Child Welfare & The Mandated Reporter R[2]

RCDS: Early Intervention & EnrichmentProgram

888-518-8716 Ext. 4111~ www.rcdseip.com ~ 1

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Presents

Child Abuse & Neglect:

Prevention & The Role of

The Mandated Reporter

Facilitated by:

Dawn Mastoridis, M.Ed., CAGSExecutive Director, RCDS

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About Your Speaker: Dawn Mastoridis

In August of 2007, I joined The MENTOR Network as their State Director for the New Yorkarea. The MENTOR Network is a national human service organization that offers a wide rangeof community-based programs for at-risk adults & children. I serve as the Executive Director forRockland Child Development Services (RCDS) which provides home, community & center-based Early Intervention services within the Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn & Manhattan as well asRockland & Orange County.

I have been a ‘Mandated Reporter’ for over 20 years. Early in my career, I served as anOutpatient Substance Abuse Therapist in Massachussetts working with families & individualsaffected by alcohol or drug abuse. My history within the Early Intervention {EI} Program datesback to 1993 when I developed one of the first home/community based EI Programs to serveBrooklyn & Queens. However, I am most well-known for establishing & directing the EIProgram for Personal-Touch Home Care from 1995 to 2006. Additionally, I have served as anAdjunct Instructor at Daemen College’s Special Education graduate program (TTI) based inBrooklyn. My credentials include a M.Ed. in Counseling & Psychological Services as well as aCertificate of Advanced Graduate Studies {CAGS} in Marriage & Family Therapy.

As part of RCDS’ Community Outreach Program, I periodically facilitate workshops on a widerange of topics including but not limited to Child Abuse & Prevention.



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Common Myths About Parenting or Caring For Children

MYTH #1: Most people, especially women, instinctively know how to care forchildren

Fact: FALSE. Caregiving skills are not innate or the same for most people. Researchindicates parenting/caregiving skills are largely influenced by a person’s own childhoodas well as their natural temperament, parental expectations, immediate resourcesand basic coping skills.

MYTH #2: All children are ‘lovable’ & require the same basic caregiving skills.

Fact: FALSE. While all children DESERVE & NEED love, there are many individual differencesthat can make it a big challenge for caregivers or parents. Caregiver or parenting skills thatwork with some children may be ineffective for others. Regardless of whether a child istypically developing or delayed; a child’s temperament, personality or behaviors mayrequire much more time & energy to address than another child.

MYTH #3: A ‘good’ parent must be highly involved or in control of their child’s life.

Fact: FALSE. In recent years a new term called helicopter parents has been coined todescribe parents who micromanage or are hyper-involved in the lives of their children.However, a recent study has concluded that having so-called "helicopter parents" wasassociated with children becoming dependent, neurotic and less open as well as a slew ofpersonality traits that are generally thought of as undesirable.

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Common Myths and Facts about Child Abuse & Neglect

MYTH #1: It's only abuse if it's violent.

Fact: Physical abuse is just one type of child abuse. Neglect and emotional abusecan be just as damaging, and since they are more subtle, others are less likely tointervene.

MYTH #2: Only “bad” people abuse their children.

Fact: While it's easy to say that only "bad people" abuse their children, it's notalways so black and white. Not all abusers are intentionally harming their children.Many have been victims of abuse themselves, and don’t know any other way toparent. Others may be struggling with mental health issues or a substanceabuse problem.

MYTH #3: Child abuse doesn't happen in “good” families.

Fact: Child abuse doesn't only happen in poor families or bad neighborhoods. Itcrosses all racial, economic, and cultural lines. Sometimes, families who seem tohave it all from the outside are hiding a different story behind closed doors.



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Part I:

The History of “Legalized”Child Protection

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The History of Child Protection

In 1866, Henry Bergh, aphilanthropist anddiplomat, who recognizedthe inhumane treatmentsuffered by many“animals” in our society,founded the AmericanSociety for the Preventionof Cruelty to Animals(ASPCA) prompting theNew York state legislatorsto pass the country's firsteffective anti-cruelty toanimals law.

The ASPCA is the oldesthumane organization inAmerica.



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Eight years later, a young girl wasfound tied to a bed like an animal,neglected and brutally beaten byher foster parents.

In 1874, animals were legallyprotected from inhumanetreatment, children weren't.

Child abuse and neglect wasconsidered a family matter andthere was no one to intervene onbehalf of the child.

That is until a small group ofconcerned citizens in New York Citycame together in 1875--with theassistance of Henry Bergh-- tobecome the first organized childprotective institution in the world--The New York Society for thePrevention of Cruelty to Children(NYSPCC).


www.nyspcc.org/nyspcc/programs/idrep/

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So let’s meet the little girl

who started it all…




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Meet Mary Ellen McCormack-Wilsonat 10 years of age

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We meet Mary Ellen by way of an excerptfrom her testimony in a New York City

courtroom in 1874.



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My name is Mary Ellen McCormack. I don'tknow how old I am...

I have never had but one pair of shoes, butI can't recollect when that was. I have noshoes or stocking this winter...

I have never had on a particle of flannel.

My bed at night is only a piece of carpet,stretched on the floor underneath a window,and I sleep in my little undergarment, with aquilt over me.


courtroom in 1874.

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I am never allowed to play with any children orhave any company whatever.

Mamma has been in the habit of whipping andbeating me almost every day.

She used to whip me with a twisted whip, a rawhide. The whip always left black and blue marks onmy body.

I have now on my head two black and blue markswhich were made by mamma with the whip, and a cuton the left side of my forehead which was made by apair of scissors in mamma's hand.

She struck me with the scissors and cut me.


courtroom in 1874.



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I have no recollection of ever having been kissed,and have never been kissed by mamma.

I have never been taken on my mamma's lap, orcaressed or petted.

I have never dared to speak to anybody, becauseif I did I would get whipped.

Whenever mamma went out I was locked up in thebedroom...

I have no recollection of ever being in the street

in my life.


courtroom in 1874.

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After Mary Ellen told her story in court, her fostermother was prosecuted for assault and battery.

Mary Ellen was placed into a new home in upstateNew York and grew up a normal child.

She became a favorite to all those who knew her.

At twenty-four she married and had twodaughters of her own. She also adopted a thirdorphaned child.

Her daughters reported that Mary Ellen was alwaysreluctant to speak of her past, but she did show themthe scars of burns on her arms and the scissorscar was always noticeable on her face.


courtroom in 1874.



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It was her pride and joy to be able toprovide her own daughters with a happychildhood in contrast to her own.

Mary Ellen died in 1956, at the age of 92


courtroom in 1874.

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Thus ... the beginning of an Americansociety to confront its inherent moralobligation to protect kids --- even fromtheir parents. But, reporting abuse wasnot required; reports stemmed only fromincidents which involved serious physicalinjury or death.




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And so it was, still in thelate 1950's, what happenedin the family was regardedas a very private manner;children were consideredtheir parent's chattel,until:

In 1962, Dr. Henry C.Kempe described "TheBattered ChildSyndrome" and urgedphysicians to reportsuspected child abuse.


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Eventually many statesresponded to theirperceived moral and legalresponsibility by makingchild abuse a criminal actduring the late 1960's.

However, reporting childabuse was still not legallyrequired. Consequently,most incidents ofsuspected child abuseremained behind closeddoors and were neitheracknowledged norchallenged.




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Finally in 1974, The United StatesCongress, in enacted the ChildAbuse Prevention andTreatment Act (CAPTA), whichprovided federal funds -dedicated to prevent child abuse -for states that passed lawsrequiring certain professionals(law enforcement professionals,educators, and medical andmental health care professionals)to report suspected childmaltreatment.

In short order, every state hadmandatory reporting lawsenacted in their legislatures.


