Notes

Outline

Protecting Our Youth & Maintaining a Safe Environment – The Duty to Report Child Abuse & Neglect Diocese of Nashville

Safe Environment Programs

Safe Environment Education

Goals Provide a safe environment for youth within the Diocese of Nashville Learn the signs & symptoms of abuse & neglect Learn how to respond upon disclosure of suspected abuse and neglect Learn the state and diocesan requirements about reporting

Types- Sexual Abuse Nontouching Offenses Indecent exposure/exhibitionism Exposing youth to pornographic material Deliberately exposing a child to the act of sexual intercourse Masturbation in front of a child.

Types- Sexual Abuse Touching Offenses Fondling Making a child touch an adult’s sexual organs Penetration of a child’s vagina or anus- no matter how slight – by a penis or any object that doesn’t have valid medical purpose

Types- Sexual Abuse Sexual Exploitation Engaging a child or soliciting a child for the purposes of prostitution Using a child to film, photograph or model pornography

Signs & Symptoms- Sexual Abuse Physical  Indication Complaints of pain, itching or irritation in genital or rectal area. Torn, stained or bloody underclothing Child has difficulty walking or sitting Presence of a sexually transmitted disease Frequent urinary tract infections

Signs & Symptoms- Sexual Abuse Behavioral Indicators The child Displays bizarre, sophisticated or unusual sexual knowledge or behavior Acts seductively Masturbates excessively Has sleep disturbances (e.g. bedwetting, nightmares) Is fearful of particular places or people

Signs & Symptoms- Sexual Abuse Behavioral Indicators The child Demonstrates abrupt change in behavior or personality Appears withdrawn or depressed Begins to overeat or under eat Regresses to immature behaviors such as sucking thumb

Signs & Symptoms- Sexual Abuse Parent/Caregiver Characteristics History of sexual maltreatment & abuse in family of origin Dominant, protective and/or jealous of child Misuses drugs or alcohol Lacks social contacts outside family Turns to child to get emotional and physical needs met. Generational boundaries between parents and child are unclear

Signs & Symptoms- Physical Abuse Physical Indicators Different aged bruises or lacerations Bruises, lacerations, swollen areas or marks on the child's face, head, back, chest, genital areas, buttocks or thighs Wounds like human bite marks, cigarette burns, puncture marks or missing hair are present. Family members give contradictory versions of the history of the injuries. There is delay in seeking medical attention.

Signs & Symptoms- Physical Abuse

Signs & Symptoms- Physical Abuse

Signs & Symptoms- Physical Abuse

Signs & Symptoms- Physical Abuse

Signs & Symptoms- Physical Abuse

Signs & Symptoms- Physical Abuse

Signs & Symptoms- Physical Abuse This is a picture of a bite mark. Bite marks are measured a certain way to tell the difference between an adult and a child.

Signs & Symptoms- Physical Abuse Behavioral Indicators Regression from age-appropriate behaviors or activities Aggressive behavior towards other people or objects Withdrawal from age-appropriate activities Lags in physical, emotional and/or intellectual development Hyperactivity

Signs & Symptoms- Physical Abuse Behavioral Indicators Apprehension, fearfulness, self-blaming Sleep disturbances Fear of one or both parents or caregiver. Seeking affection from any adult Self-abusive behavior.

Signs & Symptoms- Physical Abuse Parent/Caregiver Characteristics Has history of abuse as a child Misuses drugs or alcohol Lacks knowledge regarding child rearing Has unrealistic expectations of the child Is alienated, socially isolated, immature and/or has a poor self-image

Signs & Symptoms- Physical Abuse Parent/Caregiver Characteristics Is punitive, using harsh discipline that does not seem right for the condition, age or what the child did wrong Shows signs and/or expresses fear of losing control Shows immaturity in handling conflicts, handling own feelings and dealing with crises

Signs & Symptoms- Neglect Physical Indicators Child Is left unsupervised, uncared for, adequate supervision or alone Lacks clothing or wears clothing inappropriate for the weather Lacks medical or dental care and has unattended physical problems Is constantly hungry Hygiene is poor Lacks adequate shelter Not gaining weight Immunizations are inadequate

Signs & Symptoms- Neglect Behavioral Indicators Child appears constantly tired, listless; child falls asleep in school. Poor school attendance or chronic lateness Child exhibits learning problems Unruly/under socialized conduct Poor peer relationships Child may be withdrawn Child may crave attention.

Signs & Symptoms- Neglect Parent/Caregiver Characteristics Chaotic home life Misuses drugs or alcohol Isolated from family & friends Mental and/or physical illness Passive in relationships or in dealing with people outside the family Lacking appropriate parenting skills

Signs & Symptoms- Emotional Abuse Parent/Caregiver Characteristics Verbal assaults Ignoring and indifference Constant family conflict

How to Respond Disclosure May happen after other problems have surfaced Often begins with revealing an isolated incident May try to solicit a promise of not sharing this information

How to Respond Response to Disclosure Talk in a private place Use the child’s own language and terms Do not promise that you will not share this information Clarification should be open ended such as: “Help me understand what that means.” Explain what your next steps are. Offer reassurance that they are not to blame and telling was the best thing to do.

State Reporting Law Department of Children’s Services Law enforcement Judge with Juvenile Court Jurisdiction

State Reporting Law Children's Services accepts reports of child maltreatment provided it meets the following three criteria: The report pertains to a child under the age of 18 years. The report alleges harm or imminent risk of harm to the child. The alleged perpetrator is: a parent or caretaker a relative or other person living in the home an educator, volunteer, or employee of a recreational/organizational setting who is responsible for the child; or any individual providing treatment, care or supervision for the child.

State Reporting Law Information needed when reporting: Nature of the harm or specific incident(s) that precipitated the report Specific allegation(s), date(s) and descriptions(s) of the injuries or dangers Identities of alleged perpetrator(s) and their relationships to the victim Witnesses to the incident(s) and how to reach those witnesses Details of any physical evidence available Perpetrator’s current access to the child Present condition of the child (alone, in need of medical attention, etc.) The location of the child and directions to get there Any statements from the child

State Reporting Law Information needed when reporting: Parent's or perpetrator's explanation of the alleged child victim's condition or the incident Parent's current emotional, physical or mental state, especially feelings about the child(ren) and reactions to the report How the reporter came to know the information and the reporter's thoughts about the likelihood of further harm to the child(ren).

State Reporting Law If you need to report abuse or neglect involving a child in the following counties, please call     1-877-237-0004. Bedford, Cannon, Clay, Coffee, Cumberland, Davidson, DeKalb, Fentress, Giles, Hickman, Jackson, Lawrence, Lewis, Lincoln, Macon, Marshall, Maury, Moore, Overton, Perry, Pickett, Putnam, Smith, Van Buren, Warren, Wayne, White For all other counties contact the local office of the Department of Children’s Services.

What Happens Following a Report Screening by DCS staff & determination of assignment for investigation Investigation conducted according to priority level DCS confirms to the referral source by letter if they will pursue the investigation. The source of a report is confidential and cannot be revealed unless ordered by a judge.

What Happens Following a Report If there is imminent danger, a safety plan is devised to protect the child. A safety plan may require an alleged perpetrator leave the home. Relatives are used in some situations to provide a temporary home for the child. DCS requests temporary custody and the child is placed in foster care. DCS offers support services and the family remains intact.

Diocesan Reporting Requirements The  Diocese supports, promotes and requires compliance with all federal, state and local laws including those regarding the reporting of child abuse and child sexual abuse. All clergy and laypersons of the Diocese of Nashville and its subsidiaries are bound by Tennessee law to report all known or suspected abuse to the appropriate civil authorities.

Diocesan Background Checks for Staff & Volunteers Duties of Safe Environment Coordinator Diocesan Profile Form Reference Checks Kroll Background Checks Update Diocesan files on a regular basis

Diocesan Reporting Requirements Diocesan School Reporting Requirements All suspected cases of child physical or sexual abuse shall be reported to the principal immediately. The principal shall immediately inform the superior administrator and the Dept. of Children’s Services.  The principal shall furthermore inform the Superintendent in a timely manner.

Diocesan Reporting Requirements Protocol for other diocesan staff or volunteers All suspected cases of child physical or sexual abuse shall be reported to the Dept of Children’s Services. The staff member or volunteer making the report will inform the pastor or superior administrator within 24 hours.

Diocesan Reporting Requirements Diocesan Reporting Requirements All clergy and laypersons of the Diocese and its subsidiaries are also bound to report to the Moderator of the Curia, Fr. Dave Perkin (615-783-0763) all known or suspected cases of child sexual abuse of a minor by a cleric or a layperson acting on behalf of the Diocese or its subsidiaries.  If he is unavailable, please contact the diocesan attorney, Mr. Gino Marchetti (615-320-3225).

Resources w        Catholic Charities of Tennessee, Inc.; 615-352-3087 www.cctenn.org w        Dept. of Children’s Services; 1-877-237-0004; www.state.tn.us/youth w        Rape & Sexual Abuse Center; 1-800-879-1999 (Crisis Line); www.rasac.org w        Our Kids; 615-341-4911; www.ourkidscenter.org w        You Have the Power; (615) 292-7027; http://yhtp.org w        Prevent Child Abuse Tennessee; (615) 383-0994; www.pcat.org w        Exchange Club – Prevent Child Abuse (615) 333-2644