Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect · Facts: • Each year, more than three million cases of child...

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Reporting Child Abuse and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect Neglect What School Officials Can Do What School Officials Can Do Department of Children and Families Department of Children and Families Division of Youth and Family Services Division of Youth and Family Services

Transcript of Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect · Facts: • Each year, more than three million cases of child...

Page 1: Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect · Facts: • Each year, more than three million cases of child abuse and neglect are reported to authorities in the United States* • As many as

Reporting Child Abuse and Reporting Child Abuse and NeglectNeglect

What School Officials Can DoWhat School Officials Can Do

Department of Children and FamiliesDepartment of Children and FamiliesDivision of Youth and Family ServicesDivision of Youth and Family Services

Page 2: Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect · Facts: • Each year, more than three million cases of child abuse and neglect are reported to authorities in the United States* • As many as

Facts:Facts:

•• Each year, more than three million cases of child abuse Each year, more than three million cases of child abuse and neglect are reported to authorities in the United and neglect are reported to authorities in the United States*States*

•• As many as four children die each day from abuse*As many as four children die each day from abuse*

•• About oneAbout one‐‐third of abused children later abuse their own third of abused children later abuse their own children*children*

•• Schools are the largest reporters of child abuse to DYFS.Schools are the largest reporters of child abuse to DYFS.

* Source: Child Welfare Information Gateway  * Source: Child Welfare Information Gateway  

Page 3: Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect · Facts: • Each year, more than three million cases of child abuse and neglect are reported to authorities in the United States* • As many as

Reports to Child Abuse/Neglect HotlineReports to Child Abuse/Neglect Hotline

In 2006, 65,834 referrals were received by the In 2006, 65,834 referrals were received by the hotline, which included:hotline, which included:

53,819 Child Protection Referrals53,819 Child Protection Referrals(child abuse and neglect)(child abuse and neglect)12,015 Family Services Requests 12,015 Family Services Requests 

Historically, about 20% of investigated child Historically, about 20% of investigated child abuse/neglect referrals are substantiated each abuse/neglect referrals are substantiated each year.year.

Page 4: Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect · Facts: • Each year, more than three million cases of child abuse and neglect are reported to authorities in the United States* • As many as

Prepared March, 2007

Division of Youth and Family ServicesReferral Sources for All Reports and Requests

CY 2006Total = 65,834

Other Gov'tAgency

7%

Anonymous15% Self

1%

School22%

Relative5%

Parent10%

Legal &Court1%

Police12%

DYFS6%

Friend/Neighbor/Community

7%

Health12%

Facility2%

Page 5: Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect · Facts: • Each year, more than three million cases of child abuse and neglect are reported to authorities in the United States* • As many as

Department of Children and FamiliesDepartment of Children and Families

•• This new cabinetThis new cabinet‐‐level department was created in level department was created in July 2006 by Governor Corzine.July 2006 by Governor Corzine.

•• Consists of several offices and divisions Consists of several offices and divisions ‐‐including DYFS including DYFS ‐‐ that were formerly part of the that were formerly part of the Department of Human Services.Department of Human Services.

•• Focuses on child protection, child welfare, Focuses on child protection, child welfare, permanency, education, child behavioral health, permanency, education, child behavioral health, and prevention of child abuse and neglect.and prevention of child abuse and neglect.

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Monmouth County StatisticsMonmouth County StatisticsAs of August, 2008:As of August, 2008:

–– 1264 total families1264 total families–– 2556 active children2556 active children–– 510 in510 in‐‐home caseshome cases–– 331 placement cases331 placement cases

••519 children in 519 children in placementplacement

–– 423 investigation cases423 investigation cases

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The DYFS Local Office MakeupThe DYFS Local Office Makeup

•• Intake:Intake: Investigates all allegations of abuse and Investigates all allegations of abuse and neglect and conducts child welfare neglect and conducts child welfare assessments.assessments.

•• PermanencyPermanency: On: On‐‐going case management to going case management to provide supervision and services to children provide supervision and services to children and families.and families.

