Child

Child Abuse
Abuse &
& Neglect
Neglect
Mandated
Mandated Reporter
Reporter
Training
Training
Missouri Department of Social Services
Children’s Division

August 2007
 Children’s Division
Our Mission:

• To partner with families,

communities and government to
protect children from abuse and
neglect and to assure safety,
permanency and well being for
Missouri’s children.
 Our Guiding Principles
• PROTECTION – Children have a right to be safe and live free from abuse
and neglect.
• PERMANENCY – Children are entitled to enduring, nurturing relationships
that provide a sense of family, stability and belonging.
• PRACTICE - The family is the basic building block of society and is
irreplaceable. Building on their strengths, families are empowered to
identify and access services that support, preserve and strengthen their
functioning.
• PARTNERSHIP - Families, communities and government share the
responsibility to create safe, nurturing environments for families to raise
their children. Only through working together can better outcomes be
achieved.
• PREVENTION - Families are supported through proactive, intentional
activities that promote positive child development and prevent abuse and
neglect.
• PROFESSIONALISM – Staff are valued, respected and supported
throughout their career and in turn provide excellent service that values,
respects and supports families.
 WHO ARE WE?
WHAT DO WE DO?
• Receive and investigate reports of possible child
abuse and neglect.
• Provide services to families who need assistance
in the protection and care of their children.
• Arrange for children to live with foster families
when they are not at home.
• Arrange permanent adoptive homes or
independent living services for children leaving
foster care.
CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT
HOTLINE UNIT
1-800-392-3738
Reports to the Child
Abuse/Neglect Hotline
• Created in 1975, RSMo210
• Accepts over 107,000 calls per year
• 24 hour, 7 day per week hotline
• Staffed by Children’s Service Workers
CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT
HOTLINE UNIT
Classification of CAN reports:

• Allegation of abuse (excludes spanking in reasonable manner) or

neglect to a child victim;
• The child victim must be under age 18 at the time of the call;
• The abuse/neglect must have been inflicted or caused by a person
exercising care, custody, and control (parent, adult relative,
teacher, day care provider, etc.) over the child, and;
• Sufficient identifying information (names, addresses, etc) to
locate the family and to begin an investigation or assessment.
 DEFINITIONS
The Missouri Child Abuse Law, Section 210.110.RSMo defines:
• Abuse as any physical injury, sexual abuse, or emotional abuse inflicted on a child
other than by accidental means by those responsible for the child’s care, custody,
and control except that discipline including spanking, administered in a reasonable
manner shall not be construed to be abuse; and
• Neglect as failure to provide, by those responsible for the care, custody and
control of the child, the proper or necessary support, education as required by law,
nutrition or medical, surgical, or any other care necessary for the child’s well-being.
 DEFINITIONS (cont)
• Care, custody, and control of the child, includes but is not limited
to the parents or guardian of a child, other members of the child’s
household, or those exercising supervision over a child for any part
of a twenty-four hour day. Those responsible for the care, custody,
and control shall also include any adult, who, based on their
relationship to the parents of the child, members of the child’s
household or the family, has access to the child.
• Investigation is the collection of physical and verbal evidence to
determine if a child has been abused or neglected.
 DEFINITIONS (cont)
• Family Assessment and services is an approach which
provides for a prompt assessment of a child and their
family when the child has been reported to the CD as a
victim of abuse or neglect by a person responsible for that
child’s care, custody and control. Family assessments
include the provision of community-based services to reduce
the risk of abuse and neglect and to support the family.
This approach takes the place of the traditional
investigation.
 MANDATED REPORTERS
Physician Medical Examiner Coroner

Dentist Chiropractor Optometrist

Podiatrist Resident Intern Hospital or clinic personnel

engaged in examination,
treatment, care, or research of
persons
Any other health Psychologist Mental Health
practitioner professional
Social Worker Daycare center worker or other Juvenile Officer
child care worker

Probation/Parole officer Jail/detention center Teacher

personnel
Principal or other school Minister as provided by Peace officer or law
official section 352.400 RSMo enforcement official
 MANDATED REPORTERS
(cont)
“…or other person with responsibility for the care of children
has reasonable cause to suspect that a child has been or
may be subjected to abuse or neglect or observes a child
being subjected to conditions or circumstances which would
reasonably result in abuse or neglect, that person shall
immediately report or cause a report to be made to the
division in accordance with the provisions of sections
210.109 to 210.183…”
 MANDATED REPORTERS (cont)
• Such person is required to report…in an official capacity as a staff
member of a medical institution, school facility, or other agency,
whether public or private…

• Person in charge or designated agent shall be notified immediately.

• That person shall then become responsible for immediately making or

causing such a report to be made to the division.

• Nothing in this section, however, is meant to preclude any person from

reporting abuse/neglect.
 MANDATED REPORTERS (cont)
• “…Any child who does not receive specified medical
treatment by reason of the legitimate practice of the
religious belief of the child’s parents, guardian, or others
legally responsible for the child, for that reason alone, shall
not be found to be an abused or neglected child…”

• The administrative or judicial authority of the state may

intervene to ensure that medical services are provided to
the child when the child’s health requires it.
 MANDATED REPORTERS (cont)
• May make report to any law enforcement or juvenile office

• Shall not, however, take the place of reporting or

causing a report to be made to the division!

