Child Abuse - PowerPoint - PowerPoint

							Reporting Child Abuse



          A Guide for Teachers
Presented by

   Vava Barton
   Amy Weatherford
   Monica Logue
Why teachers?

   May be the first to see child abuse

   Must report to proper authorities

   Are guaranteed confidentiality

   Are guaranteed immunity from liability
What is child abuse?

   Physical Abuse

   Physical Neglect

   Sexual Abuse

   Emotional Maltreatment
If you suspect child abuse…



                    Here are some
                     indicators that abuse
                     may be going on inside
                     the home
Physical Abuse

Physical Indicators            Behavioral Indicators

   Unexplained bruises or        Wary of adult contact
    welts                         Behavioral extremes
   Unexplained burns             Afraid to go home
   Unexplained
    lacerations or abrasions
Physical Neglect

Physical Indicators       Behavioral Indicators

   Consistent hunger        Begging or stealing
   Poor hygiene              food
   Inappropriate dress      Constant fatigue or
   Unattended medical        falling asleep
    problems                 Extended time at
                              school
Sexual Abuse

Physical Indicators         Behavioral Indicators

   Difficulty walking or      Unwilling to change
    sitting                     clothes for PE
   Torn or bloody             Unusual sexual
    underclothing               behavior or knowledge
   STDs                       Withdrawal or fantasy
   Pregnancy                   behavior
Emotional Maltreatment

Physical Indicators     Behavioral Indicators

   Speech Disorders       Habit disorders
   Lags in physical       Behavior extremes
    development            Lags in mental and
   Failure-to-thrive       emotional development
                           Attempted suicide
If a child tells you…

                       Any time a child
                       tells you that
                       abuse is
                       happening in the
                       home, it must be
                       reported.
In your classroom

   Use age-appropriate language to discuss
    abuse
   Make your classroom a safe place
   Listen to what children talk about with each
    other
   Watch for behaviors
How to report abuse

   Florida Abuse Hotline
    1-800-96-ABUSE or
    1-800-962-2873

   As a courtesy, notify
    your principal that a
    report is being made.
Things to include in your report

   Name and address of child and parent or guardian
   Child’s age, race, sex, and names of siblings
   Identity of abuser, if known
   Any information that you feel would be helpful in
    establishing cause of injury or neglect
   Child’s location at time of report
   Your name, address, and telephone number, if
    desired
After you report…

   Department of Children and Families is
    notified and provides an investigator.

   Law enforcement investigates any criminal
    aspects.

   Child Protective Team conducts interview or
    examination.
What may happen?

   Family may receive intervention or
    support from a counselor

   Child may be removed from the home

   Criminal charges may be brought
After the report is made

                     Comfort the child
                     Assure child that
                      people who are
                      investigating are there
                      to help
                     Continue to observe
                      child for any further
                      signs of abuse