment is occurring is beneficial. You do not need anyone’s permission to make a report. However, if you feel more comfortable consulting with one of the counselors, feel free to speak with us for clarity, guidance, or assistance.

When a Child Discloses Maltreatment Listen carefully to the child. Your job is not to determine if maltreatment has occurred, your job is to make a report about REASONABLE SUSPECTED MALTREATMENT. Let the child/children talk and limit asking questions. Explain to the child that you will need to speak with other adults who will be able to provide help. DO NOT PROMISE to keep the maltreatment a secret and DO NOT SHARE THE INFORMATION WITH PEOPLE not directly involved in the situation.

DSS Reporting Numbers If you suspect abuse/neglect maltreatment of a child, please call : Mecklenburg County Care Line: 704-336-CARE (2273). You may be asked to leave a message with a messaging operator. Please provide your contact information. When an Intake Worker is able to call you back they will do so. Inform your principal (before or after making the report); informing the principal does not excuse you of the responsibility of making a report to DSS and it should not delay a report being made.

What Information is Needed to Make a Report? Name, address and age of child and parent or caregiver. The child’s condition, including physical, emotional, behavioral or other symptoms. Any information you have about the presence of drugs or weapons in the home. Any positive information you might have about the child’s family. Current location of the child.

After Your Report Is Made If your report is accepted, DSS has three different timeframes: immediate, 24, or 72 hours to initiate/make contact with the child/family to begin the investigation process. Classification of Reports: Family Assessment Report - An appointment is scheduled with the family. Investigative Report - No contact with family. The Social Worker can arrive at home or school without an appointment

DSS Outcomes DSS’s main purpose is to protect children from abuse/neglect and for the child to remain with the family. There are three possible outcomes from CPS: Services Recommended - No substantial need for DSS to remain involved. Possibly referred to another agency or provided education during the investigation. In Need of Services - Case will remain open with a Social Worker. Family can receive services in the form of mental health counseling, substance abuse counseling, parenting education, or other community services in order to address the concerns that constituted DSS involvement. Services Needed and Child taken into DSS custody. The reported concerns were substantiated and warranted that the child be removed from their home and placed with another family member OR in foster care.

Final Points Always err on the side of reporting! If you feel the need to consult with a colleague, it strongly suggests that you have reasonable cause to suspect. You may need to call DSS multiple times, keep calling! All calls remain on record and can establish a pattern. There is no statute of limitations in regards to mandated reporting. Do not discuss the situation with the student. Your job is to make the student feel safe at school and provide them with an education!!!