child abuse[1]
TRANSCRIPT
Child abuse casts a shadow the length of a lifetime.
-Herbert Ward
Child AbuseBy: Rob Roy, Toby Punton, Len Metro, Julius Grosz
It is everyone’s legal obligation to protect children. The responsibility involves identifying and reporting a child who is or might be in need of protection.
Any individual who suspects child abuse should report it (this includes any staff in the building – EA’s, resource, teachers, etc)
Consultation with others in authority is strongly advised (example – student teachers, volunteers)
DO: Thank the child for telling
you and reassure the child that you like him/her and that you care about her/him
Tell the child that you understand what has been disclosed
Tell the child that help is needed to deal with the problem and YOU will get the help
Tell the child that you will be available for support
DON’T: Display anger or disgust
at the abuse or abuser
Ask leading questions, many children will agree with a leading question simply to please the adult the child may unconsciously
incorporate the information without realizing it did not occur in their experience
REMEMBER IS IT THE ROLE OF STAFF TO SUPPORT AND REPORT, NOT INTERVIEW AND INVESTIGATE.
In the last 10 years the number of reported cases of child abuse has increased dramatically. It is assumed that this has occurred because we have become more skilled in noting the indicators of abuse.
ABUSED CHILD
hungry or dirty and dressed in clothes inappropriate for the weather
untreated physical problems
appears consistently tired
demands greater than normal attention from teacher
ABUSED CHILD
poor self-image or inhibited in play
shows age inappropriate behaviour – acts older or younger
poor social relationships with peers or adults
cognitive or emotional developmental lag
ABUSIVE PARENT
belittles child in public
withholds comfort from child
describes child in negative terms (stupid, bad, trouble-maker)
expects child to assume the role of another adult figure
ABUSED CHILD
has injuries or marks that are unexplained
shies away from physical contact wears clothing to cover injuries afraid to go home fearful of adults distressed at having to explain an
injury behaves in either a demanding,
aggressive, or disruptive manner is frequently absent with signs of
a healing injury upon returning
ABUSIVE PARENT
defensive and angry when asked about child’s injury
is under stress and shows signs of losing control
unrealistic expectations of child
offers unconvincing explanations of child’s injury
does not seek medical attention following child’s injury
ABUSED CHILD
frequently complains of abdominal pain and genital discomfort
displays sexual behaviour, sometimes beyond their developmental level
displays behaviour suggested of fear or trauma including wetting
may experience sudden changes in mood/behaviour
ABUSIVE PARENT
makes sexual comments to or about the child or blames child for being seductive
discourages social contact between the child and adults
inappropriate sleeping arrangements in the home
Document any suspicion in an objective manner
Things to include when documenting are:▪ Date and time of entry▪ Full name of child▪ Signature of person making the entry▪ Description of injury (include shape, size, colour, and
location on body)▪ Drastic changes or chronic problems with behaviour▪ Direct quotes from the child
If you have reasonable cause to believe that a child is or might be in need of protection, immediately contact a child protection agency. The agency will then:
▪ Confirm that a formal report should be made▪ Consult with the teacher and suggest further
monitoring and documentation
YOU CAN INFORM YOUR ADMINISTRATION OF THIS BEFORE OR AFTER YOU CALL CFS, BUT
YOU STILL MUST MAKE THE CALL.
The quickest way to report a suspicion is to phone a Child and Family Services Agency.
When you make the call, be sure to include the following information:
▪ record the individual’s name as well as time and date of your call
▪ provide CFS with information of the child (name, address, etc)
▪ nature of the suspected concern (include documentation)▪ your name, professional address, daytime phone
number, and relationship to the child
After the phone call, fill out a report form with your principal.
No person, staff and/or CFS worker, shall disclose or communicate information from the record in any form to any person
However... If a parent/guardian requests to see their
child’s school file, this information is available. Faced with the documentation, the identity of the reporter would be revealed. This contradicts the confidentiality in the policy and, we feel, should be improved.
Failure to report by any professional can have two serious consequences:
▪ the child goes unprotected and sustains further abuse
▪ the educator can face both legal and professional penalties