Handouts and resources to accompany the Making a Difference: Mandate to Report, Responsibility to Prevent Child Abuse Training

1. Making a Difference: Mandate to Report, Responsibility to Prevent Child Abuse & Neglect-
Participant Materials – Prevent Child Abuse WV – http://www.preventchildabusewv.org
Making a Difference Workshop Learning Outcomes
Workshop Purpose
This workshop will explore how to identify and report suspected abuse and
neglect, and examine ways to build protective factors that prevent child abuse and
neglect.
Learning Objectives
Participants will be able to:
o Demonstrate knowledge of signs of child abuse and neglect.
o Demonstrate understanding how to report suspected child abuse and neglect.
o Identify research-based protective factors that prevent child maltreatment.

2. Making a Difference: Mandate to Report, Responsibility to Prevent Child Abuse & Neglect-
Participant Materials – Prevent Child Abuse WV – http://www.preventchildabusewv.org
Indicators of Possible Child Maltreatment
A combination or pattern of indicators should alert you to the possibility of child
maltreatment. You may notice physical and behavioral indicators by observing the child,
and you may become aware of indicators that relate to the parent or caregiver.
Type
of
Abuse
Physical
Indicators
Child
Behavioral
Indicators
Caregiver
Characteristics
Physical
Abuse
The
non-­‐accidental
physical
injury
of
a
child.
Questionable
bruises
and
welts:
• on
face,
lips,
mouth.
• on
torso,
back,
buttocks,
thighs,
arms.
• in
various
stages
of
healing.
(In
the
first
stage,
the
bruise
is
reddish-­‐blue.
In
the
second
stage,
the
bruise
is
purplish
black.
In
the
third
stage,
the
bruise
turns
yellowish-­‐
green.)
• clustered,
forming
regular
patterns.
• reflecting
shape
of
article
used
to
inflict
injury
(electric
cord,
belt
buckle).
• on
several
different
surface
areas.
• regularly
appearing
after
absence,
weekend,
or
vacation.
• human
bite
mark.
• bald
spots.
Questionable
burns:
• cigar
or
cigarette
burns,
especially
on
soles,
palms,
back
or
buttocks.
• immersion
burns
(sock-­‐like
or
glove-­‐
like,
or
doughnut
shaped
on
buttocks
• uncomfortable
with
physical
contact.
• wary
of
adult
contacts.
• apprehensive
when
other
children
cry.
• behavioral
extremes
(aggressiveness
or
withdrawal).
• frightened
of
parents.
• afraid
to
go
home.
• reports
injury
by
parent
or
caregiver.
• complains
of
soreness
or
moves
uncomfortably.
• wears
clothing
inappropriate
to
weather
to
cover
body.
• reluctance
to
change
or
take
off
clothes
• (attempt
to
hide
injuries,
bruises,
etc.).
• self
destructive.
• history
of
abuse
as
a
child.
• uses
harsh
discipline
inappropriate
to
child’s
age,
transgression,
and
condition.
• offers
illogical,
unconvincing,
or
contradictory
explanations
of
child’s
injury,
or
offers
no
explanation.
• significantly
misperceives
child
(for
example,
sees
child
as
“bad”,
“stupid”,
“different”,
etc.).
• psychotic
or
psychopathic
personality.
• misuses
alcohol
or
other
drugs.
• attempts
to
conceal
child’s
injury
or
to
protect
identity
of
person
responsible.
• unrealistic
expectations
of
child,
beyond
child’s
age
or
ability.

3. Making a Difference: Mandate to Report, Responsibility to Prevent Child Abuse & Neglect-
Participant Materials – Prevent Child Abuse WV – http://www.preventchildabusewv.org
Type
of
Abuse
Physical
Indicators
Child
Behavioral
Indicators
Caregiver
Characteristics
Physical
Abuse
(con’t)
or
genitalia).
• patterned
like
electric
burner,
iron,
cigarette
lighter,
etc.
• rope
burns
on
arms,
legs,
neck,
or
torso.
• singed
hair.
Questionable
fractures:
• to
skull,
nose,
facial
structure.
• in
various
stages
of
healing.
• multiple
or
spiral
fractures.
Questionable
lacerations
or
abrasions:
• to
mouth,
lips,
gums,
eyes.
• to
external
genitalia.

