Child Abuse and NeglectChild Abuse and Neglect

Prepared By:Sonia Rosas& Kimberly MartinezCrystal City Service Area EIPC’sPresenter: Velma McNeil

Objectives:Objectives:

Know P/P for child abuse & neglect reportingIdentify indicators of possible abuseUnderstand the laws for reporting suspected abuse or neglect.

Why you are receiving training on Child Abuse & 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…TMC’s Policy…

FS-100TMC 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.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…TMC Procedure…

Child Abuse Reporting : FS-100-AAll 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…CM Responsibility…

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

Staff Responsibility…Staff Responsibility…

ALL STAFF WILL REPORT INCIDENTS OF CHILD ABUSE

AND NEGLECT TO CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES…

Reporting Form…Reporting Form…

Gen 018Record report to CPSPerson making the report will complete the form when abuse or neglect is suspectedFill in appropriate informationForward Administration/MSHS Director in a Folder marked CONFIDENTIAL.

TEXAS MIGRANT COUNCIL, INC. MIGRANT SEASONAL HEAD START PROGRAMCHILD 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 □ NoComments:__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 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 □ NoGen 018 Rev 5/04

What is child abuse ?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; orAn act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm.

Types of Abuse:Types of Abuse:

Physical AbuseNeglectSexual AbuseEmotional Maltreatment

Physical Abuse :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:Physical Abuse:

Behavioral Indicators:Anti-Social BehaviorProblems in SchoolFear of Adults

Neglect: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:Sexual Abuse:

Physical Signs:Difficulty walking or sittingPregnantVenereal DiseasesChanges in appetiteReports sexual abuse by a parent or caregiver.

Sexual Abuse:Sexual Abuse:

Emotional Indicators:Nightmares or bedwettingChanges in appetiteUnusual sexual behaviors or knowledge

Emotional Maltreatment:Emotional Maltreatment:

Physical Signs:Constant criticismThreatsRejectionWithholding love, support, guidance

(Usually present with another form of abuse)

Emotional Maltreatment:Emotional Maltreatment:

Emotional Indicators:ApathyDepressionHostility or stressLack of concentrationEating disorders

General Signs of Abuse or Neglect…General Signs of Abuse or Neglect…

The Child:Changes in behavior or school performanceNo medical attention for issues discussed with parentWatchfulLacks adult supervisionOverly compliant, passive, withdrawnComes to school early, leaves late, doesn’t want to go home.

General Signs of Abuse or NeglectGeneral Signs of Abuse or Neglect

Parents:Shows little concern for childDenies problems with the childHarsh punishmentSees child as badOverly demanding of the childLooks to child for care, attention, and satisfaction of emotional needs

General Signs of Abuse and NeglectGeneral Signs of Abuse and Neglect

Child and Parent:Rarely look or touch each otherConsider relationship negativelyDon’t like each other

Texas Statistical Data : Texas Statistical Data :

2003184 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: TexasConfirmed Cases of Abuse or Neglect: Texas

Physical 13,606Sexual 7,473Emotional 1,067Abandonment 420Medical Neglect 2,371Physical Neglect 7,198Neglectful Supervision 26,338Refuse parental responsibility 845

Moments in America for ChildrenMoments in America for ChildrenEvery 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 ChildrenMoment 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:

Laws & Regulations on Child Abuse & Neglect:

Texas Family Code Texas Administrative CodeTexas Minimum StandardsHSPS

Texas Family Code : 261.101Texas 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 : 261.103Texas Family Code : 261.103

A report shall be made to law enforcement or Child Protective Service. ( Appropriate Agency )

Texas Family Code 261.109Texas 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:Texas Minimum Daycare Standards:

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

Head Start Performance Standards: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…Making a Report…

Two Ways:Telephone : 1-800-252-5400Internet : https://www.txabusehotline.org

(must include the “s” in https:// to access the website)

Information on Hand:Information on Hand:

Name, age, and address of the childYour name and contact informationBrief description of the situationCurrent injuries, medical problems, or behavioral problemsParent’s name and name of siblings in the homeExplain how you know the situation

Confidentiality…Confidentiality…

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

Timeframe for Making A Report :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:Rule of Thumb:

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

Any Questions Any Questions

Resources:Resources:

National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information – NAIC National Adoption Information ClearinghouseTexas Department of Family and Protective ServicesChildhelp USAAdministration for Children and FamiliesHSPSMinimum Daycare StandardsUS Department of Health and Human Services : Safe Children and Healthy Families Are A Shared Responsibility-2006 Community Resource Packet