Preventing and Responding to Child Abuse Presented by the Children and Family Violence Committee of the Domestic Violence Council Welcome!

Preventing and Responding to Child Abuse Introductions AM

Preventing and Responding to Child Abuse Agenda Legal Obligations Recognizing abuse and neglect Responding to child abuse disclosures Acting on suspected child abuse (reporting) Adult responsibilities in helping keep children safe Questions and Evaluation

Preventing and Responding to Child Abuse The Law Mandatory Reporting (ORS 419B) Training Mandate (SB 379) Reporting of Staff (SB 380) AM

Recognizing Child Abuse Physical abuse Sexual abuse Neglect Witnessing domestic violence AJ See handout: “Recognizing Possible Abuse” 6

Responding to Disclosures See handout: “What You Can Say, How You Can Help” TS 10

Deciding Whether to Report Does reasonable cause for suspicion of possible abuse or neglect exist? If yes, call! If in doubt, can I check with others? Yes, but only if they are immediately available. Can I wait until a more convenient time or until the next day? No, make the call without delay! Shouldn’t I be sure before calling? No, let the experts investigate. I called before and nothing happened. Why bother? This may be the call that triggers an intervention. Call.

The law requires that you report without delay. YOU must be the one to report! Inform your supervisor as soon as possible when you report. Do not delay reporting. More than one person can report the same situation. Responding to Child Abuse Who Reports?

Emergencies Police non-emergency , non- business hours, suspicions of child crime or out-of-home abuse. DHS , 8-5 M-F, in-home abuse suspicions. You are only required to call one, but calling both may shorten response time. Responding to Child Abuse Who to Call

Responding to Child Abuse Reporting - What happens when you call? Call Press 1 to reach a screener like Sue. She’ll first ask for your name and phone number.

Responding to Child Abuse Reporting - What happens when you call? She’ll ask for some basic information about the child - name, address, phone number, parent/guardian name, etc. Having the child’s file is helpful.

Responding to Child Abuse Reporting - What happens when you call? What’s going on? What is your relationship to the child? Is there physical injury to the child? Please describe? Other situations or concerns about the child?

Responding to Child Abuse Reporting - What happens when you call? Who reported it to you? Have you talked to the child? To the parent(s)? Are different accounts consistent?

Responding to Child Abuse Reporting - What happens when you call? You may be told there are not sufficient grounds for an investigation or you or a history check before deciding. In any case, you were right to call.

We are reporters 24/7/365. If you have questions, consultation with the DHS trainer at x5349 may be available. However, if not, report now. Cooperate with investigators. Do not inform parents of the report. This contact MUST be made by Child Welfare or law enforcement personnel. Document your report. Keep documentation. Responding to Child Abuse Reporting - Requirements

Failure to report may result in loss of certification and a $1000 fine. Those who report in good faith are immune from civil or criminal liability for making the report. ORS 419B.025. Turning it over to the pros is the right thing to do! Really hard but really right! Responding to Child Abuse Reporting Penalties and Protections

Those reports investigated will be categorized as either “immediate response” or “within 5 day response”. The investigation will find if the abuse report is founded, unfounded or unable to determine. Founded reports result in a safety plan. (Fewer than 12% result in out-of- home placement.) The reporter’s confidentiality is respected. Responding to Child Abuse DHS Investigations

Responding to Child Abuse Ongoing Support Check in with the child (see “What You Can Say, How You Can Help” handout) Safety plan with the child Follow up with DHS Report any new incidents or additional information Use community resources Take care of yourself

School safety is a priority Adults know how to recognize and respond to abuse disclosures and suspicions Teach age-appropriate curriculum in personal health and safety - including individual safety planning Adult Responsibilities In Helping Keep Children Safe

Follow law and policy. Assure that school is a safe place for children; a place where they know the adults are on their side. Children should be confident that the adults in the school will act in their behalf if they disclose abuse or neglect. Adopt policies that minimize abuse opportunities. Adult Responsibilities In Helping Keep Children Safe Keeping School Safe RW

District adopted comprehensive health education program Lessons at each grade level on child abuse prevention Each lesson is video based Helping Keep Children Safe Classroom Materials - K-12 in 4J NJ

Supplementary Second Step Card/Lesson Adult Responsibilities Supplementary Classroom Materials

Supplementary Safety Planning Lessons Adult Responsibilities Supplementary Classroom Materials

Responder Support Community Resources You Can Contact Parent Help Line Womenspace Child Advocacy Center DHS abuseprevent

Responder Resource Resource Packet available soon online has added information

Responding to Child Abuse Questions and Evaluation Questions? Please fill out an evaluation to help us improve our presentation Thank You! AM