4. Making a Difference: Mandate to Report, Responsibility to Prevent Child Abuse & Neglect-
Participant Materials – Prevent Child Abuse WV – http://www.preventchildabusewv.org
Type
of
Abuse
Physical
Indicators
Child
Behavioral
Indicators
Caregiver
Characteristics
Neglect
is
the
most
common
form
of
child
maltreatment.
Neglect
is
failure
to
provide
for
a
child’s
physical
survival
needs
to
the
extent
that
there
is
harm
or
risk
of
harm
to
the
child’s
health
or
safety.
Physical
neglect
may
include,
but
is
not
limited
to:
• abandonment.
• lack
of
supervision.
• lack
of
adequate
bathing
and
good
hygiene.
• lack
of
adequate
nutrition.
• lack
of
adequate
shelter.
• lack
of
medical
or
dental
care.
• lack
of
required
school
enrollment
or
attendance.
• consistent
hunger,
poor
hygiene,
inappropriate
dress.
• consistent
lack
of
supervision,
especially
in
dangerous
activities
of
long
periods.
• unattended
physical
problems
or
medical
needs,
including
vision
and
hearing
difficulties.
• continuous
lice
or
scabies,
distended
stomach,
emaciated.
• required
immunizations
neglected.
• abandonment.
• begging,
stealing
food.
• constant
fatigue,
listlessness,
or
falling
asleep.
• alcohol
or
drug
abuse.
• states
there
is
no
caregiver.
• frequently
absent.
• shunned
by
peers.
• self
destructive.
• misuses
alcohol
or
other
drugs.
• maintains
chaotic
home.
• evidence
of
apathy
or
hopelessness.
• mentally
ill
or
diminished
intelligence.
• history
of
neglect
as
a
child.
• consistent
failure
to
keep
appointments.
• leaving
child
unattended
in
vehicle.
NOTE: A child is neglected under West Virginia law [WV Code §49-1-3] when the
failure, refusal, or inability to provide for the child is not due primarily to a lack of
financial means on the part of the parent, guardian or custodian.

5. Making a Difference: Mandate to Report, Responsibility to Prevent Child Abuse & Neglect-
Participant Materials – Prevent Child Abuse WV – http://www.preventchildabusewv.org
Type
of
Abuse
Physical
Indicators
Child
Behavioral
Indicators
Caregiver
Characteristics
Sexual
abuse
is
defined
as
acts
of
sexual
assault,
sexual
abuse,
and
sexual
exploitation
of
minors.
Sexual
abuse
encompasses
a
broad
range
of
behavior
and
may
consist
of
many
acts
over
a
long
period
of
time
or
a
single
incident.
Victims
are
both
boys
and
girls,
and
range
in
age
from
less
than
one
year
through
adolescence.
• difficulty
in
walking
or
sitting.
• torn,
stained
or
bloody
underclothing
or
diaper.
• pain,
discomfort,
bleeding
or
itching
in
genital
area.
• bruises
or
bleeding
in
external
genitalia,
vaginal
or
anal
areas.
• venereal
disease.
• frequent
urinary
or
yeast
infections.
• encopresis
(fecal
soiling).
• massive
weight
change.
• unwilling
to
change
or
take
off
clothes.
• withdrawal,
chronic
depression
or
phobias.
• overly
compliant,
passive,
undemanding
behavior
aimed
at
maintaining
a
low
profile.
• hostility
or
aggression.
• bizarre
or
unusual
sexual
behavior
or
knowledge.
• detailed
and
age-­‐
inappropriate
understanding
of
sexual
behavior.
• unusually
seductive
behaviors
with
peers
and
adults.
• excessive
masturbation.
• poor
peer
relations.
• reports
sexual
abuse.
• threatened
by
physical
contact.
• suicide
attempt.
• role
reversal,
overly
concerned
for
siblings.
• unexplained
money
or
“gifts”.
• poor
self
esteem,
self
devaluation,
lack
of
confidence.
• regression
in
developmental
milestones,
and
lags
in
development.
• sleep
disturbances,
including
severe
nightmares.
• excessive
bathing
or
poor
hygiene.
• drawings
with
strong,
bizarre
sexual
theme.
• extremely
protective
or
jealous
of
child.
• encourages
child
to
engage
in
prostitution.
• encourages
child
to
engage
in
sexual
acts
in
presence
of
caregiver.
• sexually
abused
as
a
child.
• misuses
alcohol
or
other
drugs.
• non-­‐abusing
caregiver/spous
e
is
frequently
absent
• from
the
home,
permitting
access
to
child
by
abusing
caregiver/
spouse.

