Responding To Suspected Child Abuse: A Template For All .
Responding to SuspectedChild Abuse: A Templatefor all Victorian SchoolsWhen to use this templateSchool staff should use this template to documentany incident, disclosure or suspicion that a child hasbeen, or is at risk of being abused. This templateshould be used in conjunction with following theFour Critical Actions For Schools: Respondingto Incidents, Disclosures and Suspicions ofChild Abuse.Completing this template should not impact onreporting times. If a child is in immediate dangerschool staff should report immediately toVictoria Police.Whilst you may need to gather the information tomake a report, remember it is not the role of schoolstaff to investigate abuse, leave this to VictoriaPolice and/or DHHS Child Protection.Why record this information?When completing this template your aim shouldbe to provide as much information as possible.This information will be critical to any reports andmay be sought at a later date if the matter is thesubject of Court proceedings. These notes mayalso later assist you if you are required to provideevidence to support any decisions.It is a requirement under Ministerial OrderNo. 870 - Child Safe Standards - Managing therisk of child abuse in schools for schools to keepclear and comprehensive notes on all observations,disclosures and other details that led them tosuspect the abuse.
RESPONDING TO AN INCIDENT, DISCLOSUREOR SUSPICION OF CHILD ABUSEPLEASE NOTE: IF YOU ARE MAKING A REPORT TO DHHS CHILD PROTECTION ORVICTORIA POLICE YOU MUST SEEK ADVICE BEFORE CONTACTING PARENTS/CARERS SOAS NOT TO COMPROMISE ANY INVESTIGATION OR PLACE A CHILD AT FURTHER RISK.STAFF MEMBER LEADING THE RESPONSENAME:OCCUPATION:LOCATION (SCHOOL ADDRESS):RELATIONSHIP TO CHILD:CRITICAL ACTION 1: IMMEDIATE RESPONSE TO AN INCIDENTIf anyone is in immediate danger school staff should report immediatelyto Victoria Police on 000.See Action 1 of Four Critical Actions For Schools: Responding to Incidents,Disclosures and Suspicions of Child AbuseRESPONDING TO AN EMERGENCYDID THE CHILD REQUIRE FIRST AID? PROVIDE DETAILS IF ‘YES’.WHO ADMINISTERED THIS? (NAME AND TITLE)DID THE CHILD REQUIRE FURTHER IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ASSISTANCE?CURRENT LOCATION AND SAFETY STATUS:E.G. ARE ALL IMPACTED STUDENTS SAFE AND NOT IN ANY IMMEDIATE DANGER?IF A CHILD IS IN IMMEDIATE DANGER SCHOOL STAFF SHOULD REPORT IMMEDIATELY TO VICTORIA POLICE ON 000.PROTECT Responding to Suspected Child Abuse: A Template for all Victorian SchoolsDET 20162
CHILD’S INFORMATIONPERSONAL DETAILSNAME:GENDER:YEAR LEVEL/CLASS:DATE OF BIRTH:RESIDENTIAL ADDRESS:PARENT/CARER NAME/S:PARENT/CARER CONTACT:LANGUAGE(S) SPOKEN BY CHILD:DISABILITIES, MENTAL OR PHYSICAL HEALTH ISSUES:PROTECT Responding to Suspected Child Abuse: A Template for all Victorian SchoolsDET 20163