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Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) of 1974P.L. 93-247


Major Provisions of the Act

• Provided assistance to States to develop child abuse and neglect identification andprevention programs

• Authorized limited government research into child abuse prevention and treatment

• Created the National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect (NCCAN) within theDepartment of Health, Education, and Welfare to:

- Administer grant programs- Identify issues and areas needing special focus for new research and

demonstration project activities- Serve as the focal point for the collection of information, improvement of

programs, dissemination of materials, and information on best practices to States andlocalities

• Created the National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information

• Established Basic State Grants and Demonstration Grants for training personnel andto support innovative programs aimed at preventing and treating child maltreatment

* http://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/federal/index.cfm?event=federalLegislation.viewLegis&id=2



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New York State's Child ProtectiveServices Act (1973)

In order to protect children who are victims of abuse ormaltreatment, New York, like most states, created a child protectivesystem in statute with five fundamental components:

1. detection through third-party recognition of children in danger,including mandatory and voluntary reporting of suspected child abuseand maltreatment;

2. emergency protective custody of children in "imminent danger";3. State Central Register of reports of suspected child abuse and

maltreatment;4. child protective services (a) to verify reports, (b) to provide

immediate protection of children and (c) to begin the process of helpingfamilies by providing rehabilitative and ameliorative services;

5. and, when necessary, court action - Family Court action to remove achild, remove the allegedly abusive or neglectful parent from the child’sresidence, impose treatment and/or Criminal Court action (byreferring the case to law enforcement) to prosecute the perpetrator.



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The Purpose of New York State'sChild Protective Laws

• Abused and maltreated children in this Stateneed an effective child protective service toprevent them from suffering further injuryand impairment.

• The purpose of the Child Protective ServicesAct and amendments is to encourage morecomplete reporting of child abuse andmaltreatment. The law establishes a childprotective service in each county of theState. Each child protective service is requiredto receive and investigate child abuse andmaltreatment reports, to protect children fromfurther abuse or maltreatment, and to providerehabilitative services for the children, parents,and other family members involved.

• The purpose of the Family Court Act’s childabuse and neglect provisions is to helpsafeguard the physical, mental, and emotionalwell-being of abused and neglected children byestablishing civil procedures to protect them.The Family Court Act provides a dueprocess for determining when the State,acting on behalf of the child, may interveneagainst the wishes of the parent or other personlegally responsible for the child’s care so thatthe child’s needs are properly met.



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Child Protection Act Law

The main child protectionact is the federal NationalChild Protection Act of1993, although manysimilar state acts have beenenacted.

The purpose of the NationalChild Protection Act of 1993is to encourage states toimprove the quality of theircriminal history and childabuse records.

The Act was passed inOctober 1993 andamended in the CrimeControl Act of 1994.

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Child Protection Act Law

Requires states to submit"child abuse crimeinformation" to, or indexsuch information in thenational criminal historybackground systemmaintained by the FBI.

Provides that a state’sreporting all feloniesand seriousmisdemeanors to theFBI will satisfy thisrequirement of the Act.

Mandates that the U.S.Attorney Generalestablish timetables foreach state’s criminalhistory records systemto reach milestones forimprovement andcompleteness.



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Infant Safe Haven Law

Many State legislatures have enacted legislation to address infantabandonment and infanticide in response to a reported increase in theabandonment of infants.

Beginning in Texas in 1999, "Baby Moses laws" or infant safe haven lawshave been enacted as an incentive for mothers in crisis to safely relinquishtheir babies to designated locations where the babies are protected andprovided with medical care until a permanent home is found.

Safe haven laws generally allow the parent, or an agent of the parent, toremain anonymous and to be shielded from prosecution for abandonmentor neglect in exchange for surrendering the baby to a safe haven.

To date, approximately 47 States and Puerto Rico have enacted safehaven legislation. The focus of these laws is protecting newborns.

In approximately 15 States, infants who are 72 hours old or younger maybe relinquished to a designated safe haven.

Approximately 14 States and Puerto Rico accept infants up to 1 monthold. Other States specify varying age limits in their statutes.

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New York

Infant’s Age Citation: Penal Code §§ 260.03; 260.15: A child who is not more than 5 days old may be relinquished.

Who May Relinquish the Infant Citation: Penal Code §§ 260.03; 260.15: The child may be relinquished by his or herparent.

Who May Receive the Infant Citation: Penal Code §§ 260.03; 260.15: The child may be left with an appropriateperson at a suitable location.

Responsibilities of the Safe Haven Provider : This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed.

Immunity for the Provider: This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed.

Protection for Relinquishing Parent Citation: Penal Code §§ 260.03; 260.15: Relinquishment of the child to a safehaven is an affirmative defense to prosecution for abandonment or endangering the welfare of a child.

Effect on Parental Rights Citation: Soc. Serv. Law § 358-a: Reasonable efforts to reunify the child with his or herparent are not required when a court has determined the child was abandoned by the parent with an intent to whollyabandon such child.

Summary of State Laws

Adapted From: www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/safehaven.cfm.



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Parents who are unable to care for theirnewborn infants may anonymously andlegally leave their infant at a safe place suchas a hospital. Call: 866-505-SAFE (7233)

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Part II:

Documenting & Reporting ChildAbuse or Neglect



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The State Central Register (SCR) ofChild Abuse and Maltreatment

• The New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OFCS) maintains astatewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment for reports made pursuant tothe Child Protective Services Act. The Central Register, also know as the "Hotline,"receives telephone calls and faxes alleging child abuse or maltreatment.

• The Register screens out those calls and faxes which do not constitute abuse orneglect or are otherwise inappropriate for the Register. The Register creates awritten report of the call and transmits it electronically to the local child protective servicefor investigation, monitors the provision of child protective services and is capable ofimmediately identifying the existence of prior child abuse or maltreatment reports.

• The Central Register receives telephone calls alleging child abuse and maltreatmenttwenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. The calls come from two sources:persons who are required by law to report suspected cases of child abuse andmaltreatment and voluntary reporters.

• All voluntary reporters may use the statewide, toll free number to reportsuspected cases of child abuse or maltreatment. The statewide, toll freenumber is: 1-800-342-3720.

• NYS MANDATED REPORTERS must call: 1-800-635-1522

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New Guidelines for Mandated Reporters

Beginning October 1, 2007, thosemandated reporters who work for aschool, child care provider, fostercare facility, residential care facility,hospital, medical institution or mentalhealth facility, and who have directknowledge of any allegation(s) ofsuspected child abuse ormaltreatment, must personallymake a report to the SCR.

Afterwards, that reporter shouldthen notify the person in charge ofthe institution that a report hasbeen made. The person in charge isthen responsible for all subsequentinternal action that must follow sucha report.

This may include providing follow-up information to child protectiveservices (CPS), for example,relevant information contained in thechild’s educational record.



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Reporting Suspected Abuse or Neglect

FORM LDSS- 2221-A

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Documentation Guidelines forMandated ReportersELEMENTS OF OBJECTIVE DOCUMENTATION

ALWAYS Use concrete, descriptive language• Example: Dinner dishes were encrusted with old food.• Not: Poor hygiene was evident.

Record evidence of the senses such as things seen, heard, smelled, tasted and touched• Example: Therapist observed Mrs. Jones hitting Jimmy several times with a

belt, causing him to scream loudly.• Not: Mrs. Jones is an abusive parent.

Use words with clear meanings and avoid value-laden terms• Example: Mr. Smith argued with the neighbor.• Not: Mr. Smith is belligerent.

Fully identify persons, places, direct quotations and sources of information• Example: The client’s mother, Mrs. Wasson said “I can’t meet today.”• Not: It was noted that Mrs. Wasson refused to meet today

Record facts, not an evaluation of the facts• Example: Sally missed her appointment three times last week.• Not: Sally was absent from treatment because she hates therapy.

Clearly label your impressions and base them on observable information• Example: I believe that Mrs. Kent cannot care for her children because she

failed to visit or contact them or me for over six (6) months.• Not: Mrs. Kent wants her children to remain in foster care.



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Documentation Guidelines forMandated Reporters

Step 1: Record your concerns immediately. Always include the date and time of theincident.

Step 2: Document facts, not opinions. If a child has a bruise, for example, write downthe color, location and size of the bruise. It is unnecessary to include your opinion abouthow you think it may have occurred.

Step 3: Write down what the caregiver told you about the incident or injury. You'll alsowant to include what the child, sibling or other witness said about the incident.

Step 4: Collect the names and contact information of everyone involved in the incident.While it is not your job to investigate a report, you'll want to provide all of this informationto the child services agency investigator or law enforcement officer to ensure that theycan gather all of the necessary information and evidence.

Step 5: Sign, date and include the time of each entry.

Step 6: Report your concerns to the appropriate child protection agency and makesure you write down the name of the person you spoke with along with anysuggestions or advice they offered. Write down the date and time of your formal report.

IF you begin to develop concerns about a child’s welfare, Mandated Reporters, should beginkeeping a comprehensive record even prior to placing a report:

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Documentation Guidelines forMandated Reporters

Always document your concerns usingpen and your own handwriting. If you needto change an entry, cross it out with a singleline and initial it. It is important to stay awayfrom using white out to correct entries.

Keep your written recordings in a safeplace. The court system or investigator mayrequest them during a formal investigation.

If you have any suspicion whatsoever that achild is being abused or neglected it isimperative that you call your local childprotective services hot line immediately.

Documentation can be used as a meansfor supporting your concerns in the eventof a formal child abuse investigation. It isimperative that you follow up anydocumented concerns with a formal report toyour local child abuse and neglect hot line.

If the child is injured or the situationrequires immediate attention, do not takethe time to document your concerns.Call 911



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Legal Protections forMandated Reporters

What Protection or Liability Do I Have?

Source Confidentiality The Social Service Law provides confidentiality for mandated reporters and all sources

of child abuse and maltreatment reports. OCFS and local CPS are not permitted torelease to the subject of the report any data that would identify the source of areport unless the source has given written permission to do so. Information regardingthe source of the report may be shared with court officials, police, and district attorneysbut only in certain circumstances.

Immunity from Liability If a mandated reporter makes a report with earnest concern for the welfare of a child,

he or she is immune from any criminal or civil liability that might result. This isreferred to a making a report in "good faith".

Penalties for Failure to Report Anyone who is mandated to report suspected child abuse or maltreatment - and fails to

do so - could be charged with a Class A misdemeanor and subject to criminalpenalties. Further, mandated reporters can be sued in a civil court for monetarydamages for any harm caused by the mandated reporter's failure to make the report tothe SCR.

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Part III:

Defining Child Abuse &Neglect



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Five Basic Types of Abuse:

Physical Abuse- Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS)

Medical Abuse- Munchausen by Proxy Syndrome (MBPS)

Sexual Abuse

Child Neglect

Emotional Abuse

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Physical Abuse



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Physical Abuse

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Physical Abuse;A Case Example

Adapted From: http://gothamist.com/2010/04/15/man_charged_with_fatally_punching_7.php



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Physical Abuse:Shaken Baby Syndrome

Shaken Baby Syndrome: Defined

• Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) is caused by vigorous shaking of an infantor young child by the arms, legs, chest or shoulders. Long-term consequencescan include learning disabilities, physical disabilities, partial or total blindness,hearing impairment, speech disabilities, cognitive disabilities, cerebral palsy,seizures, behavioral disorders and death.

Scope of the Problem

• More than one million children areseverely abused annually. Shaken BabySyndrome (SBS) is a leading cause ofmorbidity and mortality in infants.

• In the United States, the annualincidence rate of Shaken BabySyndrome is between 750 and 3,750.

• One third of the victims of SBSsurvive with few or no consequences,one-third suffer permanent injury andone third die.

• Parental behaviors, environmentalfactors and child characteristics allmay contribute to a shaking event

Adapted From: www.biausa.org

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Adapted From: www.nytimes.com/.../9013Shakenbabysymptoms.html



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Adapted From:www.sacredpursuit.com/gpage9.html

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(A) This computerized tomography (CT) scan of the brain, obtained immediately following a shaking event, shows

significant cerebral edema. Due to brain swelling, the gray and white matter of the brain are unable to bedifferentiated. The reddened areas signify fresh blood between the brain hemispheres.

(B) shows the same brain, scanned 3 months after the shaking event. The dark area shows areas of brain loss. The

child did not survive.

Reprinted with permission from Lauridson J, Levin A, Parrish R, Wicks A. 2002. Shaken Baby Syndrome: A Visual Overview. (Version2.0) [Animated CD ROM], Ogden, Utah: The National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome.



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Figure 5. The number of hours normal infants spent crying in the first 14 weeks of life. Note the peak at 6weeks of age despite the wide range of distribution for all infants.

Reprinted with permission from The National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome, & Barr, R. It is here…The Period of Purple Crying [Brochure];The National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome, Ogden, Utah; 2002.



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Figure 6. This graph illustrates the relationship between early infant crying and the timing of ShakenBaby Syndrome. The incidence of shaken baby syndrome peaks approximately 1month after the peak ofearly infant crying.

Reprinted with permission from Barr, R.© Curves of early infant crying and SBS incidence. Proceedings of the Fourth NationalConference on Shaken Baby Syndrome; 2002 Sept 12-15; Salt Lake City, Utah.

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Adapted From: http://gothamist.com/2006/10/27/brain_injured_b.php

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The Bottom Line:



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Medical Abuse

Adapted From: http://safety.more4kids.info/177/signs-of-child-abuse/#

Medical child abuse occurs when a caregiverfails to ensure that the child receives themedical treatment that is necessary toensure their health. This may include:

•failure to ensure the child is up-to-date onimmunizations;

•failure to enroll the child in mental healthcounseling if necessary for their mental well-being, and;

•even not ensuring a child takes medicinethat is prescribed for their health;

•fabricating or creating an illness in a childthrough the manipulation of medications orby intentionally sabotaging treatment efforts.

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Medical Abuse:Munchausen By Proxy Syndrome

Munchausen by Proxy Syndrome (MBPS) is a relatively uncommon condition that involves theexaggeration or fabrication of illnesses or symptoms by a primary caretaker. One of the most harmfulforms of child abuse, MBPS was named after Baron von Munchausen, an 18th-century German dignitaryknown for telling outlandish stories.

About MBPS• In MBPS, an individual — usually a mother — deliberately makes another person (most often his or her own

preschool child) sick or convinces others that the person is sick.

• The parent or caregiver misleads others into thinking that the child has medical problems by lying andreporting fictitious episodes.

• He or she may exaggerate, fabricate, or induce symptoms.

• As a result, doctors usually order tests, try different types of medications, and may even hospitalize thechild or perform surgery to determine the cause.

Adapted From: http://kidshealth.org/parent/general/sick/munchausen.html#



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Reported Cases

• Children who are subject to MBPS are typically preschool age, although there have been reportedcases in kids up to 16 years old, and there are equal numbers of boys and girls. About 98%of the perpetrators are female.

Diagnosing MBPS

Diagnosis is very difficult, but would involve some of the following:

• a child who has multiple medical problems that don't respond to treatment or that follow apersistent and puzzling course physical or laboratory findings that are highly unusual, don't correspondwith the child's medical history, or are physically or clinically impossible short-term symptoms that tendto stop when the perpetrator isn't around;

• a parent or caregiver who isn't reassured by "good news" when test results find no medicalproblems, but continues to believe that the child is ill;

• a parent or caregiver who appears to be medically knowledgeable or fascinated with medicaldetails or appears to enjoy the hospital environment;

• a parent or caregiver who's unusually calm in the face of serious difficulties with the child'shealth;

• a parent or caregiver who's highly supportive and encouraging of the doctor, or one who is angryand demands further intervention, more procedures, second opinions, or transfers to moresophisticated facilities


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What Happens to the Child?

• In the most severe instances, parents or caregivers withMBPS may go to great lengths to make their children sick.When cameras were placed in some children's hospitalrooms, some perpetrators were filmed switchingmedications, injecting kids with urine to cause aninfection, or placing drops of blood in urine specimens.

• According to experts, common conditions and symptomsthat are created or faked by parents or caregivers with MBPinclude: failure to thrive, allergies, asthma, vomiting,diarrhea, seizures, and infections.

• The long-term prognosis for these children depends on thedegree of damage created by the perpetrator and theamount of time it takes to recognize and diagnose MBP.Some extreme cases have been reported in which childrendeveloped destructive skeletal changes, limps, mentalretardation, brain damage, and blindness fromsymptoms caused by the parent or caregiver. Often, thesechildren require multiple surgeries, each with the risk forfuture medical problems.




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Getting Help for the Child

If Munchausen by proxy syndrome is suspected, health care providers are required bylaw to report their concerns. However, after a parent or caregiver is charged, the child'ssymptoms may increase as the person who is accused attempts to prove the presence ofthe illness. If the parent or caregiver repeatedly denies the charges, the child should beremoved from the home and legal action should be taken on the child's behalf.

In some cases, the parent or caregiver may deny the charges and move to anotherlocation, only to continue the behavior. Even if the child is returned to the perpetrator'scustody while protective services are still involved, the child may continue to be a victim ofabuse. For these reasons, it's always advised that these cases be resolved quickly.

Getting Help for the Parent or CaregiverMost often, abusive Munchausen by Proxy cases are resolved in one of three ways:

• the perpetrator is apprehended• the perpetrator moves on to a younger child when the original victim gets old enough

to "tell"• the child dies


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Adapted From: http://gothamist.com



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Sexual Abuse

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Sexual AbuseMan Sexually Abuses Toddler, Transports Kiddie PornTuesday, June 22, 2010 Adapted from: Mensnewsdaily.com

Paul C. Marlowe, 21, of Chesterfield County, Virginia, was sentenced to close to 18 years (210months) in federal prison on Friday for transporting child pornography, a sentence that wasenhanced because of Marlowe’s pattern of sexually abusing children and minors as young as 2years old. “Every image in a child pornography case represents someone abusing a child,” saidU.S. Attorney Neil MacBride. “These are not just photos, and this case makes clear that those whoview these images may engage in abuse themselves. My office aggressively pursues these cases tostop the abuse and take these predators off our streets.”

On January 20, 2010, Marlowe pled to two counts of transportation of child pornography. Accordingto court documents in the case — obtained by the National Association of Chiefs of Police – Marlowewas identified by law enforcement officers during an undercover investigation of individuals tradingimages of child sexual abuse over the Internet.

During their investigation, agents executed a search warrant at Marlowe’s residence where theyseized a computer. A subsequent forensic examination revealed e-mails sent to different individualsfrom Marlowe’s AOL e-mail account with attachments containing numerous images of childpornography, as well as dozens of additional images and videos of child sexual abuse saved on thecomputer. Marlowe later admitted to agents to sending the e-mails.

During interviews conducted during the course of the investigation, Marlowe also admitted toengaging in sexually explicit conduct with six children ranging in age from 2 to 14 years old. Thecase was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Virginia State Police. SpecialAssistant United States Attorneys Gene Fishel and Tommy Johnstone of the Virginia AttorneyGeneral’s Office prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States



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Neglect & Maltreatment

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Adapted From: http://gothamist.com/2005/05/26/kids_in_a_parked_car_illegal.php

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Neglect & MaltreatmentJune 21, 2010 12:53 PM

Boy, 10, Found Hiding Under Sink from Fla. ParentsAccused of Torture; Cops Say Child Was Captive

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. (CBS/WTEV) Parents of a 10-year-old Florida boyare charged with child abuse after police found the boy, who was reported missing,under a bathroom sink, according to CBS affiliate WTEV.

The Charlotte County Sheriff's Office said Thomas Anthony Boone, 38, and KimberlySue Boone, 39, each face three counts of aggravated child abuse for intentionallytorturing, cruelly punishing and unlawfully holding the child captive, reportedABC's WZVN.

Charlotte County police began a search around 11 a.m. Saturday, after Thomas calledthe Sheriff's office to report the boy missing. Five hours later with the help of searchdogs and helicopter units, authorities found the malnourished boy reeking of urineunder the master bedroom sink. The boy told investigators that he escaped from hisbedroom in search of food, then hid from his parents under the sink, said WZVN.

Investigators told WTEV that the couple held the boy captive in his bedroom whereauthorities said he was forced to sleep on a urine-drenched bed and sufferedmalicious punishment. According to WTEV, he was only allowed to leave for school orin the event that the family went away.

Thomas and Kimberly Boone were released after each posting each $15,000 bond.

Thomas Boone (left); Kimberly Boone (right)(Charlotte County Sheriff's Office)



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Frequently Asked Questions

At what age is it okay to leave mychildren home alone?

OCFS is often asked questions regardingthe appropriate age to leave a child alone,or what age is appropriate to allow a childto begin babysitting. There are nostraightforward answers to thesequestions. All children develop at theirown rate, and with their own special needsand abilities. Some children areresponsible, intelligent, and independentenough to be left alone at 12 or 13 yearsof age. Likewise, there are some teenagerswho are too irresponsible or who havespecial needs that limit their ability to besafe if they are left alone.

Parents and guardians need to makeintelligent, reasoned decisions regardingthese matters

New York State: Office of Children & Family Services(OCFS) http://www.ocfs.state.ny.us/main/prevention/faqs.asp#supervision

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Below there are some items for thesedecision-makers to consider before leaving achild alone. Be aware, this is just thebeginning of issues to consider. It is not anall-inclusive checklist to guaranteeintelligent and reasoned decision-making:

Consider the child: How mature is thechild? How comfortable is the child withthe circumstances? What has the childdone in the past to show you he/she isable to take on this kind of responsibility?

Consider the child’s knowledge andability: Does the child know how andwhen to contact emergency help? Is thechild able to prepare food for him/herself?Are there hazards to the child in theenvironment such as accessible knives,power tools, a stove or oven?

Consider the circumstances: Where willthe child be when left alone? How long isthe child to be alone?

Frequently Asked Questions

New York State: Office of Children & Family Services(OCFS) http://www.ocfs.state.ny.us/main/prevention/faqs.asp#supervision



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Part IV:

Abuse Vs. Discipline& Parenting Styles

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Abuse Vs. Discipline

Abuse Discipline

» Demonstrates anger and hostility. » Demonstrates love and affection.

» Make child listen. » Teach child right from wrong.

» Teach child that decisions are at the whim of thecaregiver.

» Teach child to make healthy choices for him/herselfand prepare child for eventual independence.

» Caregiver has all the power; child is given norespect.

» Based on a balance of power and mutual respect.

» Involves humiliation. » Does not involve humiliation.

» Requires submission. » Does not require submission.

Adapted From:http://www.child-abuse-effects.com/abuse-and-discipline.html



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Abuse Vs. DisciplineAdapted From:http://www.child-abuse-effects.com/abuse-and-discipline.html

FACT: 94% of parents of toddlers reported using corporal punishment in the previous 12months; 35% hit infants (Strauss, 2000, pp. 1109-11141).

FACT: In an American study, 28.4% of parents of two to four-year-olds and 28% of fiveto eight-year-olds reported using an object to spank the bottoms of their children (GallupSurvey). Thus more than one in four parents admit to using an object to hit their childrenin the name of discipline (Gershoff, 2002, p. 602-6112).

* NOTE: In the all 50 states, parents are legally allowed to spank their children. But in 29states it's illegal for a teacher to practice corporal punishment, including spanking.

In January, 2004, the Supreme Court of Canada upheld Section 43 of the Criminal Code, statingparents had the right to spank their children without fear of being charged with a criminal offence.But this spanking law has some new restrictions. The law now states that spanking ispermitted with children between the ages of 2 years and 12 years, that the use of weaponslike belts and paddles are prohibited, that strikes to the face and head are also prohibited,and that only reasonable force can be administered. When discussing abuse and discipline, somewould argue that any physical force constitutes abuse, where others maintain that spanking fallsunder the category of reasonable discipline.

While it is not suggested that others TELL parents exactly how to discipline their children, it isstrongly urged you help parents to make an informed decision by looking into alternativeforms of discipline.

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Abuse Vs. DisciplineAdapted From:http://www.nmha.org/go/information/get-info/strengthening-families/effective-discipline-techniques-for-parents-alternatives-to-spanking

Effective Discipline Techniques for Parents: Alternatives to Spanking

Discipline vs. Punishment:

• Discipline is defined as a positive method ofteaching a child right from wrong. Punishment is aform of discipline.

• Punishment may be physical--as in spanking, orpsychological--as in verbal disapproval, isolation orloss of privileges. In some respects, punishmentrepresents one end of a very broad spectrum ofdiscipline techniques.

• Discipline is a tool to help children learn self-control and take responsibility for their ownbehavior. Children who are raised in a way thatstresses positive discipline will understand theirown behavior better, show independence, andrespect themselves and others.

• When punishment is the basis for discipline, theperson who punishes the child becomesresponsible for the child's behavior.



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Alternatives to Physical Discipline:

• Role Modeling. Most children learn behaviors by observingtheir parents’ actions. Parents, therefore, must model theways they want their children to behave. Remember that if aparent often yells, screams, or hits, the child will likely do thesame.

• Setting Rules. Rules should be reasonable, fair, realistic andexplained to child(ren) along with the consequences of notfollowing them. A minimum set of rules should be establishedwith attention given to the child’s age and developmentallevel.

• Appropriate consequences allow a child to redeemhim/herself and relate to the misbehavior. A child should beallowed to negotiate what the consequence will be; thusbuilding self-esteem and cooperation skills. Children may feelless resentful and angry if they are allowed to help decide theconsequence of their negative behavior.

• Encourage and Reward Good Behavior. When childrenare behaving appropriately, tell them so! Children can berewarded through tangible objects, privileges, increasedresponsibility and verbal praise.


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Alternatives to Physical Discipline:

• Creating Charts. Using charts to monitor andreward behavior is an interactive way for achild to learn appropriate behavior. A child’s“progress chart” may create improvedcooperation and increased self-esteem. Chartsshould be simple and used for one behavior ata time with a designated time frame in mind.

• Time-Out. Time-out involves removing a childfrom a situation following a negative behavioras a means to calm down, establish control,end inappropriate behavior, and reenter thesituation in a positive state. Effective time-outsinclude an explanation of what theinappropriate behavior is and why the time-out is needed. The child should be told how longthe time-out will last and when it will begin. Theamount of time should be determinedbased on the child’s age and developmentallevel.




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Abuse Vs. DisciplineAdapted From:http://www.positiveparenting.com/graphics/promo/redirection_chart.gif

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Parenting Styles

Baumrind's ModelTwo key factors emerge in parenting style factor analysis:

• Demandingness: This relates to the demands the parents make on the child to be part of the family, theirexpectations for mature behavior, the discipline and supervision they provide, and their willingness to confrontbehavioral problems.

• Responsiveness: This relates to fostering individuality, self-assertion, and regulation, as well as beingresponsive to special needs and demands.

In 1966, Diana Baumrind proposed a popular model of parenting styles.

"Baumrind believes that parents should be neither punitive nor aloof.“ Rather, they should develop rules for theirchildren and be affectionate with them. In her research she identified three main parenting styles in early childdevelopment: authoritative, authoritarian, and permissive.

Adapted From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parenting_style/Baumrind%27s_four_styles

Maccoby & Martin expanded the styles to four: authoritative, authoritarian, indulgent and neglectful. Thesefour styles of parenting involve combinations of acceptance and responsiveness on the one hand anddemand and control on the other.

These parenting styles are meant to describe normal variations in parenting, not deviant parenting, such asmight be observed in abusive homes. Most parents do not fall neatly in one category, but fall in the middle,showing characteristics of more than one style



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Parenting Styles

Adapted From: http://blogs.babble.com/strollerderby/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/parenting-style-300x210.gif

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Parenting StylesTypes of Parents

Combining these two dimensions yields four kinds of parents; however, keep in mind that some of herresearch is based mostly white middle class families and less on ethnic and lower SES families:

Authoritative: High Control and High WarmthThese parents fall in between the two types below, being flexible but firm, maintaining control anddiscipline but showing some reason and flexibility as well, and communicating expectations but allowingverbal give-and-take. They score as high on demandingness and responsiveness, and have clearexpectations for behavior and conduct which they monitor, and their discipline fosters responsibility,cooperation, and self-regulation. Their children cope the best, are individuated, mature, resilient,achievement oriented, self-regulated and responsible, and have the highest scores on tests ofcognitive competence. Children from single parent authoritative homes did not differ from two parentauthoritative homes, although girls from two parent homes showed greater functioning.

Authoritarian: High Control and Low WarmthThese parents are highly directive, value obedience and are more controlling, show less warmthand nurturance and more distance and aloofness, and discourage discussion and debate. They are highon demandingness but low on responsiveness, maintaining order, communicating expectations, andmonitoring the children carefully. Their children have a multitude of problems, and are lessindividuated and show lower internalization of pro-social values, ego development, and performmore poorly on cognitive tests and see their parents as more restrictive. They were also morelikely to come from divorced families. Boys from single authoritarian homes had more problems thanboys from two parent homes



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Parenting Styles

Adapted From: www.littlestomaks.com/.../

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Parenting Styles

Permissive/Laissez Fairre: Low Control and High WarmthThese parents they make fewer demands, and allow the children to regulate themselves for the mostpart, using little discipline. They are higher on responsiveness but lower on demandingness,requiring little maturity and conventionalism, and avoid confrontation of problematic behavior. Thechildren are less assertive, and less cognitively competent. Their children were often smarter butless achievement oriented, showed less self-regulation and social responsibility, and were morelikely to use drugs than the previous two. Only children from rejecting and neglecting homes are morelikely to use drugs. More single parent homes fell in this group that the Authoritative or Authoritariantypes.

Rejecting/Neglecting: Low Control and Low WarmthThese parents are low on both demandingness and responsiveness; they do not structure, organize,discipline, attend and supervise… and may actively reject or neglect the children. The children cope theworst, and are the least competent of the four groups. Their children are antisocial, lack self-regulation, have more internalizing and externalizing problems, lower scores on cognitive tests,are more immature and reject their parents as role models. They are most likely to use drugs andalcohol. More single parent homes fell in this group that the Authoritative or Authoritarian types.



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Parenting Styles

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Parenting StylesAdapted From:http://www.nmha.org/go/information/get-info/strengthening-families/effective-discipline-techniques-for-parents-alternatives-to-spanking

Parenting Styles:

• An authoritative, or democratic style is a positive approach to effectively disciplinechildren. This method involves establishing basic guidelines for children, focusingon problem-solving techniques, parent-child communication about mistakes andmutually determining how amends should be made.

• Authoritative parenting teaches children responsibility and how to makechoices. Misbehavior is managed with an appropriate consequence rather than anarbitrary punishment.

• Occasional gentle spankings from parents do not harm a child’s social or emotionaldevelopment.

• Intense repetitive spankings, however, can lead to great mental anguish inchildren, damaging their self-esteem, increasing risk for depression, and leaving themfeeling bitter, resentful, and/or angry. Intense spanking teaches children that violenceis a way to solve problems, and as a result, may lead to aggressive behavior inchildren in the future.




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Part V:

Statistics & Sociology ofChild Abuse/Neglect

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Did You Know!

ONE in every 4 girls willbe sexually abused bythe age of 18

ONE in every 6 boyswill be sexually abusedby the age of 18

ONE in every 5 childrenin our county is affectedby some form of childabuse (emotional,sexual, physical,neglect)

ONE in every 10children in our county isseriously injured bychild abuse



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Rising Incidence of Child Abuse

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Rising Incidence of Child Abuse

Adapted From: http://gothamist.com/2007/01/12/city_child_abus.php



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Statistics on Child Abuse:

How Many Children are Abused and Neglect inthe New York State?

• In 2007 between 76,104 and 83,502 New York State children were abusedor neglected, between 17.2 and 18.9 of every 1,000 children in the state.

• According to the NYS Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment(the Child Abuse Reporting Hotline), 154,837 reports of suspected childabuse or neglect, involving 206,194 children were received.

• Upon investigation, 50,093 (32%) reports were substantiated as situationsof child abuse and/or neglect.

• Compared to the prior year, the number of reports decreased 2.5%,from158,855; the number of substantiated reports decreased 2.8%, from51,552; and the number of victims decreased 1% from 76,797.

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• More than half (59%) of victims experiencedneglect, meaning a caretaker failed to providefor the child's basic needs.

• Other, unspecified forms of abuse, comprised17% of reported cases.

• Fewer victims experienced physical abuse(11% percent) or sexual abuse (8% percent),though these cases are typically more likely tobe publicized.

• Psychological maltreatment (which couldinclude constant criticizing, rejecting, or refusing tonurture a child) was 4% . However, the smallestnumber (.9% percent) were found to be victimsof medical neglect.

• An average of nearly four children die everyday as a result of child abuse or neglect (1,400in 2002).


Adapted From: www.childhelp.org/pages/statistics



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How Do These Deaths Occur?

• Fatal child abuse may involve repeated abuse over a period of time (e.g., battered child syndrome),or it may involve a single, impulsive incident (e.g., drowning, suffocating, or shaking a baby).

• In cases of fatal neglect, the child's death results not from anything the caregiver does, but from acaregiver's failure to act. The neglect may be chronic (e.g., extended malnourishment) or acute(e.g., an infant who drowns after being left unsupervised in the bathtub).

• In 2007, slightly more than one-third of fatalities (35.2 percent) were caused by multiple forms ofmaltreatment. Neglect accounted for 34.1 percent and physical abuse for 26.4 percent. Medicalneglect accounted for 1.2 percent of fatalities.


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Statistics on Those Who Report Abuse



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Common Risk Factors forChild Abuse & Neglect

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Common Risk Factors forChild Abuse & Neglect

Most Common Stress Factors In Abusive Households



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Parental Sleep Deprivation & Child AbuseCaring for an infant or toddler oftentranslates to limited or inconsistentsleep patterns. This can lead to someserious consequences over time.

Consequences of sleep deprivation:

• Chronic fatigue so you feel unable toaccomplish even the smallest tasks

• Mental illness, suicide and long termsleep problems.

• Family problems including significantmarital discord & ineffective parentingskills.

• Child abuse, neglect ormaltreatment.

• Isolation, loss of friends and anti socialbehavior

• Drugs addictions to stimulants or illicitdrugs

Adapted from: http://www.helium.com/items/470923-the-consequences-of-sleep-deprivation

Symptoms of sleep deprivation:

• Head aches. These can be server or minordepending on the length of time you have beensleep deprived.

• Black outs. Your mind goes blank for short orlong periods of time.

• Flashes. Where you eyes are seeing flashes ofbright light.

• Blurred vision. Your eyes can't seem to focuson anything.

• Mood swings. You can't control your moods.

• Not able to concentrate. You brain is tired andeven small task become hard.

• Nausea. Yes it can make you physically ill.

• Lethargy. You feel like you are too tired tomove.

• Irritability. You may think this would fall undermood swings but it doesn't.

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Postpartum Depression, Child Abuse,Neglect or MaltreatmentWho is At Risk of Postpartum Depression (PPD)?

Although experts estimate that about 1 in 10 women suffer from some level ofpostpartum depression -- and 1 in 1,000 from postpartum psychosis -- it's stillrelatively misunderstood, and the exact cause of it isn't known. Some say that a combinationof factors might be to blame -- or that certain factors are correlated with a greaterpredisposition to PPD:

• history of hormonal or thyroid imbalances

• exhaustion

• overwhelming home or work conditions (including death in family, job change or layoff or a move)

• personal or family history of depression, PPD or other mental problems

• unrealistic expectations (including tendencies toward perfectionism)

• physical problems following delivery

• baby who is sick, colicky or has other problems

• little or no support from spouse, family members or friends

• isolation

• personal or family history of abuse, physical or emotional abandonment, and/or neglect

Adapted From: http://www.saferchild.org/postpart.htm



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Postpartum Depression, Child Abuse,Neglect or Maltreatment

What is Postpartum Depression?

• The blues: Many new parents experience "the blues" shortly after arrival of a new baby.Symptoms might include crying jags, irritability, erratic sleep (outside of the demands ofa new baby), anxiety and moodiness. The blues come quickly, and they typically goaway quickly.

• Postpartum Depression: Postpartum depression isn't fleeting. Symptoms often don'tappear until several months after delivery (thereby contributing to lack of diagnosis). Theycan include some or all of the following: exhaustion, sadness, hopelessness, confusion,memory loss, uncontrollable crying, lack of interest in the baby (or obsession with thebaby), feelings of being overwhelmed, feelings of guilt and inadequacy, fear ofharming yourself or the baby, resurgence of past emotional issues.

• Postpartum Psychosis: Postpartum psychosis is much more rare, but it's an emergencyand requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms usually appear within the first twoweeks after delivery, and might include some or all of the following: severe agitation,hyperactivity, bizarre feelings and behavior, aggressive and/or suicidal tendencies,delusions, paranoia, confusion, hallucinations, severe insomnia.

• Remember that 1) symptoms and severity vary from woman to woman, 2) you don'thave to be a danger to yourself or your baby to be suffering from postpartum depression,and 3) a new mom who's had other children still can suffer from postpartumdepression


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Depression can affect the way a mother interacts with her baby.

Mothers who are depressed - and don't get treatment - may:

• look at their babies less

• not play with their babies as much

• be less affectionate

• get angry with their babies

• If depression is not treated, babies may experience emotional problems and slower growth.

A Typical Treatment Plan may include:

• psychotherapy- to help people better understand themselves and what might be causing thedepression. Therapy may be interpersonal (focuses on relationships) or cognitive-behavioral (focuses onnegative thinking and behavior patterns).

• medication (antidepressants)- to help ease the symptoms of depression so a person can feel "normal"again. Follow all instructions for taking medications. Tell your mental health professional and health-careprovider if you are breastfeeding.



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• No group ofchildren isimmune.

• Boys and girls areabout equally likelyto be abused orneglected.

• Children of all racesand ethnicitiesexperience childabuse.

Who is More Likely to beAbused or Neglected?



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Children of all agesexperience abuse andneglect, but the youngestchildren are mostvulnerable.

In 2006, 24% of childrenage 1 or younger werevictims of child abuse orneglect; Children ages 1 to3 accounted for 14% &children ages 4-7accounted for 13.5%.

Children younger than 1year old accounted for42% of all abuse-relateddeaths reported in 2007;34% of those killed wereyounger than 4.


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Girls are sexually abused three times more often than boys.

Boys are at a greater risk of serious injury and of emotional neglect thanare girls.

It is estimated that children with disabilities are 4 to 10 times morevulnerable to sexual abuse than their non-disabled peers (NationalResource Center on Child Sexual Abuse, 1992).

The incidence of fatally injured girls has declined slightly, while theincidence of fatally injured boys rose.


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Poverty is significantlyrelated to incidence rates innearly every category ofmaltreatment.

Compared to children whosefamilies earned $30,000 ormore, children in familieswith annual incomesbelow $15,000 were: Morethan 22 times more likely toexperience maltreatmentunder the Harm Standardand 25 times more likelyunder the EndangermentStandard.




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Children whose parents abuse drugs or alcoholare put at a greater risk for violent victimization(National Commission on Children, 1993).




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Abuse Among Children with Disabilities in the United States:

• Researchers have not been able to gather precise information to determinethe extent of abuse among children with disabilities. However, in 1993the National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect (NCCAN) research foundthat children with disabilities are maltreated at 1.7 times the rate ofother children.

• All research studies indicate that under-reporting is a major concern.Even if a case is reported to the state central registry, most state childprotective service reporting agencies do not gather information on childrenwith disabilities as part of the data collection process for abused children.

• Some researchers suggest that children with disabilities may haveincreased vulnerability to abuse because of society's response to thedisability, rather than the disability itself.

• Children with disabilities may be perceived as less valuable thanother children. Their reports may not be considered trustworthy. Disciplinemay be more punitive and accompanied by a lack of respect.

Adapted From: http://member.preventchildabuse.org/site/DocServer/maltreatment.pdf?docID=124

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Abuse among Children with Disabilities in the United States:

Other factors leading to abuse among children with disabilities are thesame as those found in the general population, i.e., single parents, teenparents, various levels of stress. Families with children with disabilitiescan experience additional stressors including:

1. feeling unprepared to handle the care of a disabledchild, including acceptance of that child as being"different,"

2. having financial or time limits stretched asadditional medical/educational activities aresuggested, and

3. lacking necessary social supports or networksto work through the many concerns and situationsthat arise in providing care for this child and the restof the family.




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Adapted From: www.autismspeaks.org/inthenews/ian_findings_f...

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Abuse among Children with Disabilities in the United States:


• All of these factors can result in increased vulnerability to abuse. A child withdifficult to handle behavior patterns, or communication difficulties, maybecome a target for physical abuse.

• Children who are unable to communicate their needs may experience greaterinstances of neglect. The disabled child also can develop more extensiverelationships of trust with greater numbers of people, and be unable todistinguish when boundaries are being crossed, resulting in potential sexualabuse.

• There is no research available that clearly documents the greater prevalence ofone form of abuse compared to others involving children with disabilities.However, studies continue to document high counts of sexual abuseinvolving individuals with disabilities. Individuals diagnosed with behavior oradjustment problems are often found to have associated traumatic sexualabuse incidents in their childhood.

• An inability to discuss those events can often lead to diagnoses which may onlypartially explain their behavior. On-going work needs to be done to identifyat risk factors for the various types of abuse.



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Judge extends state custody for infant in Stoddard County abuse case

Thursday, June 10, 2010By Michelle Friedrich ~ Daily American Republic

BLOOMFIELD, Mo. -- A judge ordered a 2-month-old mentally disabled Dexter, Mo., infant remain in protective custody Tuesdayand awaits a recommendation before placing her with a relative.

