Policy for Handling Suspected Abuse or Neglect

GUIDELINES FOR HANDLING A DISCLOSURE

1. Be calm.
2. Be a good listener/observer.
3. Reassure the student that he/she has done nothing wrong.
4. Go slowly.
5. Use supportive comments.
6. Use appropriate questions. Do not ask "why?" questions or "leading?" questions. Do not interview! The educator's role is to detect, report and support!
7. Be realistic. Do not make promises that you have no way of keeping.
8. Know when to stop.
9. Tell the student what will happen next and that you are there for support.
10. Make a report.
11. If the student is in immediate danger, call the police.
12. Document information and maintain confidentiality.
13. Be aware of and respect the child's (and your own) emotions and feelings in the days following the disclosure.

STEPS TO REPORTING CHILD ABUSE

1. Say to the child, "I am going to call a child protection social worker who can help".
2. Write the child's name, age, birth date, grade, address, phone #, parents'/guardians' names, description of concern, and whatever you have seen or heard, (in the child's own words).
3. Phone the Ministry for Children and Families Intake Team at 712-7586. After hours phone the Operator and ask for Zenith 1234.
4. To the receptionist say, "I want to report ____" (report type, i.e. physical, sexual, or emotional abuse or neglect).
5. Identify yourself and your concern. Give the above information (from #2), and the:
   
   
   1. Alleged offender's name, address, phone#, relationship to the child, etc.
   2. Note: name of intake worker, time and date of call, and actions proposed by the child protection social worker, and ask when you can expect to hear from the child protection social worker.
   3. Inform the president of the Board of Directors. Note this does not relieve the educator of the duty to report.

N.B. School personnel are sometimes asked to sit in on the interview between the child and the child protection social worker, police, etc. to serve as a support person for the student. The support person can assist in an interview by:

• attending to the child's need for privacy during the interview and getting to or from the interview.
• being a quiet presence to help the child feel safe and secure.
• helping to make the interview space comfortable.
• responding to external and other interruptions (e.g., accompanying the child to the bathroom)
• providing for physical needs (e.g., facial tissue, water, a favourite toy)

The support person may not take notes or participate in interviewing the child.

School personnel are requested NOT to contact the child's parents.
However, the Ministry for Children and Families personnel are required to attempt to contact the child's parents before they interview the child at the school, unless doing so may jeopardise the child's safety or well-being.

RESPONDING TO CHILD ABUSE – FOUR COMMON SCENARIOS

SCENARIO # 1 – Responding to Alleged Child Abuse and Neglect by a Parent, Caregiver, Family, Friend or Stranger.

1. The Report – Report promptly to a child protection social worker (CPSW).
   Call the police if a child is in immediate danger.
2. Documenting the Information – Treat in strictest confidence.
3. Notifying the President – Protect the privacy of the student.
4. Do Not Contact Parents.
5. The Investigations – Cooperate fully with the CPSW and/or police.
6. Sharing Information – Provide info as requested by the CPSW and/or police. The CPSW must report back to you about the results of the investigation.
7. Supporting the Student – Be available; be supportive; monitor the student's well-being, and consult with the President.

SCENARIO # 2 – Responding to Alleged Child Abuse and Neglect by a School Employee, Contracted Service Provider or Volunteer.

1. The Reports – Report to a CPSW, and notify the President. Call the police if a student is in immediate danger and/or a criminal offence has occurred. Do not notify the alleged offender.
2. Documenting the Information – Treat in strictest confidence.
3. Initial Response by the President, Child Protection Social Worker and/or Police.
4. The Investigations by the President, CPSW and/or Police.
5. Sharing Information – School personnel do not contact parents.
6. Supporting Students and School Personnel.

SCENARIO # 3 – Responding to Alleged Abusive Behaviour at School by a Student Under Age 12.

1. The Report to the President – Call the police if a student is in immediate danger or a criminal offence had occurred.
2. The Assessment of Student?s Abusive Behaviour by School Personnel – Call a CPSW if deemed necessary.
3. The Report to a Child Protection Social Worker – A joint report may be made by the President and the staff person who witnessed the abusive behaviour or received the disclosure.
4. Documenting the Information.
5. The Investigations.
6. Sharing Information.
7. Follow-up Response.

SCENARIO #4 – Responding to Alleged Abusive Behaviour at School by a Student 12 and Over, Including a Young Offender.

Note: Scenario #4 follows all the Steps in Scenario #3 with the additional Step 3a outlined below.

3a. Report to Police and Youth Probation Officer – Call the police if a criminal offence is alleged to have been committed at school by a student 12 or over or by a young offender. Call the police and youth probation officer of a breach of a young offender's probation order or abusive behaviour that may constitute a breach.