Presented by Robin Castle, MA Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Manager The Strengthening Families Approach in Action : An Overview The Strengthening Families Approach in Action : An Overview

Safer Space The topic of child abuse can be challenging Take care of yourself

Objectives Participants will: Learn to use the Five Protective Factors Framework with children and families to decrease the risk of child abuse, including child sexual abuse Have an enhanced understanding of how to model, affirm, and support effective parenting practices

Child Abuse and Neglect o Physical Abuse o Neglect o Emotional maltreatment o Sexual abuse o Risk of Harm o Risk of Sexual Harm

Risk Factors What are some factors that may increase the risk of child abuse and neglect?

The Protective Factors Framework Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development Parental Resilience Social and Emotional Competence of Children Concrete Support in Times of Need Social Connections

PROTECTIVE FACTOR: KNOWLEDGE OF PARENTING AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT

Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development Risks for child abuse include : Inappropriate expectations of children Lack of empathy Belief in corporal punishment Parent-child role reversal Oppression of children’s power and independence

Child Sexual Abuse Prevention: Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development Knowledge of how to nurture healthy sexual development: Learn/teach the stages of sexual development Teach how to answering children’s questions Stress importance of teaching correct names for body parts Keep open communication about sexuality between adults and children Resources: Hold a training at your center or access materials at

How can we help parents with this? Discuss children’s sexual behaviors in calm, developmentally appropriate language Give parents copies of the handouts describing normal sexual development Help parents answer their child’s sexual questions by telling them how you would answer that question Have books available for them to borrow that discuss sexuality (or use a booklist) Have a healthy sexuality policy that says you will always use anatomically correct terms for all body parts and why.

Protective Factor Scenario A parent complains to you that childcare center staff say their child is well-behaved all day, but acts out as soon as the parent arrives for pick-up by hitting and kicking other children. What can you do to support the parents in this scenario?

PROTECTIVE FACTOR: SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN

Social and Emotional Development of Children Children need support developing competence in: Self-regulation of emotions and behavior Interacting positively with others (peers and adults) Asking for help

Social and Emotional Competence in Children Social and Emotional Competence in Children Communication (i.e., correct names for body parts, giving words to feelings instead of acting out) Empathy (i.e., correctly interpreting emotional cues, and responding appropriately) Accountability* (i.e., understanding we are each responsible for our own behavior and how it affects others, not responsible for other’s behaviors) *Gail Ryan of the Kempe Children’s Center in Denver, CO identified communication, empathy, and accountability as Universal Goals for sexual abuse prevention practice for children.

Social and Emotional Competence in Children Building children’s self-esteem: Celebrating mastery Sense of belonging Consent – accept a “no” answer, the right to say “no” Healthy boundaries – public and private Asking for help

Protective Factor Scenario A parent consistently instructs her child to hug you to say goodbye. The child appears to be very uncomfortable with this. What can you do to support the parent in this scenario?

PROTECTIVE FACTOR: PARENTAL RESILIENCE

Parental Resilience Parental Resilience Capacity to: Recover from setbacks Solve problems Build and sustain trusting relationships Seek help when needed

What would a lack of resilience look like? o Substance abuse o Mental illness – not adequately addressed o Relationships that are unhealthy o No access to adequate support o Over or under protectiveness of children o History of child abuse or other trauma o Trust confusion o Other dysfunctional behaviors – abusive, hoarding, illegal, trouble keeping jobs

Addressing a lack of parental resilience Validate, avoid blaming language, refer Educate: let kids be kids, teach grooming signs, identify safe environments, how to choose sitters, supervision, what constitutes abuse, no one deserves abuse Challenge hopelessness Be a model of healthy choices and responses to children

Protective Factor Scenarios Mom’s new partner is on the sex offender registry for abuse of a child. Mom does not see a problem with this. What can you do to support the parents in this case?

PROTECTIVE FACTOR: CONCRETE SUPPORT IN TIMES OF NEED

Concrete Support in Times of Need Basic needs: Shelter Food Healthcare Help during a crisis: Domestic violence Mental illness Substance abuse Sexual abuse

Concrete Support in Times of Need Crisis may include: Child who is sexually abused Child who has engaged in sexually harmful behaviors Domestic violence Mental health challenge Food insecurity Lack of clothing/Warm weather resources Parenting challenges (1-800-Children for classes) Medical emergency

PROTECTIVE FACTOR: SOCIAL CONNECTIONS

Social Connections Social Connections Contacts with family, friends, and other support systems: Emotional support Problem solving Parenting advice Concrete assistance Opportunities to participate or “give back ”

How Can Social Connections Help? How Can Social Connections Help? Help families become less isolated Be a resource (door) to social opportunities Find/Provide opportunities to discuss sexuality and sexual abuse Model healthy relationships and ways to build them

As Children’s Integrated Services Staff... You affirm good parenting practices You model and support good parenting practices And you become a lifeline for highly stressed parents You build protective factors every day that will help prevent child abuse

Resources Prevent Child Abuse Vermont Prevent Child Abuse America Vermont Department for Children and Families STEP UP! to protect children from sexual abuse (includes parents' guide) Stop It Now! Child Welfare Information Gateway Zero to Three: National Center for Infants, Toddlers and Families

Thank you! Robin Castle, MA Prevent Child Abuse Vermont (802) CHILDREN