1. Child Abuse and Neglect
Prepared By:
Sonia Rosas
&
Kimberly Martinez
Crystal City Service Area EIPC’s
Presenter: Velma McNeil

2. Objectives: Know P/P for child abuse & neglect reporting
Identify indicators of possible abuse
Understand the laws for reporting suspected abuse or neglect.

3. Why you are receiving training on Child Abuse & Neglect ?
HSPS (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

4. TMC’s Policy…
FS-100
TMC 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 Failure to report is a Class B Misdemeanor and punishable by 180 days in jail/$2K fine)

5. 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.

6. TMC Procedure… Child Abuse Reporting : FS-100-A
All 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.

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

8. Staff Responsibility…
ALL STAFF WILL REPORT INCIDENTS OF CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT TO CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES…

9. Reporting Form… Gen 018 Record report to CPS
Person making the report will complete the form when abuse or neglect is suspected
Fill in appropriate information
Forward Administration/MSHS Director in a Folder marked CONFIDENTIAL.

10. TEXAS MIGRANT COUNCIL, INC. MIGRANT SEASONAL HEAD START PROGRAM
CHILD 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 □ No
Comments:__________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
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 □ No
Gen Rev 5/04

11. 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; or
An act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm.
CAPTA: The Federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act. CAPTA set a foundation of identifying behaviors that define child abuse and neglect. Each state is responsible for defining child abuse and neglect. Most states recongnize 4 major types.

12. Types of Abuse: Physical Abuse Neglect Sexual Abuse
Emotional Maltreatment

13. 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.

14. Physical Abuse: Behavioral Indicators: Anti-Social Behavior
Problems in School
Fear of Adults

15. 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)

16. Sexual Abuse: Physical Signs: Difficulty walking or sitting Pregnant
Venereal Diseases
Changes in appetite
Reports sexual abuse by a parent or caregiver.

17. Sexual Abuse: Emotional Indicators: Nightmares or bedwetting
Changes in appetite
Unusual sexual behaviors or knowledge

18. Emotional Maltreatment:
Physical Signs:
Constant criticism
Threats
Rejection
Withholding love, support, guidance
(Usually present with another form of abuse)

19. Emotional Maltreatment:
Emotional Indicators:
Apathy
Depression
Hostility or stress
Lack of concentration
Eating disorders

20. General Signs of Abuse or Neglect…
The Child:
Changes in behavior or school performance
No medical attention for issues discussed with parent
Watchful
Lacks adult supervision
Overly compliant, passive, withdrawn
Comes to school early, leaves late, doesn’t want to go home.

21. General Signs of Abuse or Neglect
Parents:
Shows little concern for child
Denies problems with the child
Harsh punishment
Sees child as bad
Overly demanding of the child
Looks to child for care, attention, and satisfaction of emotional needs

22. General Signs of Abuse and Neglect
Child and Parent:
Rarely look or touch each other
Consider relationship negatively
Don’t like each other

23. Texas Statistical Data :
2003
184 Children died from abuse or neglect.
CPS received 186,160 reports, 131,130 were investigated, 50,208 were confirmed victims.

24. Confirmed Cases of Abuse or Neglect: Texas
Physical 13,606
Sexual 7,473
Emotional 1,067
Abandonment 420
Medical Neglect 2,371
Physical Neglect 7,198
Neglectful Supervision 26,338
Refuse parental responsibility 845

25. Moments in America for Children
Every
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

26. Moment 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

27. Are we mandated to report suspected child abuse or neglect ?
What are the laws that govern ?

28. Laws & Regulations on Child Abuse & Neglect:
Texas Family Code
Texas Administrative Code
Texas Minimum Standards
HSPS

29. Texas Family Code :
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.

30. Texas Family Code :
A report shall be made to law enforcement or Child Protective Service. ( Appropriate Agency )

31. Texas Family Code
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).

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

33. Head Start Performance Standards:
Appendix A to 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.

34. How do I make a report and what information do I need to know ?

35. Making a Report… Two Ways: Telephone : 1-800-252-5400
Internet :
(must include the “s” in to access the website)

36. Information on Hand: Name, age, and address of the child
Your name and contact information
Brief description of the situation
Current injuries, medical problems, or behavioral problems
Parent’s name and name of siblings in the home
Explain how you know the situation

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

38. 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.

39. Rule of Thumb:
If you have reason to suspect child abuse, but are not positive, make the report…

40. Any Questions

41. Resources:
National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information – NAIC National Adoption Information Clearinghouse
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
Childhelp USA
Administration for Children and Families
HSPS
Minimum Daycare Standards
US Department of Health and Human Services : Safe Children and Healthy Families Are A Shared Responsibility-2006 Community Resource Packet