Navigating CPS Issues Within Schools

Lyndon B. Johnson Elementary 2012-2013

What is Abuse and Neglect?

Child abuse is an act or omission that endangers or impairs a child’s physical, mental, or emotional health and development.

Types of Abuse/Neglect

ABUSE: Physical Abuse Sexual Abuse Emotional Abuse

NEGLECT: Physical Neglect Medical Neglect Neglectful Supervision Abandonment Refusal to Accept Parental

Responsibility

CPS Responsibilities:

Conduct civil investigations of reported child abuse and neglect.

Protect children from abuse and neglect. Promote the safety, integrity, and stability of

families. Provide permanent placements for children

who cannot safely remain with their own families.

Issues Challenging Families

Poverty (SB 758) Limited Parenting

Knowledge Mental Health

Issues Substance Abuse Family Violence

Parental Substance Abuse Major Factor in

Child Welfare Cases

Nationally 50-90% of all cases.

Parental substance abuse long standing problem >5 years.

Locally around 70% of cases involving removals.

Domestic Violence

50% Co-Occurrance Hearing a Violent Event Direct Involvement

(Eyewitness, Intervener, Used in Violent Episode)

Experience Aftermath of Violent Episode

Impacted behaviorally, cognitively, and long-term.

Schools Know Everything…

Significant events at home.

Parent involvement. Observations in formal

and informal settings. Extracurricular

activities. Behavior patterns. Special needs.

Responding to Abuse

Do not promise you will keep a secret.

Do not promise protection you cannot deliver.

Do not talk bad about the perpetrator.

If you have an outcry it is important to listen and not cut the child’s disclosure short.

Someone Else Will Report It…

Statistically 1/3 report suspected abuse.

TFC mandates anyone who suspects to report.

“Cannot delegate” (TFC 261.101)

Failure To Report

Failure to report suspected abuse is a Class B misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to 180 days and/or a fine of up to $2000. In addition, any licenses, certifications or other credentials can be revoked.

Reporting in School Settings The person who heard the

outcry or has the most knowledge of what is happening with the child should make the report. Additional individuals may be listed as collateral sources in the report.

Alternative numbers are very helpful in planning investigation.

Will Report Be Investigated?

Report must meet statutory definitions and/or indicate reason to believe child is or will be harmed.

Legislation mandates screening cases and establishing a flexible response system to focus on serious cases.

1-800-252-5400

https://www.txabusehotline.org

FERPA

Information in student records at an educational institution shall be made available on the request of a person conducting a child abuse investigation required by Subchapter D, Chapter 261, Family Code.

Texas Government Code Section 552.114 (b) (3)

Thank you

L.Ortiz/Counselor