CHILD’S BACKGROUNDCULTURAL STATUS AND RELIGIOUS BACKGROUNDIF THE CHILD IS OF ABORIGINAL OR TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER BACKGROUND, GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS MUST CONTACTTHEIR KOORIE ENGAGEMENT SUPPORT OFFICER, AND CATHOLIC SCHOOLS MUST CONTACT THE DIOCESAN EDUCATIONOFFICE TO ARRANGE CULTURALLY APPROPRIATE SUPPORT. IF THE CHILD IS AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT YOU MUSTNOTIFY THE INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION DIVISION ON (03) 9637 2990.ANY KNOWN PREVIOUS HISTORY OF SUSPECTED ABUSE(PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT, DISCLOSURE OR SUSPICION OR INVOLVEMENT WITH AGENCIES):FAMILY BACKGROUNDFAMILY COMPOSITION (IF KNOWN):LIST PARENTING OR CARE ARRANGEMENTS AND SIBLING NAMES AND AGESANY OTHER PEOPLE LIVING WITH THE CHILD (IF KNOWN):PROTECT Responding to Suspected Child Abuse: A Template for all Victorian SchoolsDET 20164
FAMILY BACKGROUNDDISABILITY, MENTAL OR PHYSICAL HEALTH ISSUES IN FAMILY (IF KNOWN):LIKELY REACTION TO A REPORT BEING MADE (IF KNOWN):PROTECT Responding to Suspected Child Abuse: A Template for all Victorian SchoolsDET 20165
DETAILS OF THE INCIDENT, DISCLOSURE OR SUSPICIONGROUNDS FOR YOUR BELIEF THAT A CHILD HAS BEEN,OR IS AT RISK OF ABUSEINDICATORS OR INSTANCES WHICH LED YOU TO BELIEVE A CHILD/CHILDREN ARESUBJECT TO CHILD ABUSE, OR AT RISK OF ABUSE:DETAIL ANY DISCLOSURES OR INCIDENTS OR SUSPICIONS (INCLUDING NAMES, TIMES AND DATES DOCUMENTINGA CHILD’S EXACT WORDS AS FAR AS POSSIBLE). INCLUDE SPECIFIC DETAIL HERE ON WHAT LED YOU TO FORM AREASONABLE BELIEF THAT A CHILD HAS BEEN, OR IS AT RISK OF BEING ABUSEDANY PHYSICAL INDICATORS OF ABUSE:ANY BEHAVIOURAL INDICATORS OF ABUSE:PROTECT Responding to Suspected Child Abuse: A Template for all Victorian SchoolsDET 20166
ANY PATTERNS OF BEHAVIOUR OR PRIOR CONCERNS LEADING UP TO AN INCIDENT,DISCLOSURE OR SUSPICION:DETAILS OF PERSONS ALLEGED TO HAVECOMMITTED THE ABUSE (IF KNOWN)NAME:GENDER:DATE OF BIRTH:RELATIONSHIP TO CHILD:NOTING IF THEY ARE WITHIN THE SCHOOL OR WITHIN THE FAMILY AND COMMUNITY (THIS WILL IMPACT WHO YOU REPORT TO)ADDRESS:CONTACT DETAILS:PROTECT Responding to Suspected Child Abuse: A Template for all Victorian SchoolsDET 20167
CRITICAL ACTION 2: REPORTINGSee Action 2 of Four Critical Actions For Schools: Responding to Incidents,Disclosures and Suspicions of Child AbuseREPORTING TO AUTHORITIESTICK THE AUTHORITES YOU HAVE REPORTED TO:VICTORIA POLICEDHHS CHILD PROTECTIONCHILD FIRSTDECISION NOT TO REPORTIF YOU’VE DECIDED NOT TO REPORT, LIST YOUR REASONS HERE. ALSO INCLUDE ANY FOLLOW-UPACTIONS UNDERTAKEN BY YOU BELOW:PROVIDE DETAILS OF YOUR REPORT:TIME:DATE:AUTHORITY:OUTCOMES FROM THE REPORT:PROTECT Responding to Suspected Child Abuse: A Template for all Victorian SchoolsDET 20168
REPORTING INTERNALLYPROVIDE DETAILS OF YOUR DISCUSSION WITH SCHOOL LEADERSHIP:DATE:TIME:NAMES:DISCUSSION OUTCOMES:PROVIDE DETAILS OF YOUR INTERNAL DISCUSSIONS TO EITHER OF THE FOLLOWING:GOVERNMENT SCHOOL STAFF MUST REPORT TO SECURITY SERVICES UNIT AND ALSO TO THE EMPLOYEE CONDUCT BRANCHIF THE INCIDENT, DISCLOSURE OR SUSPICION INVOLVES A STAFF MEMBER, CONTRACTOR OR VOLUNTEERCATHOLIC SCHOOL STAFF MUST REPORT TO THEIR CATHOLIC DIOCESAN EDUCATION OFFICETIME:DATE:NAMES:DISCUSSION OUTCOMES:PROTECT Responding to Suspected Child Abuse: A Template for all Victorian SchoolsDET 20169
CRITICAL ACTION 3: CONTACTING PARENTS/CARERSSee Action 3 of Four Critical Actions For Schools: Responding to Incidents,Disclosures and Suspicions of Child AbuseACTIONS TAKENPROVIDE DETAILS OF YOUR DISCUSSION WITH PARENTS/CARERS (IF APPROPRIATE):SCHOOL STAFF MUST CONSULT WITH VICTORIA POLICE AND/OR DHHS CHILD PROTECTION TO DETERMINE IF IT IS APPROPRIATETO CONTACT PARENTS. IF IT IS, PARENTS MUST BE CONTACTED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE (PREFERABLY ON THE SAME DAY OF THEINCIDENT, DISCLOSURE OR SUSPICION).HAVE YOU SOUGHT ADVICE FROM DHHS CHILD PROTECTION OR VICTORIA POLICE?NOYESIS IT APPROPRIATE TO CONTACT PARENT/CARER?NOYESLIST REASONS IF IT IS NOT APPROPRIATE TO CONTACT PARENT/CARER:IF CONTACTING PARENT/CARER, PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING DETAILS:NAME OF STAFF MEMBER MAKING THE CALL:NAME OF PARENT/CARER RECEIVING THE CALL:DISCUSSION OUTCOMES:PROTECT Responding to Suspected Child Abuse: A Template for all Victorian SchoolsDET 201610
CRITICAL ACTION 4: PROVIDING ONGOING SUPPORTSee Action 4 of Four Critical Actions For Schools: Responding to Incidents,Disclosures and Suspicions of Child AbusePLANNED ACTIONSINCLUDE DETAIL ON WHAT FOLLOW-UP ACTIONS HAVE OCCURRED TO SUPPORT THE STUDENT (FOR EXAMPLE REFERRALTO WELLBEING PROFESSIONALS AND OTHER SPECIALISED SERVICES, THE CONVENING OF A STUDENT SUPPORT GROUP ANDDEVELOPMENT OF SUPPORT PLANS):FOLLOW-UP ACTIONS:SUPPORT:REFERRAL(S):PROTECT Responding to Suspected Child Abuse: A Template for all Victorian SchoolsDET 201611
PROCESS OF REVIEWCOMPLETE THIS SECTION BETWEEN 4- 6 WEEKS AFTER AN INCIDENT, SUSPICION OR DISCLOSUREOF ABUSE IN CONJUNCTION WITH YOUR SCHOOL LEADERSHIP TEAM.THIS WILL SUPPORT YOU AND YOUR SCHOOL TO CONTINUE TO PROTECT CHILDREN IN YOUR CAREAND TO REFLECT ON YOUR PROCESSES AND THE NEED FOR ANY FOLLOW-UP ACTIONS.SAFETY AND WELLBEINGCURRENT SAFETY AND WELLBEING OF THE CHILDIS THE CHILD SAFE FROM ABUSE AND HARM?NOYESIF NOT CONSIDER THE NEED TO MAKE A FURTHER REPORT.DOES THE CHILD HAVE ANY WELLBEING ISSUES THAT ARE NOT CURRENTLYBEING ADDRESSED?NOYESIF SO, CONSIDER HOW THESE CAN BE ADDRESSED AND CAPTURED WITHIN A STUDENT SUPPORT PLAN.CURRENT WELLBEING OF OTHER CHILDREN WHO MAY BEIMPACTED BY THE ABUSEARE THERE ANY OTHER CHILDREN WHO MAY BE IMPACTED BY THE ABUSE?NOYESIF SO HAVE THEIR WELLBEING NEEDS BEEN MET?NOYESCURRENT WELLBEING OF IMPACTED STAFF MEMBERSDOES THE STAFF MEMBER WHO MADE THE REPORT/WITNESSED AN INCIDENT,FORMED A SUSPICION OR RECEIVED A DISCLOSURE REQUIRE ANY SUPPORT?NOYESIF SO HAS THIS BEEN RECEIVED?NOYESPROTECT Responding to Suspected Child Abuse: A Template for all Victorian SchoolsDET 201612
REVIEW OF ACTIONS TAKENHAVE SCHOOL STAFF FOLLOWED THE FOUR CRITICAL ACTIONS FOR SCHOOLS:RESPONDING TO INCIDENTS, DISCLOSURES OR SUSPICIONS OF CHILD ABUSE?WAS AN APPROPRIATE DECISION MADEIN RELATION TO WHEN TO ACT?HAVE THE PARENTS CONTINUED TO BEENGAGED IF APPROPRIATE?NONOYESYESCOULD THE SUSPECTED ABUSE HAVE BEENDETECTED EARLIER?NOACTION 4HAS THE SCHOOL PROVIDED ADEQUATESUPPORT FOR THE STUDENT?NOYESYESACTION 1DID THE SCHOOL TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTIONIN AN EMERGENCY?HAS A STUDENT SUPPORT PLAN BEENESTABLISHED, IMPLEMENTED & REVIEWED?NONOYESYESACTION 2WAS A REPORT MADE TO THE APPROPRIATEAUTHORITIES AND INTERNALLY?NOHAS A STUDENT SUPPORT GROUPBEEN ESTABLISHED?NOYESYESWERE SUBSEQUENT REPORTS MADE IFNECESSARY?WAS THE STUDENT APPROPRIATELYSUPPORTED IN ANY INTERVIEWS?NOYESNOYESHAVE ANY COMPLAINTS BEEN RECEIVED?ACTION 3NODID THE SCHOOL CONTACT THEPARENTS/CARERS ASAP?YESNOYESHAVE THE COMPLAINTS BEEN RESOLVED?NOYESPROTECT Responding to Suspected Child Abuse: A Template for all Victorian SchoolsDET 201613
OTHER LEARNINGSPROTECT Responding to Suspected Child Abuse: A Template for all Victorian SchoolsDET 201614
school staff should report immediately to Victoria Police. Whilst you may need to gather the information to make a report, remember it is not the role of school staff to investigate abuse, leave this to Victoria Police and/or DHHS Child Protection. Why record this information? When completing this template
or threatened with physical or mental harm by the acts or lack of action by a person responsible for the child's care. Each state has its own laws concerning child abuse and neglect. There are several forms of abuse: physical abuse, emotional abuse, and sexual abuse. Child neglect is a form of abuse that occurs when a person responsible
French (2004) found that animal abuse can be an indicator of child abuse. Animal abuse has come to be seen as part of a continuum of abuse within families. Animals may be used to coerce children into silence. Some abusers even kill animals in front of the child and threaten that the child or other family members will be next. Animal abuse and
How does the Children's Division respond to a report of child abuse or neglect? The Children's Division often learns of child abuse and neglect when a report is made to the Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline. The Children's Division responds to all reports alleging child abuse and neglect, and the safety of the child(ren) is our top priority.
child abuse trained physicians 46 patients examined by PEMs with nonacute findings consistent with sexual abuse Follow-up exam with trained child abuse physician in 2 days to 16 weeks (mean 2.1): -70% normal -9% nonspecific -4% concerning -17% clear evidence of abuse Makoroff et al, Child Abuse and Neglect 26 (2002) 1235-1242
The Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA) was passed in 1980. Over the years, numerous amendments have expanded the definition of child abuse and the persons required to report. Procedures for reporting have also been clarified. In California, certain professionals are required to report known or suspected child abuse.
4 Risk Factors for Child Abuse A community with - Poverty - Crime - V iolence - Substance abuse - Social isolation - Lack of support systems Child Abuse: Who is at risk? Any child at any age Any parent or caretaker can abuse a child Avoid the "not in my neighborhood" trap! Ab i iAbuse is seen in: - All cultures - All ethnicities - All races
child abuse. The law gives clear rules for how these "mandatory reporters" are to report child abuse. However, most people are not mandated reporters and are not sure what to do when they become aware of child abuse. This pam-phlet is a brief guide to child abuse reporting in California. It is designed to answer some of the most frequently .
{ Child abuse occurs at every socio -economic level, across ethnic and cultural lines and at all levels of education { Child abuse is reported every 10 seconds on average { More than 4 children in the United States die each day as a result of child abuse. { Approximately 70% of the children that die from abuse are under age 4.
