1. Signs and Symptoms Child Abuse and Neglect

2. Quick Facts Four children die a day as a result of child abuse in the home in the U.S. Child abuse is the leading cause of death in children ages four and younger. Annually, 3 million cases of child abuse and neglect are reported to CPS agencies in the U.S. Only 1/3 of people actually report child abuse when faced with an actual situation.

3. Definition of Child Abuse Child abuse is generally defined as physical, sexual or emotional injuries that happen to a child by other than accidental means. Neglect is a form of child abuse in which the parent(s) or caregiver(s) fail to provide the child with basic care, such as food and clothing. Physical Abuse Emotional Abuse Sexual Abuse Neglect Four Categories of Abuse

4. Visual Health Check It is important to do a visual health check of each child, every day when they enter the program. Make notes of any unusual markings or bruises. Ask the child how he got the mark or bruise. Remember---kids do get bumps and bruises just from being kids!

5. Recognizing Child Abuse The Child: Shows sudden changes in behavior or school performance. Has not received help for physical or medical problems brought to the parents’ attention. Has learning problems or difficulty concentrating that cannot be attributed to specific physical or psychological causes. Inconsistencies in stories. The following signs may signal the presence of child abuse or neglect: (continued on next slide)

6. The Child: Is always watchful, as though preparing for something bad to happen. The child is constantly “walking on eggshells” and is never sure what behavior will trigger a physical assault. Lacks adult supervision and is overly compliant, passive or withdrawn. Comes to school or other activities early, stays late and does not want to go home.

7. Physical Abuse & Signs The Child: Has frequent injuries or unexplained burns, bites, bruises, broken bones, welts, cuts or black eyes. Has fading bruises or other marks noticeable after an absence from school or injuries appear to have a pattern such as marks from a hand or belt. Seems frightened of parents, shies away from touch, flinches at sudden movements and seems afraid to go home. (continued on next slide) Physical abuse is defined as a form of child maltreatment that results in the physical injury or injuries to a child under the age of 18 by other than accidental means by a parent or caregiver. Physical abuse is often used in the name of discipline or punishment.

8. The Child: Shrinks at the approach of adults. Reports injury by a parent or caregiver. Wears inappropriate clothing to cover up injuries, such as long sleeves on hot days. Compulsive behavior, eating problems and/or sleep disturbances. Has poor relationships with other children. Emotional Indicators: Extremely low self esteem Mood swings Depression Irrational fears Constant anger or temper tantrums

9. Important Facts Fractures are breaks or cracks in bones. It is often hard to determine if a fracture is accidental or intentional, but a physician can tell. If an area of the body is extremely tender to the touch, it might be an untreated fracture. Bruises usually occur in clusters and can be reddish-blue, swollen, and tender. In the healing stages, bruises can be brownish or yellow. Bruises located on the knees, shins, forehead or elbows are usually unintentional. (continued on next slide)

10. Important Facts (cont.) Lacerations are cuts or skin tears. They can be the result of beatings with a strap or human bites, among other things. Any lacerations around the lips, eyes, face or genitals should be of concern. Burns can be caused by a variety of objects, including: Objects such as irons, stove burners, hair dryers, etc. Chemicals Cigarettes or lighters Electrical outlets or cords Hot water

11. Consider physical abuse when the parent or adult caregiver: Offers confliction, unconvincing or no explanation for the child’s injury. Describes the child as “evil” or in some other very negative way. Uses harsh physical discipline with the child. Has a history of abuse as a child.

12. Emotional Abuse Emotional abuse includes acts or omissions by the parents or caregivers that caused or could cause serious behavioral, cognitive, emotional or mental disorders. Emotional abuse is almost always present when other forms of abuse are identified. Five Main Types of Emotional Abuse: Terrorizing Isolating Rejecting Ignoring Corrupting

13. Emotional Abuse Terrorizing occurs when the parent or caregiver seeks to criticize or punish the child. The child may be ridiculed for displaying normal emotions. Expectations for the child may exceed his abilities. The child may be threatened with death, mutilation, or abandonment. Terrorizing Isolating Isolating occurs when a child is not allowed to interact with peers, not allowing the child to be exposed to any type of stimulation, not allowing participation in extracurricular activities, and making the child remain in his room for long periods of time.

14. Emotional Abuse RejectingIgnoring Rejecting occurs when a parent lacks the ability to bond with the child. The child is told he is unwanted. The child may be told to leave the home. The child may be told that the parent wishes he was dead. Ignoring is when there is little or no attachment to the child and nurturance is not provided. There is not an interest in the child. Affection is not shown and sometimes the child’s presence is not even recognized. Corrupting Corrupting occurs when the parent permits a child to use drugs or alcohol or view pornographic material. Also, watching or committing cruelty to animals, children or other adults may occur. Children may be encouraged to witness or participate in criminal activities such as stealing, assault, prostitution, or gambling.

