www.pcageorgia.org

HELPLINE: 1-800-CHILDREN

The Mandate to Report, The Opportunity to

Prevent

© 2006 Prevent Child Abuse Georgia 2

The Mandate to Report, The Opportunity to Prevent

Expectations and Goals

© 2006 Prevent Child Abuse Georgia 3

The Mandate to Report, The Opportunity to Prevent

Overview

Introduction to Prevent Child Abuse (PCA) Georgia

The Evolution of Child Abuse Prevention

Prevention in the 21st Century

Recognizing and Reporting Child Maltreatment

Protective Factors for Prevention

1-800 CHILDREN Helpline

© 2006 Prevent Child Abuse Georgia 4

The Mandate to Report, The Opportunity to Prevent

Preventive Action

© 2006 Prevent Child Abuse Georgia 5

The Mandate to Report, The Opportunity to Prevent

5

Continuum of Prevention

Preventing Revictimization

Preventing Initial Abuse

Primary TertiarySecondary

Why Prevention isso Important

© 2006 Prevent Child Abuse Georgia 7

The Mandate to Report, The Opportunity to Prevent

Facts About Child Maltreatment

In Georgia (2008): 84,035 reports made to DFCS

15%

49%

36% Screened Out

Family Support(Diversion)Investigated

88% of reports were screened out, unsubstantiated, closed or diverted.

© 2006 Prevent Child Abuse Georgia 8

The Mandate to Report, The Opportunity to Prevent

Not always safe at home

Over 80% of maltreaters are the child’s biological parent

90% of child abuse occurs in the victim’s home

© 2006 Prevent Child Abuse Georgia 9

The Mandate to Report, The Opportunity to Prevent

Nationally

In Georgia, over 78% of substantiated abuse is neglect.

59%

11%

8%

9%

13% Neglect

Physical Abuse

Sexual Abuse

Psychologicaland Other

Multiple Types

© 2006 Prevent Child Abuse Georgia 10

The Mandate to Report, The Opportunity to Prevent

Child Fatalities

Nationally, 1,760 children died of abuse and neglect in one year. (Administration for Children and Families, 2007.)

97% of all child deaths related to abuse were determined to be possibly or definitely preventable

GA Child Fatality Review Annual Report 2006

© 2006 Prevent Child Abuse Georgia 11

The Mandate to Report, The Opportunity to Prevent

Cost of Child Maltreatment

Estimated annual costs of treating the effects of child maltreatment are

over $100 billion (PCA America 2007)

The Mandate to Report, The Opportunity to Prevent

-- George W. Albee, Ph.D.

“No epidemic has ever been resolved by paying attention to the treatment of

the affected individual.”

Recognizing and Reporting Child Maltreatment

The Mandate to Report

© 2006 Prevent Child Abuse Georgia 14

The Mandate to Report, The Opportunity to Prevent

Physical Abuse

Non-accidental physical injury of a child

PHYSICAL INDICATORS

Unexplained bruises and welts

Unexplained burns

Unexplained fractures / dislocations

Bald patches on the scalp

BEHAVIORAL INDICATORS

Feels deserving of punishment Wary of adult/physical contact Frightened of parents/afraid to go

home Self-destructive behaviors Wears clothing to cover body –

inappropriate for weather

© 2006 Prevent Child Abuse Georgia 15

The Mandate to Report, The Opportunity to Prevent

NeglectIncludes lack of adequate food, shelter, clothing, medical care; unmet emotional/psychological needs; educational/ cognitive neglect; lack of supervision; birth addicted (drug exposure)

PHYSICAL INDICATORS

Consistent hunger/underweight Poor hygiene Consistent lack of supervision Unattended physical/medical

needs Failure to thrive/poor growth Lice, distended stomach Inappropriate dress

BEHAVIORAL INDICATORS

Self-destructive behaviors Begging, stealing food Extended stays at school (early

arrival and late departures) Constant fatigue, listlessness Assuming adult responsibilities Says no caretaker at home Frequently absent / tardy

© 2006 Prevent Child Abuse Georgia 16

The Mandate to Report, The Opportunity to Prevent

Sexual AbuseExploitation of a child for the sexual gratification of an adult or older child. Includes touching (fondling, sodomy, rape) and non-touching (child prostitution, indecent exposure and exhibitionism, exposing a child to pornography or using the Internet as a vehicle for exploitation).

PHYSICAL INDICATORS

Difficulty walking or sitting Torn, stained, bloody

underclothing Pain, swelling, itching in genital

area; bruises, bleeding or laceration on external genitalia

Pain on urination; infections Presence of STD

BEHAVIORAL INDICATORS

Inappropriate sex play; advanced knowledge and promiscuity

Loss of appetite; trouble eating or swallowing

Mood swings, anger, withdrawal Excessive worrying about siblings Nightmares – problems sleeping Suddenly having money / secrets

© 2006 Prevent Child Abuse Georgia 17

The Mandate to Report, The Opportunity to Prevent

Emotional Abuse

Excessive/aggressive parental behavior that places unreasonable demands on a child; verbal abuse; rejection, terrorizing, shameful punishment; withholding physical/emotional contact, and/or inappropriate expectations

PHYSICAL INDICATORS

Speech or other communication disorder

Delayed physical development Exacerbation of existing

conditions such as asthma or allergies

Substance abuse

BEHAVIORAL INDICATORS

Habit disorders (sucking, rocking)

Antisocial or destructive behaviors

Neurotic traits/sleep disorders Behavioral extremes Developmental delays

© 2006 Prevent Child Abuse Georgia 18

The Mandate to Report, The Opportunity to Prevent

When a Child Discloses Maltreatment

Find a private place to talk with the childReassure the child: “I believe you,” “I’m

glad you told me,” “It’s not your fault.”Listen attentively and calmlyWrite down the facts/words as the child

stated First statements made spontaneously have

forensic significance Exact words can be important to investigators

© 2006 Prevent Child Abuse Georgia 19

The Mandate to Report, The Opportunity to Prevent

When a Child Discloses Maltreatment

Respect the child’s need for confidentiality

Leave investigative work to professionals Minimize the number of questions you ask

Avoid the use of leading questions

Don’t try to get all of the details

Report the disclosure immediately to designated reporter (or CPS/police)

© 2006 Prevent Child Abuse Georgia 20

The Mandate to Report, The Opportunity to Prevent

Types of Disclosures

Indirect Hints

Disguised Disclosures

Disclosures with Strings Attached

© 2006 Prevent Child Abuse Georgia 21

The Mandate to Report, The Opportunity to Prevent

Reporting Child Maltreatment

OCGA 19-7-5 defines abuse and outlines reporting guidelines

“Reasonable suspicions,” not necessarily direct evidence

An oral report should be made to DFCS (CPS) office in county where the child lives within 24 hours When unable to reach DFCS or if child is in

immediate danger, contact police or DA

© 2006 Prevent Child Abuse Georgia 22

The Mandate to Report, The Opportunity to Prevent

Information Useful for Report

Name, age, address and current location of child (School child attends, if known)

Name and address of child’s parents or caregivers (if known)

Name and address of suspected perpetrator Location where the abuse took place (if known) The nature/extent of the child’s injuries/neglect,

including evidence of previous injuries/neglect Any other information helpful in establishing

cause of injuries/neglect or perpetrator identity

© 2006 Prevent Child Abuse Georgia 23

The Mandate to Report, The Opportunity to Prevent

Mandated Reporters

Georgia law requires certain individuals to report suspected child abuse: School teachers/administrators School guidance counselors,

visiting teachers, social workers, school psychologists

Child care providers Child welfare agency personnel Child counseling personnel Law enforcement personnel Licensed psychologists (interns)

Physicians licensed to practice medicine; interns/residents

Registered professional nurses / Licensed practical nurses

Hospital or medical personnel Dentists Podiatrists Staff and volunteers at child-

and family- serving agencies

* Mandated reporters should know and follow the child abuse reporting protocol in their agency

© 2006 Prevent Child Abuse Georgia 24

The Mandate to Report, The Opportunity to Prevent

Mandated Reporters

Rights of the Mandated Reporter Anonymity or confidentiality Knowledge of the outcome only of a report

Penalties for NOT reporting Guilty of misdemeanor –OCGA 19-7-5(h)

Discipline by school/agency and/or termination of employment

© 2006 Prevent Child Abuse Georgia 25

The Mandate to Report, The Opportunity to Prevent

Role of Child Protective Services

Involved only with children under 18 Investigates substantiated suspected abuse/neglect Has authority to:

Interview the child and parents/ caregivers

Arrange for child’s medical examination, if necessary

Assess parents/caregivers’ abilities to care for/protect child

Provide support for services to parents/caregivers

Request immediate temporary custody of child from judge in juvenile court when abuse/ neglect is substantiated

Petition court for permanent custody when parents/ guardians (when given support) fail to demonstrate ability or willingness to care for the child

Protective Factorsfor Prevention

The Opportunity to Prevent

© 2006 Prevent Child Abuse Georgia 27

The Mandate to Report, The Opportunity to Prevent

Preventing Child Maltreatment

Know the conditions that may lead to child maltreatment

Identify and reduce risk factors

© 2006 Prevent Child Abuse Georgia 28

The Mandate to Report, The Opportunity to Prevent

Parental / Family Factors

Parental / Caregiver Immaturity

Unrealistic Expectations

Social Isolation Unmet Emotional

Needs Frequent Crisis

Poor Childhood Experiences

Drug/Alcohol Problems

Mental Illness

Poor Family Boundaries

Dangerous home environment

Situations vulnerable to abuse and neglect:

© 2006 Prevent Child Abuse Georgia 29

The Mandate to Report, The Opportunity to Prevent

Resistance and Resilience

Recognize and increase protective factors

© 2006 Prevent Child Abuse Georgia 30

The Mandate to Report, The Opportunity to Prevent

Protective Factors

Parental resilience

Social connections

Knowledge of parenting / child development

Concrete supports in times of need

Social / emotional development of children

© 2006 Prevent Child Abuse Georgia 31

The Mandate to Report, The Opportunity to Prevent

Protective Factors

Children have access to appropriate role models

Children are surrounded with secure relationships

Families are linked to services; medical, community-based, faith-based

Community social norms value the importance of families seeking help

Neighbors look out for one another

Programs and services promote resilience in families and children

© 2006 Prevent Child Abuse Georgia 32

The Mandate to Report, The Opportunity to Prevent

Protective FactorsFAMILY COMMUNITY AGENCY COMMUNITY

Develops close bonding with child; effective/open communication

Is nurturing and protective; implements and regularly reinforces family safety plan

Uses high warmth/low criticism parenting style (versus authoritarian or permissive)

Values and encourages education

Manages stress

Makes spending time with children a priority

Encourages supportive relationships with caring adults beyond the immediate family

Seeks professional help and support when needed

Expresses positive expectations

Encourages goal setting and mastery

Encourages pro-social development (altruism, empathy and cooperation)

Provides opportunities for leadership and participation

Fosters active involvement for all (whatever their learning style or ability)

Provides a family-friendly environment and education

Involves parents

Staff views themselves as caring people and models pro-social behavior

Provides opportunities for family and child to participate in community life

Involves youth in community services

Provides supportive social and health networks

Leaders prioritize community health, safety and quality of life for families

Provides access to resources (healthcare, housing, day care, job training, employment, education and recreation)

Stays educated about child abuse and child abuse prevention (warning sign behavior / adult and community responsibility)

© 2006 Prevent Child Abuse Georgia 33

The Mandate to Report, The Opportunity to Prevent

Prevent Child Abuse Georgia

1-800-244-5373

© 2006 Prevent Child Abuse Georgia 34

The Mandate to Report, The Opportunity to Prevent

Adult Responsibility

A family/community culture of communication Education about risk factors and warning sign behaviors in adults

and youth Balanced understanding for accountability and treatment of

perpetrators

The most important thing we can do as adults to prevent the perpetration of child maltreatment is talk to each other and hold ourselves and others responsible for protecting children.

© 2006 Prevent Child Abuse Georgia 35

The Mandate to Report, The Opportunity to Prevent

If we are sincere in our concern for children,

If we are truly dedicated to empowering families to reach

their full potential and ensuring the well-being of all children…

Something to Consider

© 2006 Prevent Child Abuse Georgia 36

The Mandate to Report, The Opportunity to Prevent

Then we have….

“…promises to keep,

and miles to go before we sleep

Taken from Robert Frost’s Poem “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy

Evening”

Something to Consider

The Mandate to Report, The Opportunity to Prevent

www.pcageorgia.org

1-800-CHILDREN