Section 7: Recognizing, Responding to, and Reporting Child Abuse

Section 7:

Recognizing, Responding to, and Reporting Child Abuse

Although this section is titled Recognizing, Responding to, and Reporting Child Abuse, information is included here regarding child neglect, sexual abuse, demonstrations of affection, and sexual harassment. The latter is the most confusing, since its definition continues to be forged against the legal anvil of the nation.

The Salvation Army has recently drafted a National Policy Statement on the Sexual Abuse of Children. This statement and accompanying forms are included in Appendix O.

Child Abuse and Neglect

In 1997 nearly 3 million children were referred for investigation of alleged abuse and neglect. In most states camp directors are considered mandated reporters and need to work closely with authorities on incidents of alleged abuse. There is an ever increasing expectation that diligent screening of staff with responsibility for or access to campers has been done. In addition to interviews and reference checks, criminal background checks and voluntary disclosure statements are now a part of ACA screening standards.

Because laws regarding the reporting of suspected child abuse vary state by state, it is imperative that the camp director seek the advice and assistance of a knowledgeable social worker or government agency representative before proceeding with any child abuse awareness training at camp. It is strongly suggested, in fact, that a reliable, experienced advocate be enlisted to train staff in this extremely important and sensitive area.

The following information, while accurate, is meant in no way to be either a prescriptive or descriptive program for training camp staff. Your training program must reflect the laws of your state as well as the needs of your staff and campers.

Information included below has been synthesized from the reports of several organizations, which can be directly accessed at the following web sites:

Definitions

ABUSE: 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.

NEGLECT: the 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.

SEXUAL ABUSE: the employment, use, persuasion, inducement, enticement, or coercion of any child to engage in, or assist any other person to engage in, any sexually explicit conduct or any simulation of such conduct for the purpose of producing any visual depiction of such conduct; or rape, and in cases of caretaker or inter-familial relationships, statutory rape, molestation, prostitution, or other form of sexual exploitation of children, or incest with children.

Those responsible for the care, custody, and control of the child include, but are 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 family, has access to the child.

Camp directors should also be aware that there has gradually evolved through legal precedent the concept that the teachers, counselors, and camp directors are acting in loco parentis. This means that the camp director stands, in relation to the camper, in the position of a caring parent, as unofficial guardian. This concept allows the director (and counselor) some of the privileges of a parent, but also brings with it added responsibilities for the protection of children. Therefore, a director could be liable for harm caused to a camper where the director's conduct falls below the standard of care commonly accepted as being reasonable in a parent-child relationship. A director may even have to meet a higher standard of care where specialized knowledge makes the director aware of dangers which the normal parent might not appreciate.

Documentation of Training

All Divisional Youth Secretaries/Camp Directors are required to design a comprehensive training program in the area of Recognizing, Responding to, and Reporting Child Abuse. Additionally, a well documented register of attendance must be created, signed by attending staff members, and retained indefinitely. No staff member is excused from this session. If necessary, the session must be conducted more than once, or viewed on video tape. Regardless of method, all staff must have attended a training session, and signed off on that training, before contact with children.

The register should include:

  • Title: Attendance Register: Child Abuse and Sexual Harassment Training
  • Session Leader’s Name (and qualifying credentials)
  • Location of Training Session (camp, town, state)
  • Date of Training
  • Signature of each attendee, followed by a printing of their name (attendance can be taken on a printed roster of all staff, but written and printed signatures must be recorded)

Once completed, file multiple copies. A video tape of the training should also be filed, along with all hand-outs given to staff members.

Physical and Behavioral Indicators of Child Abuse

Physical Indicators of Child Abuse:

1) Bruises, welts, or bite marks:

  • on face, lips, mouth, neck, wrists, and ankles
  • on torso, back, buttocks, and thighs
  • injuries to both eyes or cheeks
  • clustered, patterned scarring, reflecting shape of object used to inflict the mark (belt buckle, electrical cord)
  • “grab marks” on shoulders, arms, or neck
  • evidence of human biting
  • bruises in various stages of healing
  • marks that regularly appear after absence, weekend, or vacation (difficult to determine in the camp setting)

2) Lacerations or abrasions:

  • to lips, mouth, gums, eyes
  • on backs or arms, legs, or torso
  • to external genitalia