6. Making a Difference: Mandate to Report, Responsibility to Prevent Child Abuse & Neglect-
Participant Materials – Prevent Child Abuse WV – http://www.preventchildabusewv.org
Type
of
Abuse
Physical
Indicators
Child
Behavioral
Indicators
Caregiver
Characteristics
Emotional
maltreatment
can
include
patterns
of:
• verbal
assaults,
including
screaming,
intimidating,
rejecting,
ridiculing,
threatening,
blaming,
sarcasm.
• ignoring
and
indifference.
• constant
family
conflict.
Cases
of
emotional
abuse
are
extremely
difficult
to
prove.
A
cause
and
effect
relationship
between
the
parent
or
caregiver’s
acts
and
the
child’s
response
must
be
established.
• speech
disorders.
• lags
in
physical
development.
• failure
to
thrive.
• conduct
disorders
(antisocial,
destructive).
• neurotic
traits
(sleep
disorders,
inhibition
of
play).
• behavior
extremes:
compliant,
passive,
undemanding,
aggressive,
demanding,
rageful.
• overly
adaptive
behavior:
“Parents”
other
children
inappropriately.
• inappropriately
infantile
or
emotionally
needy.
• self-­‐destructive,
attempted
suicide.
• Not
meeting
a
child’s
educational
needs
such
as
failing
to
enroll
a
child
in
school,
refusing
recommended
remedial
services
without
good
reason,
or
repeatedly
keeping
a
child
out
of
school
without
good
reason.
• blames
or
belittles
child.
• ignores
or
rejects.
• withholds
love.
• treats
siblings
unequally.
• seems
unconcerned
about
child’s
problems.
• unreasonable
demands
or
impossible
expectations
without
regard
to
child’s
developmental
capacity.

7. Making a Difference: Mandate to Report, Responsibility to Prevent Child Abuse & Neglect –
Participant Materials – Prevent Child Abuse WV – http://www.preventchildabusewv.org
Who Must Report
Anyone may report suspected abuse or neglect; however, under West Virginia law [WV
Code §49-2-803.], certain persons are required to report. These persons include:
o medical, dental or mental health professionals
o Christian Science practitioners
o religious healers
o school teachers and other school personnel
o social service workers
o child care or foster care workers
o emergency medical services personnel
o peace officers or law enforcement officials
o members of the clergy
o circuit court judges, family court judges, or magistrates
o humane officers
o youth camp administrator or counselor*
o employee, coach or volunteer of an entity that provides organized activities for
children*
o commercial film or photographic print processor*
* New requirement effective June 8, 2012 as required by SB 161.
Additional Requirements Regarding Child Sexual Abuse
Reporting Per SB161 (effective June 8, 2012)
Any person over 18 who receives a disclosure from a credible witness or observes any
sexual abuse or sexual assault of a child shall report the circumstances or cause a report
to be made to the Department or the State Police or other law-enforcement agency
having jurisdiction. Reports shall be made immediately and not more than 48 hours
after receiving such a disclosure or observing the sexual abuse.
If the reporter feels that reporting the alleged sexual abuse will expose themselves, the
child, the reporter's children or other children in the subjects household to an increased
threat of serious bodily injury, the individual may delay making the report while he or
she undertakes measures to remove themselves or the affected children from the
perceived threat of additional harm. The individual must make the report as soon as
practical after the threat of harm has been reduced.

