Power to Protect: Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect

Power to Protect:Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect 1 1

You Will Be Able To: • Define child abuse and neglect • Identify the physical characteristics of child abuse and neglect • Explore cultural issues • Know when and how to report • Identify ways to reduce the risk 2 2

You Will Be Able To: • Define child abuse and neglect • Identify the physical characteristics of child abuse and neglect • Explore cultural issues • Know when and how report • Identify ways to reduce the risk 3 3

Nebraska Law 43-2606 The training requirements shall be designed to meet the health, safety, and developmental needs of children and shall be tailored to the needs of licensed providers of child care programs. The training requirements for providers of child care programs shall include, but not be limited to, information on sudden infant death syndrome, shaken baby syndrome, and child abuse. 4 4

In Nebraska: The law mandates that all adults report child abuse and neglect. -Nebraska Revised Statute 28-711 5 5

In Nebraska: When an adult has reasonable causeto believe that a child has been subjected to abuse or neglect or observes such child being subjected to conditions or circumstances which reasonably would result in abuse or neglect… -Nebraska Revised Statute 28-711 6 6

391 NAC: The child care provider shall report to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services within 24 hours or next business day when the following conditions occur within the child care program: death of any child; any accident to children which requires hospitalization; or treatment at a medical facility The child care provider who has reason to believe child abuse or neglect may be occurring in the family child care home, in the child’s home, or elsewhere, shall immediately file a report with the Child Abuse-Neglect Hotline 1-800-652-1999, and or appropriate local law enforcement agency. 7 7

In Nebraska: Reports are to be made to this toll free number: 1-800-652-1999 (Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline) If it is an emergency call 911. -Neb. Rev. Stat. 28-711 8 8

Why Should We Know About Child Abuse and Neglect? It is the responsibility of all adults to protect children. 9 9

Why Should We Know About Child Abuse and Neglect? And perhaps the most important reason. . . • Your job can be very stressful • Anyone can lose control 10 10

Nebraska Family Helpline: 1-888-866-8660 Trained counselors available 24/7 11 11

Elements of Child Abuse and Neglect A person knowingly, intentionally, or negligently causes or permits a minor child to be: • Placed in a situation that endangers life or physical or mental health • Cruelly confined or cruelly punished • Deprived of necessary food, clothing, shelter or care 12 12

Elements of Child Abuse and Neglect Con’t. . . • Placed in situations to be sexually exploited (Prostitution, debauchery, public indecency, obscene or pornography) • Placed in situation of sexual abuse 13 13

Types of Abuse and Neglect • Physical • Sexual • Emotional 14 14

Causes of ChildAbuse and Neglect The American Academy of Pediatrics notes the major reasons for mistreatment of children are feelings of isolation, stress, and frustration 15 15

Characteristics Common characteristics of those who have abused children: • Feeling isolated • Didn’t reach out to others for help • Serious stressors in personal life • May have no prior criminal history • May have no prior history of child abuse 16 16

Physical Abuse and Neglect Existence of an injury that is: • Unexplained • Not consistent with the explanation given • Non-accidental • A substantial risk of bodily injury Neglect: • Failure to provide basic needs • Failure to provide a safe and sanitary living environment Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline: 1-800-652-1999 17 17

Sexual Abuse Any sexually oriented act, practice, contact, or interaction in which the child is or has been used for the sexual stimulation of a parent, the child, or other person. 18 18

Emotional Abuse and Neglect Result of continual • Scapegoating • blaming or targeting a child • Rejection • Exposure to violence Neglect • Lack of opportunity for normal experiences that produce feelings of: • being loved, wanted, secure, and worthy 19 19

Abusive Family Patterns • Very high correlation between domestic violence and child abuse • Over 50% of men who assaulted their wives also abused their children • Violence against the child may be in an attempt to control the partner US Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families 20 20

In Nebraska… there are child care providers in prison for causing the death of children in their care. 21 21

Normal Childhood Bruising 23 23

Photos of abuse are provided by Examples of Physical Abuse C. Henry Kemp Child Abuse Center Denver, Colorado 24 24

Burns 38 38

Fractures 39 39

Coining 41 41

Cupping 42 42

Cupping 43 43

Mongolian Spot 44 44

When and how to report? If you suspect abuse or neglect: • Physical • Emotional • Sexual 46 46

What to Report? Complete Suspected Child Abuse Reporting Form 47 47

Hotline 1-800-652-1999 • Gather all relevant information. • Place call. • Call can be anonymous. • If reporter leaves name and phone number – DHHS can call the reporter for additional information. • Your identity will not be released. • If the case goes to court, the reporter’s identity may be revealed and records subpoenaed . 48 48

After you make the call • DHHS reviews information • Decide to accept report for investigation • Not all reports are accepted for investigation • Report is accepted or rejected • DHHS and/or law enforcement investigate • Reporter will not know the result of the investigation 49 49

Consequences of Not Reporting • Abuse/neglect will likely continue • Criminal offense - misdemeanor • Disciplinary action can be taken against your child care license • Can be named as an “alleged” perpetrator of abuse to the child • Risk your reputation 50 50

Power to Protect: Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect