Child Abuse and Neglect Prepared By: Sonia Rosas & Kimberly Martinez Crystal City Service Area EIPC’s Presenter: Velma McNeil

Objectives: Know P/P for child abuse & neglect reporting Identify indicators of possible abuse Understand the laws for reporting suspected abuse or neglect.

Why you are receiving training on Child Abuse & Neglect ? HSPS 1304.52(k)(3)(i) Methods for identifying and reporting child abuse and neglect that comply with applicable State and local laws using, so far as possible, a helpful rather than a punitive toward abusing or neglecting parents and other caretakers; and

TMC’s Policy… FS-100 TMC will provide training to all employees on laws for reporting, identifying, and preventing child abuse and neglect in accordance with Section 511 of the Head Start Act and the Texas Family Code, and all other state laws ( Texas Family Code 261.109 Failure to report is a Class B Misdemeanor and punishable by 180 days in jail/$2K fine)

TMC’s Policy, cont. Federal regulations, state law, and the Board of Directors require the involvement of TMC staff to report any and all instances of abuse/neglect.

TMC Procedure… Child Abuse Reporting : FS-100-A All employees will participate in identification, reporting, and prevention of abuse and neglect. Maintain confidentiality, no records will be kept in Family File (Placed in separate file). Work Closely with CPS. CM will coordinate all abuse and negelct activities.

CM Responsibility… Establish and maintain relationship with community agencies, involved with abuse & Neglect. Inform staff of P/P Inform parents and staff of legal requirements. Discuss with families reporting, if deemed necessary. Know medical and social community resources available.

Staff Responsibility… ALL STAFF WILL REPORT INCIDENTS OF CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT TO CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES…

Reporting Form… Gen 018 Record report to CPS Person making the report will complete the form when abuse or neglect is suspected Fill in appropriate information Forward Administration/MSHS Director in a Folder marked CONFIDENTIAL.

TEXAS MIGRANT COUNCIL, INC. MIGRANT SEASONAL HEAD START PROGRAM CHILD ABUSE/NEGLECT REPORT The following information must be reported to Child Protective Services immediately upon suspecting child abuse and/or neglect: Center_________________________ Center Manager______________________________ Address_____________________________________ Telephone _____________________ Child’s Name _______________________________ DOB ____________ Sex: □ M Child’s Address__________________________________Phone_____________________ Parent/Guardian Name_______________________________________________________ Parent Address if different from Child’s__________________________________________ Telephone where parent can be reached_________________________________________ Did the child report the abuse? □ Yes □ No Comments:__________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ Type of abuse suspected:______________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ Physical Indicators Observed:__________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ Behavioral Indicators observed:________________________________________________ Other Indicators Observed/Known:______________________________________________ Person(s) Reporting:__________________________________________________________ Position:________________________ Date of Report ________________ Time of report___________ Was Center Manager Informed? □ Yes □ No Gen 018 Rev 5/04

What is child abuse ? Mental, emotional, physical, or sexual injury to a child. CAPTA’s Definition: Any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation; or An act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm. CAPTA: The Federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act. CAPTA set a foundation of identifying behaviors that define child abuse and neglect. Each state is responsible for defining child abuse and neglect. Most states recongnize 4 major types.

Types of Abuse: Physical Abuse Neglect Sexual Abuse Emotional Maltreatment

Physical Abuse : Physical Marks: Unexplained burns, bites, bruises, broken bones, black eyes. Fading bruises or other noticeable marks. Welts on the body. Bruising to the facial area.

Physical Abuse: Behavioral Indicators: Anti-Social Behavior Problems in School Fear of Adults

Neglect: Failure to provide for a child’s basic needs, ex. Physical (Shelter, unsuitable clothing, food, lack of supervision) Medical (Necessary medical care) Educational (Failure to educate the child or special education) Emotional (Inattention to child’s emotional needs, drink alcohol or drug use)

Sexual Abuse: Physical Signs: Difficulty walking or sitting Pregnant Venereal Diseases Changes in appetite Reports sexual abuse by a parent or caregiver.