8. Making a Difference: Mandate to Report, Responsibility to Prevent Child Abuse & Neglect –
Participant Materials – Prevent Child Abuse WV – http://www.preventchildabusewv.org
New Requirements Regarding School Personnel Reporting
of Sexual Abuse Per HB2939 (effective June 12, 2015)
§49-2-803. Persons mandated to report suspected abuse and neglect;
requirements
New Subsections:
(c) Any school teacher or other school personnel who receives a disclosure from a witness,
which a reasonable prudent person would deem credible, or personally observes any sexual
contact, sexual intercourse or sexual intrusion, as those terms are defined in article eight-b,
chapter sixty-one, of a child on school premises or on school buses or on transportation used in
furtherance of a school purpose shall immediately, but not more than 24 hours, report
the circumstances or cause a report to be made to the State Police or other law-enforcement
agency having jurisdiction to investigate the report: Provided, That this subsection will not
impose any reporting duty upon school teachers or other school personnel who observe, or
receive a disclosure of any consensual sexual contact, intercourse, or intrusion occurring
between students who would not otherwise be subject to section three, five, seven or nine of
article eight-8, chapter sixty-one of this code: Provided, however, That any teacher or other
school personnel shall not be in violation of this section if he or she makes known immediately,
but not more than 24 hours to the principal, assistant principal or similar person in charge, a
disclosure from a witness, which a reasonable prudent person would deem credible, or
personal observation of conduct described in this section: Provided further, That a principal,
assistant principal or similar person in charge made aware of such disclosure or observation
from a teacher or other school personnel shall be responsible for immediately, but not
more than 24 hours, reporting such conduct to law enforcement.
(d) County boards of education and private school administrators shall provide all employees
with a written statement setting forth the requirement contained in this subsection and shall
obtain and preserve a signed acknowledgment from school employees that they have received
and understand the reporting requirement.
(e) The reporting requirements contained in this section specifically include reported,
disclosed or observed conduct involving or between students enrolled in a public or private
institution of education, or involving a student and school teacher or personnel. When the
alleged conduct is between two students or between a student and school teacher or personnel,
the law enforcement body that received the report under this section is required to make such
a report under this section shall additionally immediately, but not more than 24 hours, notify
the students’ parents, guardians, and custodians about the allegations.
(f) Nothing in this article is intended to prevent individuals from reporting suspected abuse or
neglect on their own behalf. In addition to those persons and officials specifically required to
report situations involving suspected abuse or neglect of children, any other person may make
a report if that person has reasonable cause to suspect that a child has been abused or
neglected in a home or institution or observes the child being subjected to conditions or
circumstances that would reasonably result in abuse or neglect.

9. Making a Difference: Mandate to Report, Responsibility to Prevent Child Abuse & Neglect –
Participant Materials – Prevent Child Abuse WV – http://www.preventchildabusewv.org
Am I Protected if I Report?
West Virginia law provides immunity from civil or criminal liability for persons
reporting abuse in good faith.
To Whom Do You Report?
When you suspect that a child is being abused or neglected you should report your
concerns to the Child Protective Services (CPS) unit in the county office of the
Department of Health and Human Resources where you live.
Reports can also be made to the Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline (1-800-352-6513)
seven days a week, 24 hours a day. For serious physical abuse and sexual abuse, also
contact the state police and local law enforcement.
What is the penalty for failing to report?
In addition to a moral obligation for all adults to report, WV Code §49-2-812
establishes the following penalties for failure to report as required by West
Virginia law:
§49-2-812. Failure to report; penalty.
(a) Any person, official or institution required by this article to report a case involving
a child known or suspected to be abused or neglected, or required by section eight
hundred nine of this article to forward a copy of a report of serious injury, who
knowingly fails to do so or knowingly prevents another person acting reasonably from
doing so, is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be confined in jail not
more than ninety days or fined not more than $5,000, or both fined and confined.
(b) Any person, official or institution required by this article to report a case involving
a child known or suspected to be sexually assaulted or sexually abused, or student
known or suspected to have been a victim of any non-consensual sexual contact, sexual
intercourse or sexual intrusion on school premises, who knowingly fails to do so or
knowingly prevents another person acting reasonably from doing so, is guilty of a
misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be confined in jail not more than six
months or fined not more than $10,000, or both.
Any person, official or institution required by this article to report a case involving a
child known or suspected to be abused or neglected, or required by section five of this
article to forward a copy of a report of serious injury, who knowingly fails to do so or
knowingly prevents another person acting reasonably from doing so, is guilty of a
misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be confined in jail not more than
thirty days or fined not more than $5,000, or both.