3) Burns:

  • cigar, cigarette burns, especially on soles, palms, backs, or buttocks
  • immersion burns by scalding water (sock-like on feet, glove-like on hand, donut shaped on buttocks or genitalia from dunking)
  • patterned like electric iron, stove burner, etc.
  • Rope burns on arms, legs, neck, or torso

4) Fractures:

  • to skull, nose, facial structure
  • skeletal trauma accompanied by other injuries
  • multiple or spiral fractures
  • fractures in various stages of healing
  • fractures discovered during routine exam

5) Head Injuries:

  • absence of hair on the scalp and/or hemorrhaging beneath the scalp due to hair pulling
  • subdural hematoma (a hemorrhage beneath the outer covering of the brain, due to severe hitting or shaking)
  • retinal detachment or hemorrhaging, due to shaking
  • shaken infant syndrome
  • eye injury
  • jaw and/or nasal fractures
  • tooth injury

6) Symptoms suggestive of parent-induced or fabricated illnesses: (sometimes known as Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy or MSP)

  • diarrhea, dehydration, hospitalization caused by forced ingestion of large quantities of laxatives or other toxins

Behavioral Indicators of Child Abuse:

1) Wary of contact with own parents or other adults.

2) Apprehensive when other children cry or feel pain.

3) Behavioral extremes:

  • aggressiveness, or
  • withdrawal, or
  • depression, or
  • extreme mood changes

4) Afraid to go home; repeated incidents of running away.

5) Reports injury by parents

  • sometimes blames self: “I was bad, so they punished me.”

6) Habit disorders

  • self-injurious behaviors
  • obsessions, phobias, compulsions, hypochondria

7) Wears long sleeves to hide physical indicators

8) Manifestations of low self-esteem

9) Discomfort with physical contact

10) Suicide attempts

Physical and Behavioral Indicators of Neglect

Physical Indicators of Neglect:

1) Failure to thrive (physically or emotionally)

2) Positive indicators of toxicology, especially in newborns

  • drug withdrawal symptoms, tremors, etc.

3) Abandonment

4) Unattended medical needs

5) Consistent lack of supervision

6) Consistent hunger, inappropriate dress, poor hygiene

7) Lice, distended stomach, emaciation, slowed physical development, may appear underweight

8) Filthy living environment (evidence at camp may be filthy clothes or a lack of personal hygiene items such as a toothbrush)

Behavioral Indicators of Neglect:

1) Regular displays of fatigue or listlessness (falling asleep at meal times or during devotions)

2) Stealing food, begging from peers, frequently hungry

3) Reports of no caretaker at home

4) Frequent absence, tardiness, or really early arrival to school

5) Self-destructiveness

6) Dropping out of school (adolescents)

7) Dressed inappropriately for the weather (long pants, long sleeves on all clothes at camp)

Physical and Behavioral Indicators of Sexual Abuse

Physical Indicators of Sexual Abuse

1) Torn, stained, or bloody underclothing

2) Pain or itch in genital area

3) Difficulty in walking or sitting

4) Bruises or bleeding in external genitalia

5) Sexually transmitted disease

6) Frequent urinary or yeast indicators

7) Massive weight change

8) Often no visible indicators

Behavioral Indicators of Sexual Abuse

1) Withdrawal, chronic depression, eating disorders

2) Excessive seductiveness (flirting with staff)

3) Role-reversal, overdue concern for siblings

4) Poor self-esteem, self-devaluation, lack of confidence

5) Peer problems, lack of involvement

6) Suicide attempts (especially adolescents) or running away from home

7) Inappropriate sex play, premature understanding of sex

Physical and Behavioral Indicators of Emotional Abuse

Physical Indicators of Emotional Abuse(including verbal abuse)

1) Speech disorders

2) Substance abuse

3) Delayed physical and mental development

Behavioral Indicators of Emotional Abuse

1) Habit disorders (rocking, sucking)

2) Antisocial behavior, having difficulty making or keeping friends

3) Destructiveness, low self-esteem

4) Neurotic traits

5) Passiveness and aggressiveness (behavioral extremes)

6) Delinquent behavior (especially adolescents)

7) Acting too mature or too childish for his/her age

Responsibility to Report

All 50 states have passed some form of a mandatory child abuse and neglect reporting law in order to qualify for funding under the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) (Jan. 1996 version), 42 U.S.C. 5101, et seq.. The Act was originally passed in 1974, has been amended several times and was most recently amended and reauthorized on October 3, 1996, by the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment and Adoption Act Amendments of 1996 (P.L. 104-235).