15. Signs & Symptoms of Emotional Abuse The Child: Shows extremes in behavior, such as overly compliant or extremely demanding, extremely passive or aggressive. Is delayed in physical or emotional development. Excessively withdrawn, fearful or anxious about doing something wrong. Conduct/learning disorders Suicide attempts Phobias (continued on next slide)

16. The Child: Doesn’t seem to be attached to the parent or caregiver. Acts inappropriately adult (taking care of other children) or inappropriately infantile (rocking, thumb-sucking, throwing tantrums.) Has attempted suicide. *** Emotional abuse may not have any indicators and the scars may manifest these behaviors later in life. It is as damaging as other forms of abuse and is important to recognize to prevent long term effects on the child. ***

17. Sexual Abuse Sexual abuse is defined as contact or interaction such as fondling, sodomy, or penetration between a child under the age of 18 and an adult, during which the child is being used for sexual stimulation of that adult or another person. Sexual Exploitation Sexual exploitation is a form of maltreatment in which a child’s parent or caregiver allows, permits, encourages, or requires a child under the age of 18 to engage in prostitution or sexual acts for the stimulation and/or gratification of adults.

18. Signs & Symptoms of Sexual Abuse The Child: Has difficulty walking or sitting Pain, swelling or itching in the genital area Pain during urination Torn, stained, or bloody underclothing Bruises, bleeding, or lacerations in the genitals, vaginal or anal area. Suddenly refuses to change for gym or to participate in physical activities. Has sleeping disorders and/or reports nightmares or bedwetting. (continued on next slide)

19. The Child: Demonstrates bizarre, sophisticated, or unusual sexual knowledge or behavior. Becomes pregnant or contracts a venereal disease, particularly if under age 14. Reports sexual abuse by a parent or another adult caregiver. Re-enacts abuse with dolls or drawings. Fears separation from child care providers. Is withdrawn. Bathes excessively. Runs away.

20. Neglect & Signs of Neglect The Child: Is frequently absent or late to school. Begs or steals food or money. Lacks needed medical or dental care, immunizations or glasses. Clothes are ill-fitting, hair is unwashed and matted and is consistently dirty and has body odor. (continued on next slide) Neglect is defined as the failure of a parent or caregiver to provide for a child’s basic needs, such as food, clothing, shelter, education, emotional support, protection, and health care. Neglect can be physical, emotional, educational, or medical.

21. The Child: Lacks sufficient clothing for the weather. Abuses drugs or alcohol. States there is no one at home to provide care. Has inappropriate shelter. Lacks food and/or adequate hygiene. Experiences loss of or excessive appetite. Passive Underweight appearance Unattended physical problems or medical needs Vacant or frozen stare and/or whispering speech

22. Appears to be indifferent to the child. Seems apathetic or depressed. Withholding verbal or physical affection The parent does not enroll child in school or secure special education training Does not provide positive reinforcement and/or psychological care Behaves irrationally or in a bizarre manner. Is abusing alcohol or other drugs. Consider the possibility of neglect when the parent or other adult caregiver: *** Medical neglect is failure to provide appropriate healthcare for the child. This can lead to debilitating ailments and even death.***

23. Sign of Abuse or Neglect if the Parent: Constantly blames, belittles the child. Denies the existence of or blames the child for the child’s problems in school or at home. Asks teachers or other caretakers to use harsh physical discipline if the child misbehaves. Sees the child as entirely bad, worthless, or burdensome and is unconcerned about the child. Demands a level of physical or academic performance the child cannot achieve. Looks primarily to the child for care, attention, and satisfaction of emotional needs. The parent and child rarely touch or look at each other and state they do not like each other.

24. Ways to Help: Careful listening to what a child is telling you is the best first step. If a child asks for your help to keep him from harm, you must act. Always take the child seriously. Have another adult witness your conversation, if possible. React calmly and respectfully. Do not react with horror, disgust or disbelief. Interact, nurture, and comfort the child. Ask open-ended questions. Report the abuse and follow the instructions of the agency.

25. Mandated Reporters By 1968, all states required reporting of child abuse, and in 1974, public law 93-247 provided funding for child abuse recognition and prevention programs. Child care providers are required by law to report suspected cases of child abuse or neglect to the proper authorities. Typically, a report must be made when the reporter, in his or her official capacity, suspects or has reasons to believe that a child has been abused or neglected. ***Child care providers are mandated reporters.***

26. Guidelines for Reporting Suspected Child Abuse Keeping students safe is all of our responsibility. This is not a responsibility that you may give away, nor may anyone take it away from you. Be empathetic; always believe the child. “I’m so sorry this is happening to you and I’m going to try to help. Ask open ended questions: “Who, How, When, Why, What” happened. No leading. Find a private place where confidentiality can be maintained, and have the child’s basic information (E-school) – parents’ names, address, phone numbers available. Your counselor will be happy to assist you!

27. Tips on reporting: “The child said…” “The child stated…” Keep it general. It is usually best to report by phone. It may take 10-30 minutes. NEVER take pictures. Once you have made a report of suspected abuse, for the child’s safety, remove yourself from any further involvement with the case. Only if another incident leads you to suspect child abuse should you contact the CPS Child Abuse Hotline. (1-800-252-5400) Although the originator of the report is kept confidential, sometimes parents ask “who called?” STANDARD RESPONSE: “That information is confidential – evidently someone was concerned and wants to help, and Texas laws require reporting any suspicions.” Guidelines for Reporting Suspected Child Abuse

28. If parents have questions regarding a CPS report, they should contact CPS. School personnel must keep all information regarding police or CPS issues confidential (per the Code of Criminal Procedure 15.27). You can say: “As an employee of the Frisco ISD I am unable to respond to any inquiries regarding CPS or law enforcement. I must recommend that you direct your inquiries to either of those agencies. This information is confidential.” Guidelines for Reporting Suspected Child Abuse

29. Our confidential CPS records are kept in a secure location. Each CPS case worker has to show identification (a badge). They also fill out a letter (Slide 9) of instruction for us. The counselor or administrator, will come for the child to visit with a “friend who helps kids and families.” We will inform the teacher afterward, but this is CONFIDENTIAL. CPS will make an effort to reach the parent before the child goes home from school. If a parent calls about a CPS visit, we will have a letter in the office to share with them. (Slide 9) CPS workers by law may remove a student from campus for their interview. We may not interfere with their investigation. Guidelines for Reporting Suspected Child Abuse

30. Do not put anything in writing to CPS without consulting your principal first. Do not talk to a CPS worker by phone or e-mail UNTIL you have 1) a letter on CPS letterhead requesting which student they need to visit, 2) a copy of their badge, and 3) the name and phone number of their supervisor (ask your administrators or counselor to assist). Anyone reporting suspected child abuse/neglect is immune from liability, civil or criminal prosecution that might otherwise occur. Guidelines for Reporting Suspected Child Abuse

31. Reporting Child Abuse at AlphaBEST Suspected abuse or neglect means that you have reasonable cause to believe a child is being abused or neglected. Report suspected abuse to your site or area manager with child’s name and notes of unusual markings, bruises, behavior, etc. Site/area manager will report child abuse to the appropriate authorities, such as child protective services. Managers may also use 1-800- 4ACHILD, the national hotline where calls are routed to the appropriate local agencies. “What if I am wrong?” A report filed in good faith extends immunity from civil and criminal liability.

32. Child Protective Services Investigation Notification A photocopy of the CPS employee’s current official ID must be attached to this form. Date My name is ____________________________. I am a Child Protective Service Specialist employed by __________________________________________. In order to carry out an official investigation, it is necessary for me to interview ______________________, a student attending _______________________school. Please check one of the following: ___ I will be interviewing the student at his/her school. ___ I am authorized to remove the student and interview him/her at __________________________. Time of departure: _________ Expected time of return: ________ Please check one of the following: ___ I have told the school that it is permissible to notify the parents. ___ The nature of the investigation requires me to request that the school NOT notify the parent/guardian of this child. I assume full responsibility for the notification of the child’s parent/guardian. Signature of case worker Print Name of Case Worker’s Supervisor Contact Number AlphaBEST Employee Signature Received by:

33. FAQs 1. What should I do if a parent calls me to inquire about a CPS report? 2. Can I talk to a CPS Investigator/Case worker over the phone? 3. How do I respond to parents in custody battles? 4. What if an attorney wants to talk with me? 5. What if a parent gives me information about suspected child abuse of a neighbor? 6. What if a colleague ask me to make a CPS report when the outcry was made to them? 7. What if the case worker asks me on Friday to take a picture of the bruised child because they cannot get to the campus until Monday? 8. How should I follow up on a CPS report? 9. How should I respond if a student tells me his dad is beating up his mom?

34. Sources: This information was obtained from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families and the Child Welfare Information Gateway.