The girl, who has Down syndrome and weighed 5 pounds 12 ounces at a doctor's visit last week, has been in the custody of theMissouri Children's Division since she was removed from her parents' home June 3. The girl's parents, Amanda Knight Garrett, 20,and Vabian Webb, 18, are charged with first-degree endangering the welfare of a child and child abuse.

Garrett and Webb are to appear at 9 a.m. today before Satterfield for arraignment on their criminal charges. They were givensummonses to appear at 10 a.m. July 13 for a jurisdictional hearing. Chief juvenile officer Michael Davis said the hearing is a trial injuvenile court to prove or disprove the allegations.

During the child protective custody hearing before Juvenile Judge Joe Satterfield, Kristi Burns, a child abuse and neglect investigatorwith the Children's Division, said officials learned of the allegations on May 27. The allegations, she said, involved the baby being "verythin" and having only gained 1 pound since birth. The infant's parents, she said, allegedly were not using the "high-calorieformula" prescribed by the doctor. Burns said a "safety plan" was put in place on May 27.

The plan, she said, called for the use of high-calorie formula and cooperation with Intensive In Home Services (IIS), as well assupervision by the Children's Division. IIS reportedly requires daily contact in the home by IIS for six weeks. IIS personnel accompaniedGarrett and the infant to a doctor's appointment June 2 in St. Louis, Burns said. During a nine-hour period, she said, Garrett only fed

her daughter once.

When Chief Juvenile Officer Michael Davis asked Burns if she believed the infant was in imminent danger, she confirmed she was.Burns also confirmed the baby should not be returned to the "care and custody" of her parents, who are incarcerated in the Stoddard

County Jail. According to Burns, Garrett and Webb admitted to using marijuana. Webb, she said, tested positive forbenzodiazepines and opiates, but to her knowledge he does not have a prescription for either one.

http://www.semissourian.com/story/1641316.html

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Adapted From:http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/20100529__5_million_settlement_in_alleged_abuse_of_autistic_students.html#axzz0qZrlWvrx

Scranton Times

Teacher Susan Comerford Wzorekpleaded no contest

$5 Million Settlement in Alleged Abuse of Autistic Students

By Tom InfieldInquirer Staff Writer

Parents who alleged that their autistic children had been tied to chairs with bungee cords andduct tape in a Scranton-area schoolroom have agreed to settle a federal civil-rights suit for $5million. Plaintiffs' attorneys said the settlement reached Thursday appeared to be the largest everin Pennsylvania involving the abuse of children in a special-education classroom.

A report issued last year by the U.S. Government Accountability Office said such cases were onthe rise nationally. A bill in Congress would set standards for when and how children couldbe restrained in schools for their own safety or the safety of others.

The allegations in the Scranton-area case went beyond restraint. The parents of seven childrenat the Clarks Summit Elementary School in the Abington Heights School District contended thatteacher Susan Comerford Wzorek slapped children, pulled them by the hair, and deliberatelystepped on the insoles of their feet.

In one instance, an attorney said Friday, the teacher pulled a child across the room by a caston his broken arm.

The incidents occurred during the 2001-02 and 2002-03 school years. The children then ranged inage from 5 to 11. The lawsuit was filed in 2006. After the allegations came to light, Conaboy said,Wzorek, now retired, entered a no-contest plea to a criminal charge of recklessly endangeringthe welfare of children. She was sentenced to probation, he said, but ended up doing 30days in the Lackawanna County jail for a probation violation.



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Who are The Abusers?

Most abusers aremembers of the victim'sfamily, either a caretakeror parent or a closerelative.

90% of confirmedphysical abuse andneglect cases involvecaretakers of children.

Contrary to common belief,males and femalesperpetrate abuseagainst their ownchildren at surprisinglysimilar rates.

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Among all abused children,those abused by theirbirth parents wereabout equally likely tohave been abused bymothers as by fathers(50% and 58%,respectively).

Those abused by otherparents, parent-substitutes, or other,non-parental perpetratorswere much more likely tobe abused by males (80 to90% by males versus 14 to15% by females).



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Child Abuse Cases & Stories

Neglect - Feb. 2009 - A mother in Dallas, Texas, was charged with neglectafter her nine-year-old died from complications of diabetes after she failedto help her manage her disease.

Physical/Emotional Abuse - June 2008 - A mother in North Central Texashas her three children taken away because of a case of MunchausenSyndrome By Proxy.

Physical Abuse - Jan. 2009 - Two parents in Dallas, Texas, were chargedwith abusing their six-month-old infant so severely that he was in intensivecare and it was thought that he was not going to be able to recover.

Physical Abuse - Jan. 2009 - A mother's boyfriend was charged with thedeath of her six-year-old son.

Physical Abuse - Dec. 2008 - A father was charged with the death of histhree-month-old infant who was found unresponsive, with bone fracturesand liver lacerations.

Physical Abuse - Feb. 2009 - A father in Lodi, California, was charged withphysical abuse after a school employee noticed and reported burns on a six-year old student, which were thought to have been inflicted by a clothesiron. She had also been beaten with a stick and her mother was charged withchild endangerment.



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Child Abuse Cases & Stories

Physical Abuse - Feb. 2009 - A mother and her live-in boyfriend inJanesville, Wisconsin, were charged with abuse after repeatedly hitting herthree-year-old daughter to the point that she required emergency brainsurgery.

Physical Abuse - Feb. 2009 - The boyfriend of a child's mother inWilmington, Delaware, hit and killed a 16-month old girl because shewouldn't stop crying.

Physical Abuse - Feb. 2009 - A nine-year-old was beaten by his mother'sboyfriend in Lawrence, Massachusetts.

Physical Abuse - Jan. 2009 - In Fall River, Massachusetts, a mother wascharged with burning her four-year-old foster son with a curling iron,causing third-degree burns that required skin graft surgery.

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Part VI:

Child Abuse & NeglectResources



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Child Abuse Prevention

Prevent Child Abuse New York is the only statewide, nonprofit organization in New York dedicated to preventingchild abuse and neglect. We do so by: Increasing public understanding of the problem and its solutions.Serving as a resource for families, individuals and organizations.

Advocating for expanded and improved programs and policies to prevent child abuse.

Fostering a statewide network committed to child abuse prevention

Quick Links:Walk for Children, Albany!Step up to prevent child abuse in Albany, NY on October 16, 2010!

Join the Movement!Subscribe to our email newsletters and alerts.

2010 Pinwheels for Prevention: Available to OrderRaise awareness about child abuse and neglect in your community by taking part in thePinwheels for Prevention campaign.

Find a Parenting ClassSearch by county or borough in our online directory of parenting classes.

Adapted From: http://www.preventchildabuseny.org/index.shtml

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Tips for ParentsExplore our pages especially designed for parents.

PCANY's Prevention NetworkThe Prevention Network is a network of agencies, organizations, and community groups who care about NY’s families.

PCANY's BlogJoin the conversation about the growing movement to prevent child abuse before it starts.

Resource RoomParenting and child abuse prevention information for families, professionals, advocates, students and communities.

New York State Parenting Education PartnershipNYSPEP is a network of colleagues from across the state, working together to promote, provide and improve parentingeducation.

Contact UsSend an E-mail | 1-800-CHILDREN

24-Hour Prevention and Parent Helpline: 1-800-342-7472 (PIRC)

Adapted From: http://www.preventchildabuseny.org/index.shtml



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Child Abuse Prevention Services (CAPS): Long Island's leading organization

dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect.

CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION SERVICES (CAPS) is a non-profit organization foundedin l982 for the purpose of preventing child abuse and neglect. This purpose isexpressed in CAPS' mission: working together to keep every child safe from harm

Contacting CAPSBy MailCAPSP.O. Box 176Roslyn, N.Y. 11576-0176By Telephone: 516-621-0552

By Fax: 516-621-3767

By E-Mail: For general information: [email protected] If you have a problem withor a question about child abuse or neglect, bullying, Internet safety or other child safetyissues: [email protected]

For volunteer information: [email protected] media inquiries: [email protected] the Executive Director: [email protected]

Adapted From: http://capsli.org/about.php

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New Nassau program aims to boost safety formentally disabled

May 20, 2010 by WILLIAM MURPHY / [email protected]

Families of people with autism, Alzheimer's or other cognitive disorders are urged to enroll in a NassauCounty program that will allow the person's picture to be beamed to computers in county police cars ifthey are reported missing, county officials said.

