Mandated Reporting a guide for families Massachusetts Department

Mandated Reporting: a guide for families Massachusetts Department of Children and Families Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Guidelines Prepared by Lisa Moore

Link to DCF family guide �http: //www. mass. gov/eohhs/docs/dcf/can-family- guide. pdf �http: //www. mass. gov/eohhs/docs/dcf/can-familyguide-spanish. pdf

DCF �DCF is the state agency responsible for protecting children from abuse and neglect. They receive all of the reports (51 A’s) of suspected abuse/neglect and investigate them. They also provide a range of services to strengthen families at risk, who volunteer for services, or who have had supported findings of abuse or neglect. �DCF receives about 75, 000 reports of abuse and neglect each year.

Who/What is a mandated reporter? � Anyone who is paid to care for, or work with, a child in any public or private facility funded or licensed by the commonwealth. � All school staff members are mandated reporters and are trained annually by guidance staff on reporting procedures. � Staff are required to report orally, and in writing, any suspected abuse or neglect to DCF of a child under the age of 18. � As mandated reporters, if any child in our care discloses information that causes a staff to suspect abuse or neglect, we are mandated by law to report it to DCF.

What does this mean? �If a student reports incidents of abuse or neglect , staff are actively listening and supporting but we are not investigators. �If there was a physical incident, we will have the nurse check the child, treat, and document anything she sees. �Staff may notify you and request additional information from you. �If the information that was disclosed by the child meets the state definition of abuse or neglect we are mandated by law to alert DCF.

What constitues abuse/neglect? � Abuse is defined as: the non accidental commission of an act by a caretaker upon a child under age 18 which causes, or creates a substantial risk of, physical or emotional injury; or an act by a caretaker involving a child that constitutes a sexual offense under the laws of the commonwealth; or any sexual contact between a caretaker and a child under the care of that individual. This definition is not dependent upon location (ie. , abuse can occur while child is in an out-of home or in-home setting) � Neglect is defined as: failure by a caretaker, either deliberately or through negligence or inability, to take these actions necessary to provide a child with minimally adequate food, clothing, shelter, medical care, supervision, emotional stability and growth, or other essential care; provided, however that such inability is not solely to inadequate economical resources or solely to the existence of a handicapping condition. This definition is not dependent upon location (see above)

More definitions for you…. � Physical Injury is defined as: Death; fracture of a bone, a subdural hematoma (head injury), burns, impairment of any organ, and any other such nontrivial injury; soft tissue swelling, skin bruising, addiction to drugs at birth; or failure to thrive. � Emotional injury is defined as: an impairment to or disorder of the intellectual or psychological capacity of a child as evidenced by observable and substantial reduction in the child’s ability to function within a normal range of performance and behavior. (verbal abuse) � Neglect is failure by a caretaker, either deliberately or through negligence, to take those actions necessary to provide a child with minimally adequate food, clothing, shelter, medical care, supervision, emotional stability and growth, or other essential care; provided, however, that such inability is not due solely to inadequate economic resources or solely to the existence of a handicapping condition. This definition is not dependent upon location (i. e. , neglect can occur while the child is in an out-of-home setting) (witnessing domestic violence and substance abuse often fall into this category)

Institutional abuse or neglect �Abuse or neglect which occurs in any facility for children, including, but not limited to, group homes, residential or public or private schools, hospitals, detention and treatment facilities, family foster care homes, group day care centers and family day care homes.

Domestic Violence �Domestic Violence is defined as a pattern of coercive controlling behaviors that one person exercises over another in an intimate relationship. Not every situation involving DV merits intervention by DCF. Mandated reporters are encouraged to read the DCF brochure and review each family situation before taking any action. If possible a collaborative meeting with support staff and the caretaker or family about safety planning may be the necessary first step to avoid any negative impact on the family and the child.

What if staff choose not to report? �If staff have a case of suspected abuse and neglect and choose not to file, we could be held liable by court fines and jail time depending on the severity of the case. We could also be fired and risk losing our professional license.

What happens after a report is filed? � The report is screened. Information is gathered by DCF to determine whether � � or not it meets the criteria for abuse or neglect. If it is screened in (it is determined to meet the criteria), it is investigated and a worker will be contacting the family, interviewing the child, the school, the primary care physician, and possibly other collaterals and a decision will be made whether or not it is supported. OR, It could be screened out. This could mean: 1) the end of your involvement with DCF, 2) they make an action plan for you to follow with no extension of services and no social worker follows up, or 3) the report could be sent over to the DA’s office for a SAIN screening (sexual abuse) or possible criminal charges for severe physical abuse/injury. If the report is supported, the family will be assigned a social worker and supports will be determined based on the findings. In some severe cases a care and protection may be ordered and the children may be removed from the home. You should know that DCF’s main goal is always to keep families together and provide them with a safe and stable environment.

Things to consider �The school would like to support families through this process or any difficult time. If an incident happens at home and you would like support you may contact your child’s teacher, head of school, or guidance staff. �If your child receives an accidental injury it’s always best to inform your child’s teacher via phone, agenda, or class dojo. �Remember that this process is confidential and not something that is shared among colleagues. Guidance and your Ho. S, are the exception, we are made aware of every filing and our assistance is advisable.

What do I do when and If My Family becomes DCF Involved? �Don’t panic! �Remember family unification is always the goal �Ask what it is you need to do to get the supports you need. �You can ask for counseling services, assistance with benefits, and other community resources through DCF �The more cooperative you are with the family plan, the less time you will be involved with the agency.

Be proactive! � If your family is in need of support we offer counseling services through the school. ~if your child is in need of school based counseling we have a guidance team that can offer counseling support ~if your child is in need of more intensive support Seven Hills has contracted with Enlightened Interventions. Four clinicians come to our building daily and offer therapeutic support to students and families right here in our building or at their office on Union St. in Worcester. There is NO WAITLIST for Seven Hills Students and families! Their website is: Enlightenedinterventionsllc. org