Staff must be informed that they have the responsibility to report any suspected forms of abuse. Then, the camp director must make very clear the process for such reporting. A major point to be made during Orientation is that the counselor (or other staff member) is not the investigator. Whatever evidence is present through routine daily contact or observation must comprise the basis for suspicion. Discussions (to seek advice) with chief counselors and/or administrators are best kept to the level of generality that does not entail revealing the identity of the camper. In any case, repeated interviewing of the camper by camp authorities is to be avoided as it is likely to do more harm than good. Once a report has been made and a child welfare worker from the Department of Family and Social Services has been assigned, the staff member's or camp director’s subsequent conduct in the case should be guided by the agency worker.

Each State designates specific agencies to receive and investigate reports of suspected child abuse and neglect. This responsibility is typically carried out by child protective services (CPS) within a Department of Social Services, Department of Human Resources, or Division of Family and Children Services. In some states, police departments also may receive reports of child abuse or neglect. The proper agency for notification in your state must be investigated prior to Orientation so that accurate information can be given to staff.

Remind staff that sexual abuse includes sexual acts with minors (children under 18). Therefore, sexual misconduct with younger staff members is actually a crime by definition, and the camp must report that crime to law enforcement.

Many states have an in-state toll-free number. The reporting party must be calling from the same state where the child is allegedly being abused for the following numbers to be valid.

For states not listed on the next page, or when the reporting party resides in a different state than the child, call Childhelp, 800-4-A-Child (800-422-4453).

Toll Free Numbers for Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect

The Salvation Army Eastern Territory CampStaff Orientation and Training Manual

page 7:1

Section 7: Recognizing, Responding to, and Reporting Child Abuse

Alaska (AK)

800-478-4444

Arizona (AZ)

888-SOS-CHILD

(888-767-2445)

Arkansas (AR)

800-482-5964

Connecticut (CT)

800-842-2288

800-624-5518 (TDD/hearing impaired)

Delaware (DE)

800-292-9582

Florida (FL)

800-96-ABUSE

(800-962-2873)

Illinois (IL)

800-252-2873

Indiana (IN)

800-562-2407

Iowa (IA)

800-362-2178

Kansas (KS)

800-922-5330

Kentucky (KY)

800-752-6200

Maine (ME)

800-452-1999

Maryland (MD)

800-332-6347

Massachusetts (MA)

800-792-5200

Michigan (MI)

800-942-4357

Mississippi (MS)

800-222-8000

Missouri (MO)

800-392-3738

Montana (MT)

800-332-6100

Nebraska (NE)

800-652-1999

Nevada (NV)

800-992-5757

New Hampshire (NH)

800-894-5533

New Jersey (NJ)

800-792-8610

800-835-5510 (TDD/hearing impaired)

New Mexico (NM)

800-432-2075

New York (NY)

800-342-3720

North Carolina (NC)

800-662-7030

Oklahoma (OK)

800-522-3511

Oregon (OR)

800-854-3508

Pennsylvania (PA)

800-932-0313

Rhode Island (RI)

800-RI-CHILD

(800-742-4453)

Texas (TX)

800-252-5400

Utah (UT)

800-678-9399

Virginia (VA)

800-552-7096

Washington (WA)

800-562-5624

West Virginia (WV)

800-352-6513

Wyoming (WY)

800-457-3659

The Salvation Army Eastern Territory CampStaff Orientation and Training Manual

page 7:1

Section 7: Recognizing, Responding to, and Reporting Child Abuse

Preparing to Report

Anxiety will naturally accompany the reporting process. That is why it is necessary for the staff member to gather some background information prior to making the report. This can be done in conjunction with a leadership staff member, but should not be assumed by that person.

Appendix Plists a number of questions that are typically asked of those individuals reporting. Collect this information in advance in order to speed the process and to reduce liability for false information.

In addition to reporting, immediate actions may also need to be taken on site. In the case of extreme or recent physical or sexual abuse:

  1. Obtain medical attention for the child immediately.
  2. Ensure that child has no further contact with anyone you believe may be committing the abuse or neglect.
  3. Notify the Child Abuse Hotline in your state (as per usual procedure).
  4. Cooperate with the authorities investigating your report.
  5. Insure that the child receives all help (medical and psychological) needed. This may include referral to a Salvation Army social services agency.
Liability for Not Reporting

Extent of the knowledge triggering the duty to report varies. Some statutes call for reporting upon a mere "reasonable cause to believe" or a "reasonable suspicion." Other statutes require the reporter to "know or suspect," which is a higher degree of knowledge. Check to determine the exact language within those states covered by your camp population.

Failure to report suspected child abuse can result in criminal liability, although the liability is typically a misdemeanor punishable by a fine. Failure to report can also result in civil liability, against the camp and the individual.

Rights of the Reporter

Immunity

CAPTA requires states to enact legislation that provides for immunity from prosecution arising out of the reporting abuse or neglect. In most states, a person who reports suspected child abuse in "good faith" is absolutely immune from criminal and civil liability. It is certainly better to err on the side of the child’s safety and protection.

False Reporting

The 1993 CAPTA amendments require states to enact legislation providing for prosecution in false reporting cases (reports made without having a reasonable belief that the report is true.) The false reporting laws must be read together with the immunity statutes and case law, however; persons who report in "good faith" are immune from civil and criminal liability. No action can be taken against the staff member for reporting suspected cases of child abuse unless such reporting is done with malice or without grounds.

Conditions for Reporting

All states require the report to be made to some type of law enforcement authority or child protection agency. It should be made clear to staff that legislation requires them to report directly to the child welfare director and not to parents, counselors or administrators. No chief counselor, administrator or other person can relieve the staff member of the obligation to report to the proper authorities.

Training Implications

In addition to distributing hand-outs with indicators of abuse and sharing the procedures for reporting abuse, camp directors should spend a portion of the session time discussing appropriate contact with children.

As mentioned previously in this manual (6:10), a strict “No Touching, Period” policy is extremely unrealistic, considering that campers themselves will initiate touches. Therefore, a qualified presenter should teach and model both appropriate displays of affection, and appropriate physical restraints.

As mentioned earlier, directors are strongly urged to implement a policy restricting one-on-one contact with campers. If a staff member, for any reason, ever finds he/sheis alone with a camper, then no contact, no matter how well meaning, is appropriate.

Some appropriate displays of affection would include:

  • a brief hand on the shoulder;
  • a hand on the arm (from the wrist to the shoulder);
  • a handshake;
  • a high-five or palm slap;
  • light, playful punch to the shoulder;
  • holding hands with younger campers (if initiated by them); and
  • returning brief hugs by younger campers (if initiated by them).

(In all cases, the comfort level of the camper will determine whether a touch is appropriate).

Some inappropriate displays of affection include:

  • prolonged hand holding;
  • touching any part of the body apart from the arms or shoulders;
  • piggy backs;
  • shoulder rides;
  • sitting on laps;
  • kissing;
  • hugging older campers;
  • allowing campers to wear staff clothing or jewelry.

Proper restraints are difficult to describe in words without a visual model, and may differ depending upon the circumstance. Some guidelines, however, include:

  • When breaking up a fight, step between the two campers and move toward the camper you are facing, while at the same time backing him/her away from the other camper. With hands on his/her shoulders or arms, gently turn him/her around, so that the other camper can no longer be seen. During this whole procedure, talk in low tones, saying such things as, “It’s not worth it... Let it go... Let it go...” This is NOT the time to play detective. Similarly, yelling will only keep the situation volatile.
  • Holding a camper’s wrists can be used as a restraint, provided the staff member’s grip is loose and allows some movement by the camper. Staff should not attempt to pull a camper when restraining in this way.
  • If a camper must be held, hold from rear with arms around his/her arms and body. Keep a grip a loose grip that allows some movement. If you remove the source of the camper’s frustration, he/she will calm quickly.
  • Restraints involving the head or neck are unacceptable.
  • Sitting on a camper’s lap as a form of restraint is unacceptable.
  • Using objects to restrain (tape, rope) is unacceptable.
Sexual Harassment

Information included below has been synthesized from the reports of several organizations, which can be directly accessed at the following web sites: