1. THE ROLE OF EDUCATORS IN RECOGNIZING, RESPONDING AND REPORTING Abuse and Neglect

2. Child Abuse Facts  Four children die every day in this country due to child abuse and neglect.  Abuse and neglect are the leading causes of death in children under the age of 4.  In Lucas County, there are nearly 1900 substantiated cases of child abuse each year.  1 of 4 children will experience sexual abuse.  There are over 3 million reports of child abuse every year. And this is just the tip of the iceberg as many cases go unreported. (Child Abuse Prevention Program data) http://fcapc.org/fcapc/help/

3. Abuse and Neglect  Child abuse and neglect can- and does- happen to anyone. It’s important to take child abuse and neglect seriously.  There are 2 different types of child maltreatment:  Neglect  Abuse http://www.co.lucas.oh.us/index.aspx?nid=1286

4. Neglect  Neglect is failure to act on the behalf of a child.  There are 3 types of Neglect  Physical Neglect- Failure to meet the child’s basic requirements for physical development, such as supervision, housing, clothing, medical attention, nutrition and support.  Emotional Neglect- Failure to provide the support and/or affection a child needs for psychological and emotional development.  Educational Neglect- Failure to educate a child or attend to special education needs. Cultural standards of care in the community and poverty may be contributing factors indicating a family is in need of information and assistance/resources. http://www.co.lucas.oh.us/index.aspx?nid=1286

5. Indicators of Neglect  Physical  Chronic uncleanliness or poor hygiene including scabies, severe or untreated diaper rash  Untreated illness or injury  Unsuitable clothing, or missing key articles of clothing- socks, shoes, or a coat.  Height and weight significantly below age level. http://www.co.lucas.oh.us/index.aspx?nid=1286

6. Indicators of Neglect  Behavioral  Chronic hunger, tiredness or lethargy  Begging or collecting leftovers  Unusual school attendance (frequent of chronic absences, lateness, coming to school early or leaving late)  Assuming adult responsibilities  Vandalism or delinquency http://www.co.lucas.oh.us/index.aspx?nid=1286

7. Abuse  Abuse represents an action against a child and generally falls into 3 categories:  Physical- The non-accidental injury of a child.  Sexual- Any sexual act upon or with a child. The act may be for the sexual gratification of the perpetrator or a third party. This would, therefore, include not only anyone who actively participated in the activity, but anyone who allowed it.  Emotional- Chronic or consistent attitude or acts that interfere with the psychological and social development of a child, such as criticizing, insulting, rejecting or withholding love from a child. http://www.co.lucas.oh.us/index.aspx?nid=1286

8. Physical Abuse  Indicators  Unexplained, chronic or repeated bruising  Unexplained and repeated burns or injury  Behavioral extremes (withdrawal, aggression, regression)  Excessive fear of the parent or caregiver  Unusual shyness, wariness of physical contact  Attempt to hide injuries  Depression, excessive crying  Antisocial behavior, such as substance abuse, truancy or running away. http://www.co.lucas.oh.us/index.aspx?nid=1286

9. Sexual Abuse  Indicators  Poor peer relationships, inability to relate to children of same age  Regressive behaviors such as thumb sucking,bedwetting, fear of the dark  Sudden change in behavior  Promiscuity  Aggression or delinquency  Truancy or chronic running away  Reluctance to participate in recreational activity  Sudden decline in school performance  In young children, preoccupation with his/her sexual organs, his/her parents’ or other children’s http://www.co.lucas.oh.us/index.aspx?nid=1286

10. Emotional Abuse  Hardest to prove and just as harmful  Indicators  Eating disorders  Speech disorders, such as stuttering  Weight or height significantly below the norm  Nervous disorders such as hives, rashes, facial tics or stomach aches  Habit disorder such as biting, rocking, head banging  Regressive behavior: Thumb sucking, “baby talk”, etc. http://www.co.lucas.oh.us/index.aspx?nid=1286

11. Emotional Abuse  More indicators  Poor relationships with peers  Self-isolation  Cruel behavior to other children or animals  Substance abuse, excessive risk taking, delinquency  Fire setting http://www.co.lucas.oh.us/index.aspx?nid=1286

12. Responding  Set a confidentiality rule or agreement in your classroom so students know they can come to you but ensure they know that if someone is hurting them, they want to hurt someone else or they want to hurt themselves, you need to inform the appropriate people for their safety.  DON’T promise you won’t tell anyone. You’re a mandated reporter. You’re legally required by law to report claims of abuse.  If a student discloses abuse to you, stay calm, assure the child they did the right thing and take all claims seriously.  Allow student to express their thoughts and feelings freely. Ask open ended questions.

13. Reporting  A mandated reporter is someone required by law to report if he/she suspects or knows that child abuse is occurring.  The Ohio Revised Code Section 2151.421 clearly removes the option of choice, and requires immediate reporting of known or suspected child abuse or neglect.

14. Reporting  If you are unsure whether a claim is abuse or neglect, you can call Lucas County Children’s Services and they will tell you if you should make a report.  It’s not our role to determine what is going on. It’s our role to pass along the information to the appropriate professionals.  Think about it this way…  If you don’t make the report and something bad happens to the child and you knew about it, you can be held liable.

15. Making the Call  If a student made the claim to you, you are the one that must make the report.  When you need to make a report, call the Children’s Services for the county in which the child lives.  *Include the number(s) of your local Children’s Services

16. Making the Call  Information needed  Your name and information (will stay anonymous)  Child’s name/age  Child’s address  Parent’s names and addresses  State exactly what was reported to you or what you observed.  Remain objective. Don’t put any feelings or thoughts into your report. Stick only with facts.

17. Self Care  Receiving reports of abuse from your students is very difficult. During the year you come to care for your class and suspecting abuse can be heartbreaking  Take care of yourself. Talk to someone if you need support. Employ healthy coping skills (exercise, meditating, prayer, reading/drawing, etc.) Know that in reporting, you are taking the necessary steps to help that child.

18. Questions?