Copyright Illinois Department of Children and Family Services

© Copyright Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Mandated Reporter Training Guidelines for calling the Child Abuse or Neglect Hotline January 13, 2013 Division Clinical Practice and Development, Office of Training, Parent and Caregiver Support 1

© Copyright Illinois Department of Children and Family Services What you will learn: When you have completed this training you will : • Better recognize the signs of child abuse and neglect • Define the types of child abuse and neglect • Determine what professions/individuals are mandated to report • Know your role as a Mandated Reporter • Understand your legal obligations as a Mandated Reporter • Know How to Access On-Line Training Resources January 13, 2013 Division Clinical Practice and Development, Office of Training, Parent and Caregiver Support 2

© Copyright Illinois Department of Children and Family Services What you will learn (Cont’d): When you have completed this training you will be able to: • Know when and how to report abuse and/or neglect to the Hotline • Identify the steps and tools to use when making a child abuse report • Identify which groups of children may be at a higher risk of being abused or neglected • Understand the process that occurs after a hotline call is made January 13, 2013 Division Clinical Practice and Development, Office of Training, Parent and Caregiver Support 3

© Copyright Illinois Department of Children and Family Services What is Mandated Reporting? January 13, 2013 Division Clinical Practice and Development, Office of Training, Parent and Caregiver Support 4

© Copyright Illinois Department of Children and Family Services What is My Role as a Mandated Reporter? • Your Role: As a person who works with children, it is your legal obligation to report your suspicions to DCFS. It is not your role to investigate what the child has told you. January 13, 2013 • DCFS's Role: It is the obligation of DCFS to provide a Child Abuse Hotline to screen reports and to investigate your report to determine whether the child has been abused or neglected and, if so, how to ensure that the child is protected Division Clinical Practice and Development, Office of Training, Parent and Caregiver Support 5

© Copyright Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Who is a Mandated Reporter? 1 -800 -25 -ABUSE 1 -800 -252 -2873 TTY 1 -800 -358 -5117 January 13, 2013 Division Clinical Practice and Development, Office of Training, Parent and Caregiver Support 6

© Copyright Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Why Is Mandated Reporting Important? • Possibly as high as 60% of child abuse and neglect is never reported • Illinois accepts around 70, 000 reports per year, impacting more that 100, 000 children • Early detection and intervention may prevent further abuse, neglect and possibly DEATH • If Mandated Reporters don’t recognize the signs of child abuse and neglect, and report their suspicions to the hotline, intervention and treatment may not be possible. January 13, 2013 Division Clinical Practice and Development, Office of Training, Parent and Caregiver Support 7

© Copyright Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Criteria for Taking a Report of Suspected Child Abuse or Neglect: • Alleged Victim • Alleged Perpetrator • Specific Incident • Harm or Substantial Risk of Physical or Sexual Injury January 13, 2013 Division Clinical Practice and Development, Office of Training, Parent and Caregiver Support 8

© Copyright Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Mandated Reporter Tip • While an "alleged perpetrator" is the person who either directly causes or allows child abuse or neglect to occur, there are different definitions. • For DCFS purposes, this includes any individual residing in the child's home, any person responsible for the child's welfare, or anyone who came to know the child through a position of trust, such as mother, father, teacher, counselor, or coach to name a few. If the perpetrator does not fit within one of the above categories, the incident may be a crime but it is not classified as "child abuse. " • For criminal matters a perpetrator could be anybody. January 13, 2013 Division Clinical Practice and Development, Office of Training, Parent and Caregiver Support 9

© Copyright Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Recognizing types of Child Abuse and Neglect Three main types of abuse and neglect • Physical Abuse – Inflicts or allows a physical injury – Creates or allows a substantial risk of physical harm to a child – Violates a court order that prohibits the perpetrator from having access to the child – Deliberately inflicts or allows cruel or unusual treatment which results in physical or mental suffering by the child; January 13, 2013 Division Clinical Practice and Development, Office of Training, Parent and Caregiver Support 10

© Copyright Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Recognizing types of Child Abuse and Neglect Three main types of abuse and neglect • Physical Abuse (Cont’d) – Inflicts or allows excessive corporal punishment – Gives or allows a controlled substance to be given to a child under 18 years of age – Exposes the child to the manufacture of methamphetamine January 13, 2013 Division Clinical Practice and Development, Office of Training, Parent and Caregiver Support 11