10. Making a Difference: Mandate to Report, Responsibility to Prevent Child Abuse & Neglect –
Participant Materials – Prevent Child Abuse WV – http://www.preventchildabusewv.org
Types of Disclosures
1. Indirect Hints
Examples
♦ "My brother wouldn't let me sleep last night."
♦ "Mr. Jones wears funny underwear."
♦ "My babysitter keeps bothering me."
♦ "I don't like it when my mother leaves me alone with my uncle."
Explanation
A child may talk in these terms because he or she hasn't
learned more specific vocabulary, feels ashamed or
embarrassed, has promised not to tell, or for a combination of
those reasons.
2. Disguised Disclosure
Examples
♦ "I know someone who is being touched in a bad way."
♦ "What would happen if a girl told someone she was being
molested, but the person did not believe her?"
Explanation
A person may be talking about someone she or he knows, but is
just as likely to be talking about himself or herself. Encourage
the individual to tell you what he or she knows about the
"other person." Then ask whether something like what is being
said has ever happened to him or her.
3. Disclosures with Strings Attached
Examples
♦ "I have a problem, but if I tell you, you have to promise not to tell."
Explanation
Many people believe something very negative will happen if they
break the secret of maltreatment. The child may have been
threatened by the offender to ensure his or her silence. Let the
person know that there are some secrets that you just can't
keep. Assure the individual that your job is to protect the child
and keep him/her safe. Let the person know you will keep it as
confidential as possible, but that you are required by law to make
a report.

11. Making a Difference: Mandate to Report, Responsibility to Prevent Child Abuse & Neglect –
Participant Materials – Prevent Child Abuse WV – http://www.preventchildabusewv.org
What to do When a Child or Adult Discloses
1. Find a private place to talk with the person.
2. Reassure the person making the disclosure.
a. "I believe you."
b. "I am glad you told me."
c. "It is not your fault this happened," (if talking to the child).
d. Affirm that maltreatment is wrong.
3. Listen openly and calmly, with minimal
interruptions. Try to keep your own emotions and
nonverbal cues neutral.
4. Write down the facts and words as the person has stated
them. Use the child’s own vocabulary.
5. Do not promise not to tell. Know your limits. This is not a
situation you can handle by yourself. However, do not discuss
what the child told you with anyone who is not directly
involved in helping the child.
6. Tell the truth. Don’t make promises you can’t keep,
particularly relating to secrecy, court involvement, placement
and social worker decisions.
7. Be specific. Let the child know exactly what is going to
happen. Tell the child that you must report the abuse or
neglect to Child Protective Services. Tell the child that a
social worker who helps families with these kinds of problems
may be coming to talk with the child.
8. Assess the child’s immediate safety. Is the child in
immediate physical danger? Is it a crisis? Are there others in
the home who can protect the child?
9. Be supportive. Remember why the child came to you. The
child needs your help, support and guidance. Reassure the
child that telling about the abuse or neglect was the right
thing to do. It is the only way to make it stop.
10. Report the disclosure within 48 Hours to Child
Protective Services. Call the toll-free CPS Hotline at 1-
800-352-6513. For serious physical abuse and sexual abuse,
also contact the state police and local law enforcement.

12. Making a Difference: Mandate to Report, Responsibility to Prevent Child Abuse & Neglect –
Participant Materials – Prevent Child Abuse WV – http://www.preventchildabusewv.org
What NOT to Say When Someone Discloses To You
1. Don't ask "why" questions such as
• "Why didn't you stop him or her?"
• "Why are you telling me this?"
2. Don't say "Are you sure this is happening?"
3. Don't ask "Are you telling the truth?"
4. Don't say "Let me know if it happens again."
5. Don't ask "What did you do to make this happen?"
If someone does make a disclosure, don't try to get all the details.
Listen attentively and ask him/her if he/she wants to say anything else. If she chooses to
say nothing more, then proceed to notify the designated official as soon as possible and
follow the steps outlined by your church/agency policy. Also, write down the actual words
used in the disclosure and your interaction with the individual. This first statement made
spontaneously has forensic significance to the investigators and the exact words can be
important.
Above all, MINIMIZE the number of questions you ask and avoid the use of leading
questions (questions that suggest an answer) e.g., "Did your uncle touch you in the
private area too? Was he wearing a blue jacket?"

13. Making a Difference: Mandate to Report, Responsibility to Prevent Child Abuse & Neglect –
Participant Materials – Prevent Child Abuse WV – http://www.preventchildabusewv.org
What Happens When You Make a Report
Your job as a mandated reporter is to assure that CPS is contacted whenever you
reasonably suspect that a child has been abused or neglected or subject to conditions
where abuse or neglect is likely to occur. Even if your report does not result in a case
being accepted for investigation, it is always best to err on the side of caution and report
your concerns. Your report may provide a key piece of information that will be helpful to
CPS during a future investigation.
When making a report, the mandated reporter may be asked information concerning the
following:
• Client – family demographics including name, age, gender, race and ethnicity for
members of the household and their relationship to each other: the family’s address
and phone number; the adults’ place of employment and child’s school or childcare,
when applicable.
• Alleged child abuse and/or neglect
• Specific caregiver behavior indicative of child abuse and neglect
• Events and circumstances associated with or accompanying the child abuse or
neglect
• Effects of child abuse or neglect; present danger and/or impending danger;
caregiver behavior on child; child’s condition resulting from the child abuse or
neglect; and/or family condition
• Available information about the child(ren) including:
o General condition and functioning
o Location
o State of mind/emotion; specific fear
o Proximity of threat
o Access to those who can help and protect
• Available information about the caregiver(s) including:
o General functioning
o General parenting
o General state of mind/emotion
o Current location
o Community relations
o Employment
o Use of substances
o Mental health functioning
o Attitudes toward/perceptions of child(ren)
o Previous relevant history, including CPS history
o Likely response to CPS

14. Making a Difference: Mandate to Report, Responsibility to Prevent Child Abuse & Neglect –
Participant Materials – Prevent Child Abuse WV – http://www.preventchildabusewv.org
• Available information about the family including:
o Domestic violence, including power, control, entitlement
o Living arrangements
o Household composition
o Household activity - including people in and out
o Condition of residence
• Description of any possible/likely emergency circumstances
• Identification of protective adults who are or may be available.
• The reporter’s name, relationship to the family, motivation and source of
information, if possible; why the reporter is reporting now; and any actions that the
reporter suggests should occur.
• Information concerning the name and contact information for biological parents
who are not subject of the report.
• The names and contact information of other people with information regarding the
child or family.
Please be aware your initial report to CPS will take longer than it has in the
past, due to the implementation of the SAMS (Safety Assessment and
Management System) Model.

15. Making a Difference: Mandate to Report, Responsibility to Prevent Child Abuse & Neglect –
Participant Materials – Prevent Child Abuse WV – http://www.preventchildabusewv.org
Report
received by
DHHR
Thorough
intake
assessment
occurs
Interview
findings
conveyed to CPS
Supervisor
Does
information
indicate abuse or
neglect or
likelihood of
abuse or
neglect?
Yes
Assign to Case
Worker for
assessment
Is the child unsafe
or does child need
protected?
Yes
Open Case for
ongoing CPS
Can the child be
safely kept in their
home with formal/
informal supports?
Yes
Implement an
in-home
safety plan
No
Implement an out of
home safety plan by
petitioning the courts
to place the child in a
safe environment
Conduct a Family
Assessment in order to
determine what must
change for the child to
be safe and not need
protected.
Develop and
implement
treatment plan.
Ongoing Safety
Management.
Service provision
based upon
treatment plan.
Case review to
determine if parental
conduct and behaviors
have changed causing
the child to no longer
need protection.
Yes
Transition the
family to case
closure.
No
Modify treatment
plan if necessary.
No No
Refer family
to Community
Resources if
indicated and
close the case
for CPS
Safety is continually
assessed to Ensure
in-home safety plan
controls the threat.
If it doesn't, Then
Out-of-Home Safety
Plan is requested.
Reporting Suspected Abuse or Neglect in West Virginia
Child Abuse & Neglect Hotline
1-800-352-6513