The REACH program - Return Every Adult and Child Home - is an enhancement of the Silver Alert systemcreated by the Nassau County Legislature last August that provides for notifications to police agencies when aperson with dementia is reported missing. A similar bill was passed in Suffolk in March 2009.

"The Silver Alert program has been very successful here in Nassau County. The REACH program takes it astep further by having key information and visual image on hand to disseminate when needed," NassauCounty Executive Edward Mangano said Wednesday.

People who want to register a family member can make an appointment with the Asset Forfeiture Unit ofthe Nassau County Police Department by calling 516-573-5775 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday toFriday.



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Every child deserves to be safe. If you suspect child abuse orneglect, call the State Central Register at

800-342-3720 or call 311 and ask to be connected to the hotline

Mandated Reporters:1-800-635-1522

Mandated reporters are required by law to report child abuse or neglect.


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Resources for Staff & Provider Agencies

This is an online directory of information andresources that will help meet the various needs offamilies receiving services through ACS or our provideragencies. The links will connect you to a wide range ofresources and information ranging from mentalhealth and substance abuse treatment, tochildcare, housing and more.

NYC ACS is committed to providing useful information.If you would like to add to this website or have anysuggestions, please call the Office of PreventiveTechnical Assistance's Resource Helpline at(212) 676-7667.

http://www.nyc.gov/html/acs/html/staff/resources_preventive.shtml



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Mandated Reporter Resource Center

Self-Directed Online Training ***New*** Mandated reporterscan participate in this 2-hour web-based online training course atany time, 24/7. Once you begin, you will have 30 days to completethe course. In this Flash-based learning application, the existingOCFS curriculum was divided into smaller, more manageable sections.

This allows users to save their progress at the end of each section--sothey can complete it at their own pace, either in one sitting, or inmultiple sessions. Users who log out after completing a sectionwill automatically be returned to the end of their lastcompleted section when they log back on to the training site.

The course features interactive exercises that are customized for themajor disciplines: Social Services, Education, Law Enforcement,Child Day Care and Medical. The course also addresses definitions,indicators, and how to make a report to the State Central Register.The application is full narrated and includes taped video segmentsthat enhance the learning points. This course meets the New YorkState Education Department mandatory requirements forTraining in Child Abuse Identification and Reporting.

http://www.nysmandatedreporter.org/default2.html

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The Office of Advocacy

Babies Sleep Safest Alone

Childcare and Early Education Overview

Head Start Information

Take Good Care of Your Baby

Recognizing Child Abuse & Neglect

Housing Resources for Families and Youth

Resources in Other Languages

http://www.nyc.gov/html/acs/html/translation/translated_documents.shtml



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Service Related Links Child Abuse.com prevention & education

http://www.childabuse.com Office of Juvenile Justice and DelinquencyProgram

http://ojjdp.ncjrs.org SOC-UM Promotes Child Awareness & Safety

http://www.soc-um.org National Criminal Justice Reference Servicerecovering missing children

http://www.ncjrs.org Better Business Bureau - Children's AdvertisingReview Unit:

http://www.bbb.org/advertising/childrensMonitor.html Blue RidgeThunder:

http://www.blueridgethunder.com/ Children’s Protection and AdvocacyCoalition:

http://www.thecpac.com/ Corrections Connection Network - JuvenileInfo Network:

http://www.juvenilenet.org/ Cyberangels:

http://www.cyberangels.org/ Escape School – Child education ontechniques to escape abductors:

http://www.escapeschool.com/abduction/

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Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) - Kids & Youth Educational Page:http://www.fbi.gov/kids/kids.htm

Federal Trade Commission Advertising to Children:http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/buspubs/900/adchild.htm

Center for Media Education (CME) article:http://www.ftc.gov/os/1997/9707/cenmed.htm

Children's Issues:http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/menu-children.htm

Registered Identification Number Database:http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/rn/rn.htm

National MAC Pharma Network, Free information and affordable products for allyour health and wellness needs:http://www.mac-pharma-network.com

National Center for Missing & Exploited Children:http://www.missingkids.org

InstinctiveParenting.com is devoted to promoting and supporting secure healthyattachment between parents and children.Instinctive Parenting - Baby Carrier and Baby Sling Site

Service Related Links



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Recommended Reading

It's My Body (Children's Safety & Abuse Prevention) [Paperback]Lory Freeman (Author)

Early Prediction and Prevention of Child Abuse:A Handbook (Kindle Edition)by Kevin D. Browne (Editor), Helga Hanks (Editor), PeterStratton (Editor), Catherine Hamilton-Giachritsis (Editor)

Damaged (Kindle Edition)by Cathy Glass (Author)

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Recommended Reading

New Expanded Edition of Raising a Sensory Smart ChildBy Lindsey Biel, OTR/L and Nancy Peske, with a foreword by Dr. Temple GrandinAvailable at your local bookstore and online at sites including:Amazon Barnes & Noble Borders Indie Bound

Introduction to The Out-Of-Sync Child: Recognizing andCoping With Sensory Processing Disorder, revised edition(Perigee, 2005)

The Six Stages of Parenthoodby Ellen Galinsky

Synopsis:Argues that parents develop different skills and attitudes to cope with each stage intheir children's lives, and looks at how parents compare their experiences with theirexpectations.



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Recommended Reading

Positive Discipline A-Z, Revised and Expanded 2nd Edition: FromToddlers to Teens, 1001 Solutions to Everyday Parenting Problemsfrom Three Rivers Press

The Complete Idiot's Guide to a Well-Behaved Childfrom Alpha Books

A Child Called "It": One Child's Courage toSurvive - Dave Pelzer (Author)

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Recommended Reading

The Good Son: A Complete Parenting Planfrom Tarcher

Whining: 3 Steps to Stop It Before the Tears andTantrums Startfrom Fireside

The Challenging Child: Understanding,Raising, and Enjoying the Five "Difficult"Types of Children [Paperback]Stanley I. Greenspan (Author)



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Questions & Answers

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We hope you found this RCDS Presentationto be educational & informative.

Please take a moment to learn moreabout the services offered by RCDS.



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Part VII:

About Rockland ChildDevelopment Services (RCDS)

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OUR PROGRAMS & SERVICES

RCDS contracts with NYC DOH & Mental Hygiene to serve Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Staten Island and theBronx. Additionally RCDS is contracted with the local DOH municipalities to serve Orange and Rockland Countiesto provide the following:

EARLY INTERVENTION SERVICES

Screenings & Multi-Disciplinary Evaluations• Bilingual Services Available

- Audiology Assessments- Vision Evaluations

Home/Community-Based Interventions• Occupational Therapy• Physical Therapy• Speech Therapy• Vision Therapy• Nutritional Services• Applied Behavior Analysis• Psychological Services• Special Instruction• Family Training• Social Work Services

Initial & Ongoing Service Coordination

Center-Based Interventions: Queens Site• Developmental Group Services

- Basic or Enhanced Groups- Morning, Mid-Day & Afternoon Classes- Parent/Authorized Caregiver

….Participation & Attendance Required• Parent-Child Group Services• Family Support Group Services



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EDUCATIONAL ENRICHMENTPROGRAM

Our Fresh Meadow, Queens site has astate-of-the-art Sensory Classroom fromwhich we offer private pay:• Parent-Child Developmental Group Care• Preschool Kindergarten & ReadingReadiness Groups

Additionally, RCDS also offers facility,home or community-basedindividualized private pay:• Developmental or EducationalAssessments• Speech & Language Assessments• Applied Behavior Analysis• Speech Therapy

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CONTACT INFORMATION

QUEENS OFFICE:

176-60 Union Turnpike, Suite 160 · Fresh Meadows, NY 11366Phone: 866-715-3209Fax: 866-939-3418

SUFFERN OFFICE:

25 Chestnut Street · Suffern, New York 10901Phone: 888-518-8716Fax: 888-357-7772



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CONTACT INFORMATION

Executive Director: Dawn Mastoridis, Queens Office, ext. 4111~ Suffern Office, ext. 2120; [email protected]

Director of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA): Jennifer Murray, Queens Office,ext. 4113; [email protected]

Program Manager: Seanan Carpino, Suffern Office, ext. 2121;[email protected]

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Health & Medicine

Child Welfare & The Mandated Reporter R[2]