© Copyright Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Possible Signs of Physical Abuse • Unexplained marks on the body • Bruises or welts in various stages of healing or in clusters or patterns in the shape of an object • Pattern burns • Marks hidden from typically exposed skin • Behavioral changes January 13, 2013 Division Clinical Practice and Development, Office of Training, Parent and Caregiver Support 12

© Copyright Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Recognizing Sign and Symptoms of Child Sexual Abuse • Types of Sexual Abuse – Sexual Penetration – Sexual Molestation – Sexual Exploitation • Possible Signs of Sexual Abuse – – – – Sexual knowledge beyond what is age appropriate Recurring pain or itching in genital or anal area Sexually transmitted diseases Frequent bladder of urinary tract infections Genital injury Unexplained regression or fear Sexually acting out behavior January 13, 2013 Division Clinical Practice and Development, Office of Training, Parent and Caregiver Support 13

© Copyright Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Recognizing Types of Child Neglect • Types of Neglect – Adequate supervision – Medical care/attention – Food – Clothing – Shelter January 13, 2013 Division Clinical Practice and Development, Office of Training, Parent and Caregiver Support 14

© Copyright Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Recognizing Signs of Child Neglect • Signs of Neglect – Often hungry in the morning – Poor hygiene – Evidence of no or poor supervision – Underweight, poor growth, failure to thrive – Dressed inappropriately for the weather – Erratic attendance at school January 13, 2013 Division Clinical Practice and Development, Office of Training, Parent and Caregiver Support 15

© Copyright Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Reporting Psychological Abuse • May only be reported by licensed medical and mental health professionals, including: – Registered Psychologists – Medical Doctors – Registered Nurses – Certified Social Worker – School Teachers – Therapists and Counselors employed in a community health agency or social service agency January 13, 2013 Division Clinical Practice and Development, Office of Training, Parent and Caregiver Support 16

© Copyright Illinois Department of Children and Family Services What children are at risk of Child Abuse or Neglect? January 13, 2013 Division Clinical Practice and Development, Office of Training, Parent and Caregiver Support 17

© Copyright Illinois Department of Children and Family Services High Risk Children Include Preschool Children • Vulnerabilities – May not know the words to describe what happened – Dependent for all their needs – Often isolated January 13, 2013 Division Clinical Practice and Development, Office of Training, Parent and Caregiver Support 18

© Copyright Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Myth Buster! • There is a popular belief that preschool children are inherently unreliable sources of information. Child sexual abusers know this myth and exploit it to their advantage. Research has shown that if questioned properly, even very young children are reliable sources of information. January 13, 2013 Division Clinical Practice and Development, Office of Training, Parent and Caregiver Support 19

© Copyright Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Higher Risk Children: Children with Disabilities • Vulnerabilities – Family stress – Isolation – Dependency on caretakers – Difficulty with communication January 13, 2013 Division Clinical Practice and Development, Office of Training, Parent and Caregiver Support 20

© Copyright Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Myth Buster! • As with preschoolers, there is a myth that children with certain disabilities are unreliable. Even if a child cannot talk or only expresses herself with difficulty, this should not prevent you from making a report if you suspect child abuse. DCFS investigators have several techniques they can use to communicate with non-verbal children. January 13, 2013 Division Clinical Practice and Development, Office of Training, Parent and Caregiver Support 21

© Copyright Illinois Department of Children and Family Services High Risk Children: GLBTQ Children • Vulnerabilities – Less social supports – Less opportunity for discussion – Higher risk of isolation, discrimination, and punishment January 13, 2013 Division Clinical Practice and Development, Office of Training, Parent and Caregiver Support 22

© Copyright Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Myth Buster! • Although some sexual abuse victims are gay, some people have the mistaken belief that boys who were sexually abused by men always become homosexuals. This is simply not true! This myth only makes it more difficult for boys to disclose their sexual abuse histories. January 13, 2013 Division Clinical Practice and Development, Office of Training, Parent and Caregiver Support 23

© Copyright Illinois Department of Children and Family Services What Is Not Child Abuse and Neglect? • Children who are curious about their own bodies • Preschool children who giggle while touching their bodies in an exploratory manner • Children of the same age and developmental stage who are curious about and explore each other's bodies January 13, 2013 Division Clinical Practice and Development, Office of Training, Parent and Caregiver Support 24

© Copyright Illinois Department of Children and Family Services What Is Not Child Abuse and Neglect • Spanking that is not "excessive corporal punishment“ • Dirty home that is not hazardous • Older child home alone • Child left with relative who often cared for the child • Abandoned newborn Infant left at a Safe Haven January 13, 2013 (325 ILCS 2/) Abandoned Newborn Infant Protection Act Division Clinical Practice and Development, Office of Training, Parent and Caregiver Support 25

© Copyright Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Test Your Knowledge #1 Possible signs of physical abuse include: a) b) c) d) January 13, 2013 Unexplained marks on the body Bruises or welts in various stages of healing Burns that are in patterns All of the above Division Clinical Practice and Development, Office of Training, Parent and Caregiver Support 26

© Copyright Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Test Your Knowledge #2 Neglect occurs when a parent or caretaker fails to provide: a) Adequate supervision, medical care, food, clothing and or shelter b) Schooling, school supplies, appropriate school clothing c) Up to date immunizations d) All of the above January 13, 2013 Division Clinical Practice and Development, Office of Training, Parent and Caregiver Support 27

© Copyright Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Test Your Knowledge # 3 Which of the following is NOT a sign of sexual abuse: a) Sexual knowledge beyond what is age appropriate b) Recurring pain and itching in the genitals c) Wearing or sleeping with multiple layers of clothing d) Children being curious about their bodies January 13, 2013 Division Clinical Practice and Development, Office of Training, Parent and Caregiver Support 28

© Copyright Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Reporter Tip! • When in doubt, MAKE A CHILD ABUSE REPORT and let DCFS do its job by investigating! January 13, 2013 Division Clinical Practice and Development, Office of Training, Parent and Caregiver Support 29

© Copyright Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Dealing with the Child’s Disclosure of Suspected Child Abuse/Neglect • Best indicator is child’s spontaneous report • Disclosure can be stressful to child and YOU • Impacts child’s safety and journey to recovery January 13, 2013 Division Clinical Practice and Development, Office of Training, Parent and Caregiver Support 30

© Copyright Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Dealing with the Child’s Disclosure of Suspected Child Abuse/Neglect • Body language • Facial expressions • Never put words in a child’s mouth • Limit your questioning – Can be traumatic – May negatively impact the DCFS investigation and the criminal investigation. January 13, 2013 Division Clinical Practice and Development, Office of Training, Parent and Caregiver Support 31

© Copyright Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Reporter Tip! Extensive interviews of a child about an abuse incident can traumatize the child and have a negative impact on the investigation, if not done appropriately. After the report is made, a trained professional interviewer will conduct an interview of the child. Multiple interviews of a child can be traumatizing and should be avoided at all costs. January 13, 2013 Division Clinical Practice and Development, Office of Training, Parent and Caregiver Support 32

© Copyright Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Myth Busters Sometimes when children make a disclosure of abuse or neglect, they later say nothing happened. This does not always mean that the child was not initially telling the truth. Sometimes recanting is a natural reaction for children because there may be factors influencing the child to change their story. For example, being frightened, parent pressure, or perpetrator threats may cause the child to change their story. January 13, 2013 Division Clinical Practice and Development, Office of Training, Parent and Caregiver Support 33

© Copyright Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Calling the Hotline January 13, 2013 Division Clinical Practice and Development, Office of Training, Parent and Caregiver Support 34

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Calling the Hotline, Continued January 13, 2013 Division Clinical Practice and Development, Office of Training, Parent and Caregiver Support 37

© Copyright Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Reporter Tip! As a Mandated Reporter, you have specific rights : • To the Hotline worker’s full name • To speak to the Hotline worker’s supervisor if you do not agree with the Hotline worker’s decision • To request a review of an investigation that has been unfounded if there are concerns regarding the adequacy of the investigation • To receive information about the findings and actions taken by the Department during the investigation, including actions taken to ensure a child’s safety January 13, 2013 Division Clinical Practice and Development, Office of Training, Parent and Caregiver Support 38

© Copyright Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Myth Busters Many Mandated Reporters believe that when they make a child abuse or neglect report the child will be removed from their family. In fact, less than 5% of children reported for abuse or neglect are removed from the home and usually it is not long term. For those who are not removed, their families are provided with services to insure the safety of the child. January 13, 2013 Division Clinical Practice and Development, Office of Training, Parent and Caregiver Support 39

© Copyright Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Frequently Asked Questions 1. If I call the Hotline, are you sure the family will not be told my name? 2. What if the family can tell I made the report? Who is going to protect me from the parents? 3. What happens if my report turns out to NOT be child abuse or neglect? Will I be protected from a lawsuit? January 13, 2013 Division Clinical Practice and Development, Office of Training, Parent and Caregiver Support 40

© Copyright Illinois Department of Children and Family Services FAQ (Cont’d) 4. If I know other professionals involved with a family have already reported an abuse/neglect situation, do I still need to call the Child Abuse hotline to make a report? January 13, 2013 Division Clinical Practice and Development, Office of Training, Parent and Caregiver Support 41

© Copyright Illinois Department of Children and Family Services FAQ (Cont’d) 5. Have I fulfilled my obligation as a Mandated Reporter if I tell my supervisor (i. e. principal, manager, administrator) about my suspicions of child abuse or neglect? 6. Does my supervisor have authority to decide whether I call the Hotline? January 13, 2013 Division Clinical Practice and Development, Office of Training, Parent and Caregiver Support 42

© Copyright Illinois Department of Children and Family Services FAQ (Cont’d) 7. What happens if I have reason to believe a child is abused or neglected but I don’t call the Hotline? 8. Does DCFS always remove children from the home? 9. Where do children go if they are removed from the home? January 13, 2013 Division Clinical Practice and Development, Office of Training, Parent and Caregiver Support 43

© Copyright Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Myth Busters • Some Mandated Reporters believe they can't make an anonymous call to the Hotline. Like the general public, Mandated Reporters do have the right to make reports to the Hotline anonymously. Before you make this decision, know all the facts. • The investigator will not be able to contact you to verify your information or gather any additional information you may have. This weakens the investigation. • You cannot be notified of the results of the investigation because no one will know how to reach you. • Also, if something happens to the child, you will have no legal proof that you fulfilled your role as a Mandated Reporter. January 13, 2013 Division Clinical Practice and Development, Office of Training, Parent and Caregiver Support 44

© Copyright Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Important New Initiatives (Cont’d) • Animal Abuse – Joint agreement between the Department of Agriculture and DCFS regarding reporting abuse. – To report animal abuse call: 217 – 782 -6657 January 13, 2013 Division Clinical Practice and Development, Office of Training, Parent and Caregiver Support 45

© Copyright Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Should You Call the Hotline? – Scenario 1 Tony, age 16, comes to a campus basketball clinic extremely upset. When taken aside and asked what is upsetting him, he explains to the staff conducting the clinic that an adult male friend of the family took his younger brother to an amusement park yesterday but didn’t take him. He is very angry that this man doesn’t take him places anymore. When the staff asks about the things they used to do together, Tony discloses that the man has touched his private parts several times. January 13, 2013 Division Clinical Practice and Development, Office of Training, Parent and Caregiver Support 46

© Copyright Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Should You Call the Hotline? – Scenario 2 • Mary, age 4, complains to her campus child caretaker about stomach pains as soon as she arrives at day care. When the caretaker asks Mary to point where it hurts, Mary pulls up her shirt and reveals bruises on her stomach and chest. The caretaker takes Mary out into the hallway for privacy and asks how she got the bruises. Mary responds, “I’m not supposed to tell, ” and begins crying uncontrollably. Mary refuses to respond to any additional questions. January 13, 2013 Division Clinical Practice and Development, Office of Training, Parent and Caregiver Support 47

© Copyright Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Should You Call the Hotline? – Scenario 3 Noah, age 7, is attending a summer session on the campus playground. Noah told his session leader that his mother was mad and gave him a “whoopin” over his not coming home yesterday when he was expected. The campus employee asked him if he hurt anywhere or had any bruises. Noah said no. The session leader observed no visible marks or bruises on Noah’s exposed legs or arms. Noah explained that his mother whoops all the kids in the family with her hand, or sometimes with her bedroom slippers when they’re bad. Then he ran off to play with his friends. January 13, 2013 Division Clinical Practice and Development, Office of Training, Parent and Caregiver Support 48

© Copyright Illinois Department of Children and Family Services What Happens After I Make the Report? January 13, 2013 Division Clinical Practice and Development, Office of Training, Parent and Caregiver Support 49

© Copyright Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Want More Information? For More Information, Go On-Line to the following Mandated Reporter Course Web Link: https: //www. dcfstraining. org/manrep/index. jsp January 13, 2013 Division Clinical Practice and Development, Office of Training, Parent and Caregiver Support 50