Addressing Inappropriate Sexual Behavior Mike Grigg DPS Mental

Addressing Inappropriate Sexual Behavior Mike Grigg DPS Mental Health and Assessment Support Specialist

Framing Honor Emotions in the Room Acknowledge Who’s in the Room Overarching Purpose of the Evening Q & A What can we answer now, what might we be able to answer later, what might we never be able to answer and why Q & A Process My specific Role as Facilitator On-Going Resources After the Meeting Mental Health Support Tonight Employee Hotline

Meeting Objectives Supporting our children through communication and dialogue. Communicate what the school has done to this point. Topics related to the investigation cannot be communicated at this time Best-practices for talking with your child Clarifying next steps and action plan Respond to questions

Learning Objectives Define sexual abuse Understanding universal boundaries Helping parents feel comfortable discussing topic with their child Understanding the grooming process and steps leading up to sexual acting out behaviors Understanding and applying environmental and situational awareness Present the School’s Action Plan for maintaining a safe environment for students and staff.

Keeping schools and students safe in DPS All hiring procedures include a complete background check for employees and volunteers. Policies are in place to minimize the risk of sexual abuse of children through mandated reporting The school environment is to set up to increase student safety and reduce the chances of sexual abuse. Policies are maintained for reporting, notification, removal, and confidentiality.

District Policy concerning allegations of sexual assault of a student by a district employee: Report alleged assault, including an incident which occurred off school grounds and/or beyond school hours (if the incident occurred off of school grounds complete the Denver Public Schools – Denver Police Department report prior to calling the police) Report to law enforcement where the incident occurred If the incident occurred in Denver, report to the assigned School Resource Officer (SRO), if available, or call the Denver Police Department at 720 -913 -2000 Document the name and badge number of officer taking the report

District Policy concerning allegations of sexual assault of a student by a district employee: The officer will determine action to take and make a written report If an incident of alleged sexual assault or unlawful sexual behavior of a student by another student occurs on school grounds or during a school sanctioned event, notify the school faculty member responsible for student discipline for the appropriate application of student discipline Notify principal or administrative designee that a report has been made to law enforcement. Contact Denver Public Schools Safety and Security, and complete the Incident Report; the Incident Report should be mailed to Safety and Security on the same day

Completing the Denver Public Schools-Denver Police Department Report Report, immediately, all incidents of suspected physical or sexual assault that threaten the child’s immediate safety to law enforcement and DPS Safety & Security, if the incident occurred off of school grounds complete the Denver Public Schools – Denver Police Department report prior to calling the police. If DPS staff does not initiate the call to police then staff is not required to complete the report. Under no circumstances should reports be included in a student’s cumulative file, staff working files, or in a student’s educational record School staff must not question, interview or examine the student if there is any suspicion or probability that sexual assault has occurred Call Denver Police Department Dispatcher at 720 -913 -2000; it may be necessary to call 911 Call DPS Safety & Security at 720 -423 -3911 Prepare Denver Public Schools Safety and Security Incident Report and fax to 720 -423 -3474 Fax the Denver Public Schools - Denver Police Department report to DPS 720423 -8934 Destroy original copy of the report

Investigation Process Mandated reporting requires school leaders and staff notify Denver Police and then DPS Safety and Security if they suspect or have knowledge of child abuse, sexual assault or illegal sexual contact. Follow a model of “see something, say something”. All reports are taken seriously. Denver Police leads any investigation of potential criminal misconduct. DPS provides support in the information gathering process as requested by police. Once police complete their investigation, DPS reviews to determine if any further internal investigation or follow up needs to be conducted due to potential violations of DPS policies, practices, or expectations.

What is Sexual Abuse? Any case in which a child is subjected to sexual assault or molestation, sexual exploitation, or prostitution.

Is a universal problem Sexual Abuse Can occur at all ages Can include a variety of behaviors and dynamics

Crossing Boundaries We all have boundaries Seven universal boundaries Spiritual Mental Emotional Verbal Sexual Physical Material

Name Boundary Abuse Spiritual Our beliefs, values, morals, and philosophy of the world Attacking an individual’s beliefs or values about the world Mental Our thoughts and ideas Playing mind games, manipulating Verbal Our spoken and unspoken communication Yelling, cussing, offensive gestures, name calling Physical Our physical body and space Invasion of an individual’s body or physical space (hitting, kicking, etc. ) Emotional Our feelings Intentionally inflicting emotional harm on an individual Sexual Our sexual feelings, thoughts, behaviors and sexual being Physically, mentally, or emotionally violating an individual with sexual intent Material Our possessions and everything not included in other boundaries Stealing, breaking, hiding possessions Blake, C. , III (2008, Oct. , 2). Informed Supervision. DYC Regional Conference 2008

What is Grooming? When a person engages in a set of behaviors targeted to create a victim of sexual abuse Involves actions that manipulate or set up an individual and/or their family (often unknowingly) to be a victim.

TRUST BUILDING Purpose Signs • To gain access, create opportunities for contact • Spending lots of time with a person • high interest in your interests • Interactions feel contrived Blake, C. , III (2008, Oct. , 2). Informed Supervision. DYC Regional Conference, 2008

FAVORITISM Purpose Signs • To make you feel special • Gifts, favors, extra interests in you • Doing favors for others (classroom chores, giving up a seat, doing others’ work Blake, C. , III (2008, Oct. , 2). Informed Supervision. DYC Regional Conference, 2008

ALIENATION Purpose • To make you dependent upon them Signs • Separating your from friends, family and support • Demanding and monopolizing Blake, C. , III (2008, Oct. , 2). Informed Supervision. DYC Regional Conference, 2008

SECRETS Purpose Signs • To assess progress, assure safety for perpetrator • Sharing personal stories • Telling you secrets you can’t tell anyone Blake, C. , III (2008, Oct. , 2). Informed Supervision. DYC Regional Conference, 2008

BOUNDARY TESTING Purpose Signs • To find areas of vulnerability, to make you believe this is ok • Violation of personal space • Proximity • Dirty jokes • Guilt trips • Pretending to be upset or distressed, • Low level physical contact • Taking others’ possessions • Openly or accidently exposing self Blake, C. , III (2008, Oct. , 2). Informed Supervision. DYC Regional Conference, 2008

BOUNDARY CROSSING Purpose • To create a victim Signs • Inappropriate touch, contact, gestures, or behaviors Blake, C. , III (2008, Oct. , 2). Informed Supervision. DYC Regional Conference, 2008

Addressing Grooming Behavior Address it as you would any misbehavior What is the behavior? How does it fail to meet expectations? What should be done instead? Create a more comprehensive plan if/when necessary

Environmental Risk Factors -Hallways -Low vision areas (around corners, etc. ) -Restrooms -Students intentionally diverting attention -Behind furniture/obstacles -Outside of building -Seating arrangements Preventative Preparation -Modify classroom layout/design -Creative seating arrangements -Hallway/restroom use expectations -Intentional supervision planning -Proximity control

Situational Risk Factors -Less structured activities (fieldtrips, transitions, etc. ) -Varied age groups -Student groupings -New or substitute staff Preventative Preparation -Communicate frequently with team -Be prepared for less structured activities -Administrators or team supporting new staff -Well designed student groupings -Extensive communication with substitute staff -Intentional supervision

Behavioral Signs & Common Reactions Withdrawal/Depression/Sleeping and Eating disorders School absences, poor grades Threatened by physical contact Overly protective of siblings Inappropriate sexual knowledge or behavior. Injuries or self injuries

How do I talk to my child about sexual abuse? Have the conversation in a comfortable place. Make these conversations routine, not one big event. Ask if anyone is touching them in ways they don’t feel ok or make them feel uncomfortable. Ask “I” questions to avoid shaming the child. Talk with your child about secrets. Secrets that are kept and secrets that are told… (harmful) Teach children to say “NO!” and find an adult if someone is touching or talking to them in ways that are uncomfortable for them.

How can I protect my children from Sexual Assault? Talk to your children about sexuality and sexual abuse in age appropriate terms. Be involved in your child’s life. (Time) Be available. (watch for signs)

Anonymous Reporting Anonymous Reports can be made to Crime Stoppers and the Safe 2 Tell hotline Anonymity guaranteed Crime Stoppers, Call 720 -913 -7867 Safe 2 Tell, Call 877 -542 -7223 Other Resources DPS Parent Liaison, Call 720 -423 -3054

Next Steps and Action Plan School and district will support Denver Police Department in it’s investigation. School will review safe school practices as well as the mandated reporting procedures for child abuse as outlined by the district. School will initiate a plan to educate staff in good touch/bad touch curriculum. School staff will continue to emphasize the importance of home/school communication. School will communicate as needed to staff, students, and parents around any and all child safety issues.

Questions?