gave me a certificate. Mine didn't print out very well because the printer's almost out of ink or I'd show it to you.
The test is on mandated reporting of child abuse, who should do it, why, and how. Child abuse, for the record is something that is going on in a kid's home, or maybe in a close relative or guardian's home. If the person allegedly abusing the child isn't family, it's not abuse. It's a crime.
This comes up because school's in session, so teachers in Illinois, who are mandated reporters, are being asked to go to the DCFS* website for training on mandated reporting.
But teachers aren't the only ones who are mandated reporters for child abuse and neglect.
Maybe you are, too.
Here's a quick list of professionals required by law to inform authorities about suspected child abuse or neglect. Anyone, even non-mandated reporters, can make a report however (anonymously if you like) by calling 1-800-25-ABUSE.
Go to the the DCFS** website to find out more about the signs of child abuse, things that should make a person suspicious about maltreatment.
But quickly, mandated reporters include people who work with children, and they are required by Illinois law to report suspected child abuse. The list includes, but is not limited to teachers, school personnel, doctors, nurses, clerical people in schools and community agencies, child care workers, law enforcement officers, social workers, social service administrators, firemen, and clergy. There's an extensive list on the site and a cute interactive puzzle. Take the time to visit. Have some fun.
The training and testing took me a half an hour, and I learned things. You can get 2 hours of continuing education credit, too.
You also get nifty downloads if you want them. The decision tree is interesting, tells you what happens after you've made a report, and for those who feel uncomfortable with the whole business, there's a great one from the child's perspective, should you have the privilege to gain a child's trust:
DEALING WITH CHILD ABUSE OR NEGLECT DISCLOSURE TIP SHEET
• Use words I will understand
Always use age-appropriate words.
• Never say you'll keep this a secret
Never promise the child that you will keep what they tell you a secret. Explain to the child your role is to ensure she is safe.
• Don't tell everyone
Although you cannot promise to keep the information a secret, you should assure the child that you will not share this information with her peers or anyone who really does not need to know about it to keep her safe.
• Explain you still care about meReassure the child that what she told you will not change the way you feel about her. Children are often afraid that you will think they are bad, or that what happened to them was their fault.
• Disclosure may be difficult for me
Always keep in mind how difficult it has been for the child to tell you this.
Remember:
They may have been threatened not to tell.
They may feel embarrassed or ashamed.
They may have tested others and decided it was not safe to disclose.
They will be watching your reaction very carefully. As often as possible, try to keep the child informed about what will happen next. She will likely be very anxious. If appropriate, let the child know you will be calling DCFS and explain that it is the job of DCFS to keep children safe.
• Find out answers for me
The child will probably have lots of questions about what will happen that you cannot answer. Don't make up an answer. It's OK to tell the child that you don't know what will happen. It may help to tell the child that you know this is hard for her.
So getting comfortable with approaching and listening to children is the objective, here. And following the law to the very letter. It's the least we can do.
therapydoc
*DCFS is the Department of Child and Family Services, a state of Illinois agency.