Sexual Abuse: Emotional Indicators: Nightmares or bedwetting Changes in appetite Unusual sexual behaviors or knowledge

Emotional Maltreatment: Physical Signs: Constant criticism Threats Rejection Withholding love, support, guidance (Usually present with another form of abuse)

Emotional Maltreatment: Emotional Indicators: Apathy Depression Hostility or stress Lack of concentration Eating disorders

General Signs of Abuse or Neglect… The Child: Changes in behavior or school performance No medical attention for issues discussed with parent Watchful Lacks adult supervision Overly compliant, passive, withdrawn Comes to school early, leaves late, doesn’t want to go home.

General Signs of Abuse or Neglect Parents: Shows little concern for child Denies problems with the child Harsh punishment Sees child as bad Overly demanding of the child Looks to child for care, attention, and satisfaction of emotional needs

General Signs of Abuse and Neglect Child and Parent: Rarely look or touch each other Consider relationship negatively Don’t like each other

Texas Statistical Data : 2003 184 Children died from abuse or neglect. CPS received 186,160 reports, 131,130 were investigated, 50,208 were confirmed victims.

Confirmed Cases of Abuse or Neglect: Texas Physical 13,606 Sexual 7,473 Emotional 1,067 Abandonment 420 Medical Neglect 2,371 Physical Neglect 7,198 Neglectful Supervision 26,338 Refuse parental responsibility 845

Moments in America for Children Every 2 sec. A public school student is suspended 10 seconds A high school student drops out 11 sec A child is reported abused or neglected 19 sec A child is arrested 23 sec A baby is born to unwed mother 35 sec A child is confirmed abused or neglected 40 sec A baby is born into poverty 50 sec A baby is born without health insurance 1 min A baby is born to teen mom

Moment in America for Children 2 min Baby is born low birth weight 3 min Baby born to mom with no/late pre-natal care 8 min Child is arrested for violent crime 19 min A baby dies 2 Hours A child is a homicide victim 4 Hours A child commits suicide 6 Hours A child dies from abuse or neglect

Are we mandated to report suspected child abuse or neglect ? What are the laws that govern ?

Laws & Regulations on Child Abuse & Neglect: Texas Family Code Texas Administrative Code Texas Minimum Standards HSPS

Texas Family Code : 261.101 Persons required to report: A person having cause to believe that a child’s physical or mental health or welfare has been adversely affected by abuse or neglect by any person shall immediately make a report. Identity of the reporter is confidential.

Texas Family Code : 261.103 A report shall be made to law enforcement or Child Protective Service. ( Appropriate Agency )

Texas Family Code 261.109 A person commits an offense if the person has cause to believe that a child’s physical or mental health or welfare has been or may be adversely affected by abuse or neglect and knowingly fails to report. Offense is a Class B misdemeanor (180 days in jail/$2K fine).

Texas Minimum Daycare Standards: Minimum Standards follow the regulations outlined by the Texas Administrative Code and Texas Family Code.

Head Start Performance Standards: Appendix A to 1301.31 Identification and Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect. Head Start Agencies and delegate agencies MUST report child abuse and neglect in accordance with the provisions of applicable State or local law. Head Start Agencies and Delegates will maintain the confidentiality of all records pertaining to child abuse and neglect in accordance with the law. Head Start will cooperate fully with CPS.

How do I make a report and what information do I need to know ?

Making a Report… Two Ways: Telephone : 1-800-252-5400 Internet : https://www.txabusehotline.org (must include the “s” in https:// to access the website)

Information on Hand: Name, age, and address of the child Your name and contact information Brief description of the situation Current injuries, medical problems, or behavioral problems Parent’s name and name of siblings in the home Explain how you know the situation

Confidentiality… Your report is confidential and is not subject to public release under the Open Records Act.

Timeframe for Making A Report : You must make a report to Child Protective Services within 48 Hours (2 Days) of the suspected abuse or neglect.

Rule of Thumb: If you have reason to suspect child abuse, but are not positive, make the report…

Any Questions

Resources: National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information – NAIC National Adoption Information Clearinghouse Texas Department of Family and Protective Services Childhelp USA Administration for Children and Families HSPS Minimum Daycare Standards US Department of Health and Human Services : Safe Children and Healthy Families Are A Shared Responsibility-2006 Community Resource Packet