•• Foster and Relative CareFoster and Relative Care: Facilitates the : Facilitates the recruitment, development, and case recruitment, development, and case management for all resource family homes.management for all resource family homes.

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The DYFS Local Office Makeup The DYFS Local Office Makeup (cont.)(cont.)

•• Adoption:Adoption: Case management for children who Case management for children who may need adoptive homes.may need adoptive homes.

•• Clerical:Clerical: Provides support to field staff and Provides support to field staff and crucial data entry tasks, and processes all crucial data entry tasks, and processes all financial payments.financial payments.

•• Support Staff:Support Staff: Provides an integral part of field Provides an integral part of field staff support in operations, policy, and staff support in operations, policy, and procedures.procedures.

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Healthcare Related ServicesHealthcare Related Services

•• Each Local DYFS Office Each Local DYFS Office is staffed with a child is staffed with a child health nurse and staff health nurse and staff assistants from UMDNJ.assistants from UMDNJ.

•• Provides direct care and Provides direct care and information and referral information and referral links to families to help links to families to help navigate the healthcare navigate the healthcare systemsystem..

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The Child Protection Substance The Child Protection Substance Abuse InitiativeAbuse Initiative

•• Each DYFS Office is staffed with subEach DYFS Office is staffed with sub‐‐contracted Certified Alcohol and Drug contracted Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselors along with other support staff Counselors along with other support staff to facilitate substance abuse evaluations to facilitate substance abuse evaluations and assessments.and assessments.

•• Information and referral services to Information and referral services to facilitate substance abuse treatment is also facilitate substance abuse treatment is also provided.provided.

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What is Child Abuse and Neglect?What is Child Abuse and Neglect?

AA child who is under the age of 18child who is under the age of 18 is considered to be is considered to be abused or neglected when a abused or neglected when a parentparent or or caregivercaregiver::

Inflicts or allows to be inflicted physical injury by Inflicts or allows to be inflicted physical injury by other than accidental means that creates substantial other than accidental means that creates substantial harm or risk of substantial harm.harm or risk of substantial harm.

Fails to provide proper supervision or adequate food, Fails to provide proper supervision or adequate food, clothing, shelter, education or medical care although clothing, shelter, education or medical care although financially able or assisted to do so.financially able or assisted to do so.

Commits or allows to be committed an act of sexual Commits or allows to be committed an act of sexual abuse against a child.abuse against a child.

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What are the common signs of abuse?What are the common signs of abuse?•• Indicators of physical abuse:Indicators of physical abuse: unexplainedunexplained bruises, bruises, 

welts, burns, lacerations, fractures, abrasions, etc.welts, burns, lacerations, fractures, abrasions, etc.

•• Indicators of sexual abuse:Indicators of sexual abuse: complaints regarding complaints regarding genital/anal areas, sexually transmitted diseases, genital/anal areas, sexually transmitted diseases, unusual knowledge about or preoccupation with sex.unusual knowledge about or preoccupation with sex.

•• Indicators of neglect:Indicators of neglect: consistent hunger, poor hygiene, consistent hunger, poor hygiene, inappropriate dress, lack of supervision. inappropriate dress, lack of supervision. 

•• Indicators of emotional difficulties for which abuse Indicators of emotional difficulties for which abuse may be considered may include:may be considered may include: aggressive or aggressive or withdrawn behavior, unusual fears, running away, withdrawn behavior, unusual fears, running away, sudden change in mood or behavior.sudden change in mood or behavior.

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Parental Substance AbuseParental Substance Abuse

•• Substance abuse alone by a parent is NOT child Substance abuse alone by a parent is NOT child abuse/neglect.  It may contribute to abuse/neglect.abuse/neglect.  It may contribute to abuse/neglect.

•• Abuse/Neglect focus is Abuse/Neglect focus is impact on the childimpact on the child

•• Is the Is the childchild being neglected or at risk of harm due to a being neglected or at risk of harm due to a parent’s misuse of drugs or alcohol?parent’s misuse of drugs or alcohol?

•• Is the parent allowing the child access to drugs or Is the parent allowing the child access to drugs or alcohol?alcohol?

•• Does the newborn have Fetal Alcohol Syndrome? Does the newborn have Fetal Alcohol Syndrome? 

•• Has the newborn infant tested positive for drugs? Has the newborn infant tested positive for drugs? 

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Educational NeglectEducational Neglect•• Failure to enroll a school age child (between age 6 andFailure to enroll a school age child (between age 6 and 

16) in school 16) in school –– HomeHome‐‐schooling is NOT Educational Neglectschooling is NOT Educational Neglect

•• A schoolA school‐‐age child is enrolled but is failing to attend on a age child is enrolled but is failing to attend on a regular basisregular basis–– Parent failing to take action to correct the problemParent failing to take action to correct the problem–– Parent is actively preventing attendanceParent is actively preventing attendance

•• Schools must take action Schools must take action firstfirst and exhaust remedies and exhaust remedies •• Call if questions arise as educational neglect may be part Call if questions arise as educational neglect may be part 

of a larger neglect concernof a larger neglect concern

Page 15: Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect · Facts: • Each year, more than three million cases of child abuse and neglect are reported to authorities in the United States* • As many as

What are my obligations to report What are my obligations to report child abuse/neglect?child abuse/neglect?

By state law (N.J.S.A.9:6By state law (N.J.S.A.9:6‐‐8.10 8.10 and 18A:36and 18A:36‐‐25)  and NJDOE 25)  and NJDOE regulations (N.J.A.C. 6A:16regulations (N.J.A.C. 6A:16‐‐11.1), any person having 11.1), any person having reasonable cause to believe reasonable cause to believe that a child has been abused that a child has been abused or neglected is required to or neglected is required to notify the Division of Youth notify the Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS).and Family Services (DYFS).

Page 16: Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect · Facts: • Each year, more than three million cases of child abuse and neglect are reported to authorities in the United States* • As many as

What are my obligations to report What are my obligations to report child abuse/neglect?child abuse/neglect?

•• In compliance with NJ DOE regulations, In compliance with NJ DOE regulations, after reporting to DYFS, any school district after reporting to DYFS, any school district employee, volunteer or intern must employee, volunteer or intern must inform the principal or other designated inform the principal or other designated school official so that law enforcement school official so that law enforcement authorities can be notified.authorities can be notified.

Page 17: Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect · Facts: • Each year, more than three million cases of child abuse and neglect are reported to authorities in the United States* • As many as

What if I suspect abuse and DO What if I suspect abuse and DO NOT report it?NOT report it?

•• Knowingly not reporting abuseKnowingly not reporting abuse or neglect can have devastating or neglect can have devastating consequences on a child and consequences on a child and legal consequences on people legal consequences on people who do not report!who do not report!–– Any person who knowingly fails Any person who knowingly fails 

to report suspected abuse to report suspected abuse according to the law is a according to the law is a disorderly person and subject to a disorderly person and subject to a fine up to $1,000 or up to 6 fine up to $1,000 or up to 6 months in prison, or both!months in prison, or both!

Page 18: Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect · Facts: • Each year, more than three million cases of child abuse and neglect are reported to authorities in the United States* • As many as

Child Abuse/Neglect HotlineChild Abuse/Neglect Hotline(State Central Registry)(State Central Registry)

OperatesOperates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to receive 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to receive reports. reports. 

11‐‐877877‐‐ NJ ABUSENJ ABUSE11‐‐877877‐‐652652‐‐28732873

Reports of suspected child abuse and neglect and requests Reports of suspected child abuse and neglect and requests for child welfare services are screened.for child welfare services are screened.All calls are recorded for quality assurance purposes.All calls are recorded for quality assurance purposes.All reports of child abuse and neglect are investigated All reports of child abuse and neglect are investigated within 24 hours, or sooner if the need exists.within 24 hours, or sooner if the need exists.

Page 19: Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect · Facts: • Each year, more than three million cases of child abuse and neglect are reported to authorities in the United States* • As many as

Call 1Call 1‐‐877 NJ ABUSE if there is 877 NJ ABUSE if there is reasonable belief of risk to a child reasonable belief of risk to a child 

* Call * Call as soon as possible: as soon as possible: –– When you see signs of abuse or neglectWhen you see signs of abuse or neglect–– When a child tells you about the abuse or neglectWhen a child tells you about the abuse or neglect–– When you witness abuse or neglectWhen you witness abuse or neglect–– When a parent/other individual tells you about abuseWhen a parent/other individual tells you about abuse

•• Call early in the day: Call early in the day: The investigator has time to plan The investigator has time to plan the response and may be able to see the child at school.the response and may be able to see the child at school.

•• Be supportiveBe supportive of the child!of the child!

Page 20: Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect · Facts: • Each year, more than three million cases of child abuse and neglect are reported to authorities in the United States* • As many as

How do I make a report?How do I make a report?•• All reports of child abuse should be made All reports of child abuse should be made immediately by YOUimmediately by YOU by calling 1by calling 1‐‐877877‐‐NJ ABUSE NJ ABUSE (652(652‐‐2873)2873)

•• Some school policies require that the person Some school policies require that the person reporting the alleged abuse and/or neglect shall reporting the alleged abuse and/or neglect shall inform the principal that a report has been made inform the principal that a report has been made to DYFS.to DYFS.

•• However, the principal need not be given notice However, the principal need not be given notice if the reporter feels it may endanger the reporter if the reporter feels it may endanger the reporter or child involved.or child involved.

•• Make sure you are familiar with your school’sMake sure you are familiar with your school’spolicies.policies.

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YOU SHOULD KNOW…YOU SHOULD KNOW…•• Names of reporters of child abuse and neglect are Names of reporters of child abuse and neglect are 

confidential.  However, in the event of court action, their confidential.  However, in the event of court action, their identities may be revealed during litigation. identities may be revealed during litigation. 

•• Calls can be made anonymously, but… Calls can be made anonymously, but… 

•• The investigator may need to clarify information with The investigator may need to clarify information with the reporter, or have additional questions.the reporter, or have additional questions.

•• School staff may be entitled to feedback, under certain School staff may be entitled to feedback, under certain circumstances (e.g., reporters can be informed whether circumstances (e.g., reporters can be informed whether services will be provided to the family or child services will be provided to the family or child involved).involved).

Page 22: Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect · Facts: • Each year, more than three million cases of child abuse and neglect are reported to authorities in the United States* • As many as

Details Make a Difference Details Make a Difference –– if you if you knowknow

•• Who Who ‐‐ Identify the people involved Identify the people involved –– the child, the the child, the alleged perpetrator, the perpetrator’s relationship to the alleged perpetrator, the perpetrator’s relationship to the child; parents, siblings, others in the home; dates of child; parents, siblings, others in the home; dates of birth, addressesbirth, addresses

•• What What ‐‐What type of abuse/neglect is suspected? What type of abuse/neglect is suspected? Describe the incident. What happened that caused your Describe the incident. What happened that caused your concern? What is the child’s current condition?concern? What is the child’s current condition?

•• Where Where ‐‐Where did the incident take place? Where is the Where did the incident take place? Where is the child now? Does the alleged perpetrator have access to child now? Does the alleged perpetrator have access to the child?the child?

Page 23: Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect · Facts: • Each year, more than three million cases of child abuse and neglect are reported to authorities in the United States* • As many as

Details Make a Difference Details Make a Difference ‐‐ if you if you know (cont’d)know (cont’d)

•• When When ‐‐When did the incident happen? What is When did the incident happen? What is the frequency of the abuse/neglect?  When did the frequency of the abuse/neglect?  When did you learn about it?you learn about it?

•• How How ‐‐ How urgent is the need for intervention? How urgent is the need for intervention? Is there a likelihood of danger for the Is there a likelihood of danger for the caseworker?caseworker?

•• School personnel also should let DYFS know School personnel also should let DYFS know whenwhen and and howhow the child will be released from the child will be released from school to ensure the child’s safety.  school to ensure the child’s safety.  

