“Child abuse casts a shadow the length of a lifetime “Child abuse casts a shadow the length of a lifetime.”  Herbert Ward “Child abuse does not go away, but 90% of child abuse is preventable.” Karen Adams

Child Abuse in America… Children are suffering from a hidden epidemic of child abuse and neglect. Over 3 million reports of child abuse are made every year in the United States; however, those reports can include multiple children.  In 2007, approximately 5.8 million children were involved in an estimated 3.2 million child abuse reports and allegations. 

Almost five children die everyday as a result of child abuse and more than three out of four are under the age of 4. It is estimated that between 60-85% of child fatalities due to maltreatment are not recorded as such on death certificates. Ninety percent of child sexual abuse victims know the perpetrator in some way; 68% are abused by family members.

Consequences of Child Abuse in the USA Eighty percent of young adults who had been abused met the diagnostic criteria for at least 1 psychiatric disorder at the age of 21 (including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, & post-traumatic stress disorder). Abused children are 25% more likely to experience teen pregnancy. Fourteen percent of all men in prison in the USA were bused as children. Thirty-six percent of all women in prison were abused as children. Children who experience child abuse & neglect are 59% more likely to be arrested as a juvenile, 28% more likely to be arrested as an adult, and 30% more likely to commit violent crime.

There are four common types of abuse: Physical Abuse Neglect Sexual Abuse Emotional Abuse

Physical Abuse: Serious physical injury inflicted by or allowed by a parent/caregiver or substantial risk of serious injury by non-accidental means.

Signs of Possible Physical Maltreatment • Unexplained bruises in various states of healing. • Self-destructive behaviors such as hitting or biting oneself. • Welts, bite marks, bald spots. • Unexplained burns, especially burns that resemble cigarette burns or glove-like burns on hands. • Unexplained fractures, abrasions, or wounds. • Expression of unusual fear of parent/ caregiver. WWW.PREVENTCHILDABUSENC.ORG

Signs of Possible Neglect Neglect: Any serious disregard for a child’s supervision, care or discipline. Signs of Possible Neglect • Reported abandonment by parent/caregiver. • Unattended medical needs, lack of supervision. • Consistent hunger, inappropriate dress, poor hygiene. • Lice, distended stomach, poor social skills, begging or stealing food. • Frequent absences or tardiness from school. • Extreme fatigue or falling asleep in class. WWW.PREVENTCHILDABUSENC.ORG

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. Signs of Possible Sexual Maltreatment • Engagement in sexual behaviors not developmentally appropriate. • A detailed and sophisticated understanding of sexual behaviors. • Regression to behaviors such as thumb sucking or limited speech. • Pain, itching, bruising or bleeding in the genital area. • Delinquent or aggressive behavior, depression, or suicide attempts. • Substance abuse, self-mutilation, promiscuity, running away. WWW.PREVENTCHILDABUSENC.ORG

Signs of Possible Emotional Maltreatment Emotional Abuse: Expression of attitudes or behaviors toward a child that may create serious emotional or psychological damage. Signs of Possible Emotional Maltreatment •  Speech disorders, developmental delays. • Ulcers • Habit disorders including thumb sucking or rocking. • Extreme passive or aggressive behavior. • Very low self-esteem, antisocial or destructive actions. WWW.PREVENTCHILDABUSENC.ORG Note: This provision also includes children who witness domestic violence.

Reporting Child Abuse/Neglect

Reporting Child Abuse/Neglect Obligation to Report It is a misdemeanor offense if any citizen fails to report suspected child abuse or neglect. Remember that you only need “Reasonable Cause”, not proof ! You must report as soon as you suspect abuse or neglect - The report should be made within twenty four hours of the time the employee becomes aware of or suspects the child has been abused or neglected. Be sure to tell Your Administration . As a CMS employee you must report the evidence or suspicion to the student’s principal. Please note that making the report to the principal does not excuse the employee of the responsibility of making sure that a report to DSS was made. Also remember that you can file a report anonymously. Please note that if you do provide your name, it will not be revealed as it is protected by law.

CMS Child Abuse & Neglect Policy The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education recognizes the serious problem of child abuse, neglect, and dependency and the crucial role of school personnel in regard to this problem. Therefore, any school employee who has cause to suspect that any child is an abused, neglected, or dependent child must report the case of such child to the Director, or his authorized representative, of the Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services, as is required by North Carolina law, and to the school principal. The Superintendent shall issue regulations addressing the manner and timing of this report. The employee must report the evidence or suspicion to the student’s principal (making the report to the principal does not excuse the employee of the responsibility of making sure a report to DSS was made). You do NOT need permission to report. Your duty is to inform the administration that a report was/is made. (See memo for clarification.) CMS Child Abuse & Neglect Policy

Why is important for you to make the report yourself ? As a school employee, you are a mandated reporter when you suspect abuse or neglect. Most often you have been given information directly from the child. These details will be needed during an intake assessment. Children become less clear when they share their story again. Research shows that the more people the child tells the more room for an error or misinformation. A child may begin to feel that by telling more people their story that they may get in trouble . This can lead to them later denying the facts that they initially shared. Note: Counselors, psychologist, social workers and administrators are available for consultation with you; but are not DSS and should not be asked to interview a child to “provide more details” or “determine if the case should go to DSS”.

When a Child Discloses Maltreatment Listen carefully to the child. Remember, your job is not to determine if maltreatment has occurred. You only need to suspect possible maltreatment in order to make a report. Let them talk and limit asking questions. Tell them you believe them and that the maltreatment is not their fault. Do not promise to keep what they shared a secret. Tell the student that you need to tell other adults who can help WWW.PREVENTCHILDABUSENC.ORG

DSS – Mecklenburg County 704-336-CARE (2273) How do I report ?

The Social Worker will ask you for information such as : Making a Report   Remember that you must report within 24 hours of your suspicion of abuse or neglect. Call 704-336-CARE (2273) The Social Worker will ask you for information such as : • 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. They will ask questions you may not know the answer to and that’s ok. • Any positive information you might have about the child’s family.

Questions about reporting to DSS: Do I have to give my name? You can remain anonymous but it’s better if you give your information in case the investigator needs more information from you. Will the parent know I made the referral? DSS can’t reveal who made the referral but many times the parent will know because the student told them who they talked to. What if the parent contacts me after I make the report ? If the parent/caregiver asks you if you “reported” them, you can tell them that they will have to direct any questions to DSS. This is to protect you and the child. An administrator may also serve as a source of support in this regard.

After Your Report is Made If your report is accepted for assessment, DSS should initiate that assessment within 24 hours for abuse and 72 hours for neglect. The assessment will include a visit to the home and the school, and interviews with the child, their family, and school personnel. The job of DSS is to protect the child while assisting the family to address the issues that are contributing to the abusive or neglectful behavior. Families most frequently work with DSS to receive services in the form of counseling, emergency foster care services, help with basic needs, parenting classes, and intensive in home Services If you disagree with DSS’ decision, you can request a review of the case by the District Attorney. Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect in North Carolina

Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect in North Carolina If you do provide your contact information to DSS, you will be provided with a letter letting you know about the outcome of the case.   No information will be provide, if you do not provide your contact information. Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect in North Carolina

You can be the voice for a child in need ! Make the Call   704-336-CARE (2273) You can be the voice for a child in need !

References www.preventchildabusenc.org Mason, Janet. (2003). Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect in North Carolina. (2nd ed.). Chapel Hill, NC: Institute of Government School, School of Government. www.childhelp.org/signs-of-child-abuse Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect: A resource Guide for Adults Working with Children. Prevent Child Abuse, NC. 1st Edition. 2005.