• Class A misdemeanor if knowingly fail to report.

 MANDATED REPORTERS
What do we report?
• The names and addresses of the child and his
parents or other persons responsible for his care,
if known;
• The child’s age, sex, and race;
• The nature and extent of the child’s injuries,
abuse or neglect, including any evidence of
previous injuries, abuse or neglect to child or his
siblings;
• The name, age, and the address of the person
responsible for the injuries, abuse or neglect, if
known;
 MANDATED REPORTERS
What do we report? (cont)
• Family composition;
• The source of the report;
• The name and address of the person making the
report, the reporter’s occupation, and where the
reporter can be reached;
• Any actions taken by the reporting source (such
as photographs & x-rays).
 REPORTS (cont)
• Upon receiving a call, the information is forwarded to
the county where the child resides
• 3 hour contact – emergency reports
• 24 hour contact – all other investigations/assessments
• 72 hour contact – educational neglect reports or old
allegations where child is protected
• Reports must be completed within 30 days
 INVESTIGATIONS
• “…if true, would constitute a suspected law violation…” RSMo
210.145.3(4)
• Contact Reporter
• Immediately contact Law Enforcement
• Public School District Liaison
• 24 hour contact with victim
• 72 hour contact with other children in the home
• 72 hour review by Chief Investigator
• Contact collateral
• Interviewing witnesses and non-offending parent
• Interview alleged perpetrator
• Completed in 30 days.
 ASSESSMENTS
• “… for any report which is not a law violation…”
• Reported concerns
• Initiate within 24 hours – “assure safety”
• All household members within 72 hours
• Public School District Liaison when the child is
school-age
• 72 hour review by the Chief Investigator
• Report completed in 30 days.
 CONCLUSION OF REPORT
Investigation
• Preponderance of Evidence
• Unsubstantiated
• Unsubstantiated-Preventive Services Indicated
Family Assessment
• No Services Needed
• Services Needed-Case Opened
• Services Needed-Community Referrals Made
• Services Needed Family Decline
 REFERRALS
Newborn Crisis,
Mandated Referrals
Preventive,
Non-Caretaker
Fatalities

POLICY RESPONSE
Respond to information that does not meet criteria
for a Child Abuse/Neglect Report

NOT STATUTORIALY MANDATED

 “A” REPORTS
NEWBORN CRISIS
ASSESSMENTS
• Referral is received as emergency
• Referrals made by hospital staff when drug use is
suspected or confirmed
• Referrals made by hospital staff if family indicates
previous or current involvement with CD
• CD Staff contact hospital staff to gather information.
• Home visit made to determine family’s preparedness for
infant to be released
• Community service referrals made for family
 “M” REPORTS
MANDATED REPORTER
REFERRALS
• Reporter made aware of appropriate community
resources available for the family;
• Reporter or CD Staff contact family to assist with
arranging referrals to resources;
• CD Staff may visit with the family to assess needs;
and
• CD Staff determine if a child abuse/neglect report is
necessary.
 “N” REPORTS
NON-CARETAKER REFERRALS
• Reporters alleging abuse to a child by a person who
does not have care, custody or control.
• If the alleged perpetrator is a juvenile, the referral
is sent to the Juvenile Office.
• If the alleged perpetrator is an adult, the referral is
sent to local law enforcement.
• CD staff will assure safety of the child and future
risk is reduced.
 “P” REPORTS
PREVENTIVE SERVICES
• Information only – family already has an open FCS case.
• CD Staff or reporter will offer family services to prevent a
child abuse/neglect report.
• Report can be initiated by a family who is requesting assistance.
Caretaker is ill or hospitalized
Caretaker requesting placement of child
Caretaker or child is suicidal
Child exhibiting serious behaviors
Domestic violence in the home
 “F” REPORTS
NON-CA/N RELATED CHILD FATALITY
REFERRAL
• Referrals generated by county coroner or medical examiner
for the death of a child where abuse or neglect is not
suspected.

• Child Fatality Review Panel will be convened if child’s death

meets criteria for a review.