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Hotline Decision OptionsHotline Decision Options•• Abuse/Neglect Report: Meets the standards of Abuse/Neglect Report: Meets the standards of one or more defined allegations.one or more defined allegations.–– Immediate responseImmediate response–– 2424‐‐hour responsehour response

•• Child Welfare Assessment: Need for social Child Welfare Assessment: Need for social services but no identified risk to the child.services but no identified risk to the child.–– Immediate responseImmediate response–– 7272‐‐hour responsehour response

•• Information and referral.Information and referral.•• Information only.Information only.

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New Jersey Child Abuse LawNew Jersey Child Abuse LawTitle 9 Title 9 

•• Provides DYFS the authority to investigate Provides DYFS the authority to investigate reports of child abuse and neglect. The law reports of child abuse and neglect. The law states DYFS shall immediately take such action states DYFS shall immediately take such action as is necessary to ensure the safety of the child.as is necessary to ensure the safety of the child.

•• This includes child interviews in a school setting This includes child interviews in a school setting without parental consent.without parental consent.

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Title 9 (continued)Title 9 (continued)

•• When DYFS receives When DYFS receives a report of child a report of child abuse and neglect or abuse and neglect or receives a request receives a request from the superior from the superior court, DYFS may court, DYFS may request of any and all request of any and all institutions and institutions and agencies their records agencies their records pertaining to that pertaining to that child.child.

•• DYFS may seek court DYFS may seek court orders through the orders through the superior court to superior court to investigate allegations investigate allegations of abuse or neglect, to of abuse or neglect, to gain custody of a gain custody of a child, or for care and child, or for care and supervision of a child.supervision of a child.

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Child Welfare AssessmentChild Welfare Assessment

•• The report does not meet the criteria of The report does not meet the criteria of any specific allegation of abuse or neglect.any specific allegation of abuse or neglect.

•• The Child Welfare assessment may lead to The Child Welfare assessment may lead to the provision of services.the provision of services.

•• The acceptance of services is The acceptance of services is voluntaryvoluntary..•• An investigator will respond within 3 An investigator will respond within 3 days of a referral.days of a referral.

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New Jersey Child Welfare LawNew Jersey Child Welfare LawTitle 30Title 30

•• When DYFS receives a report that a child and or When DYFS receives a report that a child and or family may be in need of DYFS services and or family may be in need of DYFS services and or other social services.other social services.

•• Under title 30 DYFS may provide services to Under title 30 DYFS may provide services to remedy conditions that do not rise to the level of remedy conditions that do not rise to the level of title 9.title 9.

•• Title 30 services can be provided with the Title 30 services can be provided with the consent of the parent or court order requiring or consent of the parent or court order requiring or authorizing services. authorizing services. 

•• The title 30 law covers adoption and the The title 30 law covers adoption and the severing of parental rights.severing of parental rights.

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Investigation by DYFSInvestigation by DYFSCiting consistency with a cooperative effort, State Board ofCiting consistency with a cooperative effort, State Board of 

Education procedures state that appropriate local school Education procedures state that appropriate local school officials and employees shall:officials and employees shall:Release to agency representatives all records past and Release to agency representatives all records past and present pertaining to the child and children under present pertaining to the child and children under investigation.investigation.Permit the representative to physically view the child or Permit the representative to physically view the child or children in question.children in question.Permit the representative to interview such child or Permit the representative to interview such child or children in the presence of a school official.children in the presence of a school official.Permit the representative to interview any and all Permit the representative to interview any and all personnel who may have knowledge germane to the personnel who may have knowledge germane to the investigation.investigation.

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Safety FactorsSafety Factors

•• Safety factors are elements of imminent or Safety factors are elements of imminent or emergent child and family situations that emergent child and family situations that present an immediate need for present an immediate need for intervention and remediation to keep a intervention and remediation to keep a child safe. DYFS must take necessary child safe. DYFS must take necessary actions to ensure the safety of the child.actions to ensure the safety of the child.

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Risk FactorsRisk Factors

•• The chance of maltreatment. Children and The chance of maltreatment. Children and families needing DYFS supervision and families needing DYFS supervision and supportive/protective services whose supportive/protective services whose needs are not of an immediate/emergent needs are not of an immediate/emergent nature.nature.

•• DYFS provides services and supervision DYFS provides services and supervision to thousands of at risk children who reside to thousands of at risk children who reside in their own home each year.in their own home each year.

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Removing a Child From SchoolRemoving a Child From School•• In physical abuse situations when the parent is assessed to be aIn physical abuse situations when the parent is assessed to be a

threat to the physical safety of the child, or in domestic violethreat to the physical safety of the child, or in domestic violence nce situations physical injury to the non abusive parent and the polsituations physical injury to the non abusive parent and the police ice are unable or unwilling to escort the caseworker to the home.are unable or unwilling to escort the caseworker to the home.

•• In emotional and or sex abuse situations, when confrontation In emotional and or sex abuse situations, when confrontation between the parent and the child is likely to cause severe between the parent and the child is likely to cause severe irreversible emotional or psychological harm.irreversible emotional or psychological harm.

•• When the strategy of removing the child from the home is likely When the strategy of removing the child from the home is likely to to make the child vulnerable to the parent fleeing with the child omake the child vulnerable to the parent fleeing with the child or r holding the child hostage when law enforcement is either unable holding the child hostage when law enforcement is either unable or or unwilling to escort the caseworker and child into the home.unwilling to escort the caseworker and child into the home.

•• Only a DYFS representative, police officer, or probation officerOnly a DYFS representative, police officer, or probation officer can can remove a child from school in accordance with the building remove a child from school in accordance with the building principal. This includes authorization for not putting a child oprincipal. This includes authorization for not putting a child on the n the bus to go home.bus to go home.

•• DYFS cannot transport children to and from school without havingDYFS cannot transport children to and from school without havinglegal custody of that childlegal custody of that child. . 

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The Dodd LawThe Dodd Law•• Empowers DYFS, the police, and probation Empowers DYFS, the police, and probation officers to make emergency removals without officers to make emergency removals without parental consent and without a court order.parental consent and without a court order.

•• Based on the significance of this legislation, an Based on the significance of this legislation, an emergency removal without parental consent emergency removal without parental consent and without a court order has become known as and without a court order has become known as a ʺDodd removal.ʺ  N.J.S.A. 9:6a ʺDodd removal.ʺ  N.J.S.A. 9:6‐‐8.29 has become 8.29 has become known as the ʺDodd law.ʺknown as the ʺDodd law.ʺ

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DYFS and Cases in LitigationDYFS and Cases in Litigation•• A lawyer called a deputy attorney general, or A lawyer called a deputy attorney general, or DAG, will represent DYFS. DAG, will represent DYFS. 

•• The child will be represented by a lawyer called The child will be represented by a lawyer called a law guardian. The law guardian will also have a law guardian. The law guardian will also have investigators that may want to interview the investigators that may want to interview the child and school personnel.child and school personnel.

•• An abuse or neglect case is not a criminal case. It An abuse or neglect case is not a criminal case. It is a civil action. is a civil action. 

•• Criminal court matters and DYFS civil court Criminal court matters and DYFS civil court actions may run concurrently.actions may run concurrently.

•• The police or prosecutor has responsibility for The police or prosecutor has responsibility for the criminal investigation.the criminal investigation.

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DYFS ConfidentialityDYFS Confidentiality

To the extent that the school needs information to To the extent that the school needs information to care, treat, or supervise the child, under N.J.S.A. care, treat, or supervise the child, under N.J.S.A. 9:69:6‐‐8.10a(b)(5), DYFS is permitted to disclose 8.10a(b)(5), DYFS is permitted to disclose appropriate information necessary for the school appropriate information necessary for the school to fulfill its obligation to the child. Information to fulfill its obligation to the child. Information should not be disclosed simply to complete should not be disclosed simply to complete school records nor for school administrative school records nor for school administrative purposes.purposes.

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Sharing Information with School Sharing Information with School PersonnelPersonnel

Additional protective service information Additional protective service information may be released only to professional may be released only to professional school employees:school employees:

Who will be further involved in the Who will be further involved in the investigation or service plan.investigation or service plan.Who need such information to provide care, Who need such information to provide care, treatment, or supervision for the child.treatment, or supervision for the child.

