REPORTING AND IDENTIFYING CHILD ABUSE

Physical abuse Neglect Abandonment Sexual abuse Emotional abuse Video - Raise Awareness TYPES OF CHILD ABUSE

RISK FACTORS 1.Parent or Caregiver Factors  Personality characteristics and psychological well being  Parental histories and the cycles of abuse  Substance abuse  Attitudes and knowledge  Age 2.Family Factors  Family Structure  Marital conflict/ Intimate Partner Violence  Parent child interaction 3.Child Factors  Age  Disabilities  Other child characteristics 4.Environmental Factors  Poverty and unemployment  Social isolation and social support  Violent communities

Physical Child Parent Neglect Child Parent Sexual Child Parent Emotional Child Parent WARNING SIGNS OF ABUSE AND MALTREATMENT

YOU CAN HELP REDUCE A CHILD’S RISK OF MALTREATMENT OR ABUSE Know your students Pay attention to behavior Have a relationship with your students. Build trust together. Remind students of safety on the internet. Remind students to have a buddy when he/she walks home or attends other activities.

TECHNIQUES FOR REDUCING RISK Protective Factors for Child Maltreatment Family Protective Factors (evidence based) Supportive family environment and social networks Family Protective Factors (continuing research points to) Nurturing parenting skills Stable family relationships Household rules and child monitoring Parental employment Adequate housing Access to health care and social services Caring adults outside the family who can serve as role models or mentors Community Protective Factors Communities that support parents and take responsibility for preventing abuse

PROTOCOL TO ASSIST A STUDENT WHO MAY BE AT RISK Listen Take what the student says seriously Assure the student that help is available and you are going to see that they get help. Do not leave the child alone. Escort the student to the counselor, Principal, or AP If you feel that a child has been abused make a report to CPS. Counselors or administrators can assist you if needed.

INTERNAL PROCEDURES FOR SEEKING ASSISTANCE FOR A CHILD AT RISK OR REPORTING CHILD ABUSE When a child has reported abuse, please follow the steps listed below 1.If it is Sexual Abuse contact Lt. Brunner or Chief Colburn at Do not attempt to gather information from the child victim or witness. 3.The outcry witness should contact law enforcement at the following number:  Midland Police Department Crimes Against Persons Unit:  Midland Sheriff’s Department if student lives in the county Have the following information available (if possible)  Victim’s name, DOB and locating information  Suspect’s name  Type of crime committed  Brief summary of reporting person’s knowledge of the offense 5.Contact MISD Police Department at Fax a report to the CPS Hotline at or call The following MISD Board Policies discuss reporting child abuse and can be found in the MISD Board Policy Manual: FFG (Legal), FFG (Exhibit), GRA (Legal) and (Local), DH (Local) and (Exhibit)

LOCAL RESOURCES MISD Internal Programs Prevention Programs- Midland Rape Crisis and Children’s Advocacy Center The Life Center Character Education Counselor Presentation to all faculty and staff Intervention Programs Communities in Schools/ XY Zone Palmer Drug Abuse Program Crisis Counselors Community Resources Safe Place of the Permian Basin High Sky Children’s Ranch Rays of Hope: Children’s Grief Centre