• All fatality referrals are sent to the State Technical

Assistance Team (STAT)
 Safe Place for Newborns
• Allows a parent who expresses intent to not return; to
voluntarily relinquish an infant to the physical custody of
certain persons.
• The situation must meet the following requirements:
– The child must be no more than one year old;
– Not abused or neglected;
– The parent will not be prosecuted for child abandonment
or endangering the welfare of a child.
 Safe Place for Newborns (cont)
Authorized personnel:
• An employee, agent, or member of the staff of
any hospital who is in a health care provider
position or such person in a non-medical paid or
volunteer position only when on duty;
• A firefighter or emergency medical technician on
duty in a paid position or on duty in a volunteer
position; or
• A law enforcement officer.
 Safe Place for Newborns (cont)
Responsibilities of authorized personnel:

• Authorized to take physical custody of the child if not at

a hospital already, to transport the child to a hospital.
• The hospital must notify the Children’s Division’s toll free
number;
• The report will go to the local office as a Preventive
Referral.
 Safe Place for Newborns (cont)
Parent Process
• They must take the steps necessary to establish parentage
within thirty (30) days after the public notice or specific
notice.
• If he or she fails to establish paternity within the thirty-
day (30) period, the non-relinquishing parent may have all of
his or her parental rights terminated with respect to the
child.
• When a non-relinquishing parent inquires at a hospital
regarding the child whose custody was relinquished pursuant
to this law, the facility shall refer him or her to the
Children’s Division and juvenile court exercising jurisdiction
over the child.
 Signs & Symptoms of Child
Abuse and Neglect
Physical Abuse
• Unexplained burns, cuts, bruises, or welts
in the shape of an object
• Bite marks
• Anti-social behavior
• Problems in school
• Fear of adults
 Signs & Symptoms of Child
Abuse and Neglect
Emotional Abuse
• Apathy
• Depression
• Hostility or stress
• Lack of concentration
• Eating disorders
 Signs & Symptoms of Child
Abuse and Neglect
Sexual Abuse
• Inappropriate interest or knowledge of sexual
acts
• Nightmares and bed wetting
• Drastic changes in appetite
• Over-compliance or excessive aggression
• Fear of a particular person or family member
 Signs & Symptoms of Child
Abuse and Neglect
Neglect

• Unsuitable clothing for weather

• Dirty or unbathed
• Extreme hunger
• Apparent lack of supervision
 Signs & Symptoms of Child
Abuse and Neglect
The following signs may signal the presence of child abuse or neglect.

The child:
• Shows sudden changes in behavior or school performance.
• Has not received help for physical or medical problems brought to the
parent’s attention.
• Has learning problems (or difficulty concentrating) that cannot be
attributed to specific physical or psychological causes.
• Is always watchful, as though preparing for something bad to happen.
• Lacks adult supervision.
• Is overly complaint, passive, or withdrawn.
• Comes to school or other activities early, stays late, and does not want to
go home.
 Signs & Symptoms of Child
Abuse and Neglect
The parent:
• Shows little concern for the child.
• Denies the existence of-or blames the child for-the child’s
problems in school or at home.
• Asks teachers or other caretakers to use harsh physical discipline
if the child misbehaves.
• Sees the child as entirely bad, worthless, or burdensome.
• Demands a level of physical or academic performance the child
cannot achieve.
• Looks primarily to the child for care, attention, and satisfaction of
emotional needs.
 WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON’T
HOTLINE?
Common long-term effects…..
Increased risk of: For all children?
Thankfully, many children grow up
• Sexual disorders
to live normal lives. The severity
• Anxiety disorders of the effects depends on the
• Alcohol/substance abuse relationship of the perpetrator to
the child; the duration and
• Eating disorders severity of the abuse; whether
• Low self-esteem the child was believed upon
disclosure; and if they receive
• Serious mental health
adequate mental health follow up.
problems
• Self-harming behaviors
 MYTHS vs. FACTS
MYTH #1 FACT

If I call Children’s Although children can be

Services or Law placed out of their home if
Enforcement, they will they are in danger, most
remove the children from children stay in their home
their home. while services and support
are provided.
 MYTHS vs. FACTS
MYTH #2
As a mandated reporter, I
cannot report to the hotline
until I am absolutely certain
abuse or neglect has
occurred.
FACT
As a mandated reporter, you need
only have reason to suspect abuse
or neglect prior to calling the
hotline.
It is someone else’s job to
investigate whether a crime has
occurred.
A reasonable suspicion is enough
to initiate an investigation
 MYTHS vs. FACTS
MYTH #3 FACT

If I call in a report, the Many families make a

family will know that I made “laundry list” of those who
the call. might have called. They will
ask everyone until someone
admits they did call.
It is against the law for CD
Staff to release a
reporter’s name.
 MYTHS vs. FACTS
MYTH #4 FACT

If I hotline a family and There is no way to know for

nothing is done, things could certain what the response
be worse for the child. by the family will be. There
might not be an obvious
response, however, multiple
hotlines often help build a
case for future action.
 MYTHS vs. FACTS
MYTH #5
Sexual abuse happens so
rarely that I don’t need to
be on the “lookout” for it.
It also only happens to girls.
FACT
Data has consistently
confirmed, and experts
agree that:
• 1 in 4 girls will be victims
• 1 in 6 boys will be victims
of some sort of sexual abuse
by the time they reach 18
years old.
 MYTHS vs. FACTS
MYTH #6 FACT

Social Workers can take In Missouri, Social Workers

custody of a child. cannot take custody. The
only people who can take
custody are physicians, law
enforcement, and Juvenile
Officers.
“Strive not to be a success,
but to be of value”
Albert Einstein