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Confidentiality by SchoolConfidentiality by School

When information is released to When information is released to professional school employees:professional school employees:That information is That information is confidentialconfidential..The information released is authorized The information released is authorized solely for the child’s care, treatment, or solely for the child’s care, treatment, or supervision.supervision.The professional school employee has a The professional school employee has a responsibility to maintain responsibility to maintain confidentiality of the information DYFS confidentiality of the information DYFS releases to them. releases to them. 

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Types of ServicesTypes of Services

Four major categories:Four major categories:AdvocacyAdvocacyCounseling and TherapyCounseling and TherapyEducationEducationMonitoring/Case ManagementMonitoring/Case Management

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The DYFS Special Response The DYFS Special Response Unit (SPRU)Unit (SPRU)

•• The DYFS afterThe DYFS after‐‐hours emergency response unit. hours emergency response unit. Special service caseworkers provide emergency Special service caseworkers provide emergency intervention on nights, weekends, and holidays intervention on nights, weekends, and holidays to protect children, minimize elements of to protect children, minimize elements of immediate risk, and conduct child abuse immediate risk, and conduct child abuse investigations.investigations.

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What if I am not sure if a child has been What if I am not sure if a child has been abused?abused?

•• Err on the side of caution! Call the Hotline and theyErr on the side of caution!  Call the Hotline and they will help determine if the situation is considered child will help determine if the situation is considered child abuse or neglect.abuse or neglect.

•• By law (N.J.S.A.9:6By law (N.J.S.A.9:6‐‐8.13), NJ residents are protected 8.13), NJ residents are protected from civil or criminal liability, discharge from from civil or criminal liability, discharge from employment, and discrimination if they make a report employment, and discrimination if they make a report “in good faith.”“in good faith.”

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What about allegations involving What about allegations involving school personnel?school personnel?

•• The DCF Institutional Abuse Investigation Unit The DCF Institutional Abuse Investigation Unit (IAIU) investigates allegations of child abuse (IAIU) investigates allegations of child abuse and neglect in institutions and other outand neglect in institutions and other out‐‐ofof‐‐home settings that serve children: day care home settings that serve children: day care centers, foster homes, and schools. centers, foster homes, and schools. 

•• School districts also may conduct an School districts also may conduct an investigation, but must not interfere with an investigation, but must not interfere with an IAIU investigation.IAIU investigation.

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What about children with behavioral What about children with behavioral problems?problems?

•• DCF’s Division of Child Behavioral Health DCF’s Division of Child Behavioral Health Services will assist families with children Services will assist families with children who have behavioral or emotional health who have behavioral or emotional health challenges.challenges.

•• DCF Child Behavioral Health Services DCF Child Behavioral Health Services Access Line Access Line ((11‐‐877877‐‐652652‐‐76247624))

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In closing…In closing…

•• When considering alleged When considering alleged child abuse or neglect, child abuse or neglect, remember to do what isremember to do what is in the in the best interest of the child.best interest of the child.

•• Additional information and Additional information and questions can always be questions can always be directed to DYFS. directed to DYFS. 

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Contact UsContact Us

Division’s Action LineDivision’s Action Line800800‐‐339339‐‐DYFS (3937)DYFS (3937)

For LiteratureFor Literature609609‐‐292292‐‐64486448

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DYFS LiaisonsDYFS Liaisons

Monmouth North Local OfficeMonmouth North Local OfficeNoelle Noelle DefranzaDefranza (732) 933(732) 933‐‐1077, ext. 1511077, ext. 151

Monmouth South Local OfficeMonmouth South Local OfficeSarah Jankowski (732) 988Sarah Jankowski (732) 988‐‐2161, ext. 2492161, ext. 249

Monmouth Area OfficeMonmouth Area OfficeKaren Asay (732) 229Karen Asay (732) 229‐‐2518, ext. 21022518, ext. 2102

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Remember…Remember…

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