Child Protect of mercer county, Inc.

1. Child Protect of mercer county, Inc. Mercer County’s non-profit Child Advocacy Center

2. Child Malteatment & Mandated Reporting • Learning Objectives: • A) Understand your role as a mandated reporter • B) Recognize common signs or indicators of child abuse • C) Learn how to respond when you believe a child is being harmed

3. Child Malteatment & Mandated Reporting What is a Mandated Reporter? • Individuals who are REQUIRED BY LAW to report suspected child abuse or neglect. In WV, these are: • Medical, dental, mental health professionals • Christian Science practitioners, religious healers and clergy • School teachers and all other school personnel • Social service, child care and foster care workers • Law enforcement, humane officers and Div. of Juvenile Services employees • Judges and Magistrates • Youth camp employees/volunteers • Coaches and volunteers for any organized youth program or group • Commercial film or photographic print processors

4. Child Malteatment & Mandated Reporting WV Mandated Reporter Law (SB465) • WV’s mandated reporter law was revised in 2018 and now requires mandated reporters to make a report to the WV Child Abuse Hotline within 24 HOURS after receiving a disclosure of abuse or suspecting that abuse or neglect has occurred. • In any case where the reporter believes that the child suffered serious physical or sexual abuse, the reporter should ADDITIONALLY contact the WV State Police.

5. Child Malteatment & Mandated Reporting WV Mandated Reporter Law (SB465) • Mandated reporters are required to submit their report directly rather than reporting to a supervisor and having the supervisor make the report. • WV Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-352-6513 • Mercer County WV State Police Detachment: 304-425-2101

6. Child Malteatment & Mandated Reporting There is a huge need for prompt response and reporting of suspected child abuse or neglect in West Virginia. • Last year, WV child advocacy centers (CACs) served nearly 4,000 when abuse was suspected or disclosed- a 66% increase in the last five years.

7. Child Sexual Abuse 1 in 4 Girls 1 in 6 Boys

8. Only 1 in 10 will tell

9. Offenders of Child Sexual Abuse • 70% have between 1 and 9 victims • 20-25% have 10 to 40 victims • Serial child molesters can have as many as 400 victims in their lifetime

10. Signs of Child Abuse • 1) Unexplained injuries • 2) Changes in behavior • 3) Returning to earlier behaviors • 4) Fear of going home • 5) Changes in eating

11. Signs of Child Abuse • 6) Changes in sleeping • 7) Changes in school performance and attendance • 8) Lack of personal care or hygiene • 9) Risk-taking behaviors • 10) Inappropriate sexual behaviors

12. Responding to Child Abuse • Trust your instincts. • Suspected abuse is enough of a reason to contact the authorities. • You don’t need proof.

13. Responding to Child Abuse • If a child discloses: • DO • Remain calm. • Believe the child. • Allow the child to talk. • Show interest and concern. • Reassure and support the child. • Take action! Report within 24 hours.

14. Responding to Child Abuse • If a child discloses: • DON’T • Panic or overreact. • Press the child to talk. • Promise anything that you can’t control. • Confront the offender. • Blame or minimize the child’s feelings. • Overwhelm the child with questions.

15. Reasons to Believe Children When They Disclose Abuse • It happens more often than we think. • Kids have good reason to stay quiet. • False reports are very uncommon. • Your response matters.

16. Child Protect of Mercer County, Inc. New Children Served in 2018: 320 138 Boys (43%) 182 Girls (57%) 113 were age 0 to 6 (35%) 125 were age 7 to 12 (39%) 82 were age 13 to 18 (26%)

18. 2018 Offenders Data

19. Child Protect of Mercer County, Inc. • What Does a Children’s Advocacy Center Do? • CACs stress coordination of investigation and intervention services by bringing together professionals and agencies (collectively referred to as the Multi-Disciplinary Investigative Team) to create a child-focused approach to child abuse cases. • The team’s goal is to ensure that children are not re-victimized by the very system designed to protect them.

20. The Model Law Enforcement Child Protection Forensic Interviewer Prosecution Mission Purpose Medical CAC Mental Health Victim Advocacy

23. Child Protect’s Facility

24. Child Protect’s Interview Room

25. A Child Friendly Environment

26. What Else Does Child Protect Do? • FREE on-site therapy for children and their caregivers and adult survivors of childhood trauma • FREE on-site forensic medical evaluations • Mercer County SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) Program • Coming Soon: Mercer County Family Visitation Center • Starting Points Family Resource Center: • Food Pantry, Clothing Closet, Emergency and Basic Needs Assistance • Parent and Youth Support Groups, Parent Education • School-based child abuse prevention programs • Community education

27. Contact Information: Phone: 304-425-2710 Email: childprotect@frontiernet.net Website: www.mercerchildprotect.com 120 Shaker Lane Princeton, WV Visit us on Facebook! Battling Abuse. Restoring Lives. Since 2001.