S.A.R.A.H. S HOUSE Strength, Advocacy, Restoration And Hope

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1 S.A.R.A.H. S HOUSE Strength, Advocacy, Restoration And Hope

2 The Wicomico Child Advocacy Center was renamed to S.A.R.A.H. S House on April 10, The renaming occurred in an effort to bring about education and awareness in reference to the tragic death of a child in this county. In addition the acronym was added to honor the commitment, vision and mission that S.A.R.A.H. S House has to all the of the families it serves. Strength to those who are powerless Advocacy to those in need of support Restoration to victims and their families And Hope for a future free from abuse and/or neglect

3 What is a Child Advocacy Center? It is a center staffed by specially trained professionals who work as a team, under one roof. Investigations and assessments of accepted reports of child maltreatment are conducted. The WCAC is unique compared to other advocacy centers in Maryland. The WCAC provides treatment, advocacy and prosecution when maltreatment has been identified.

4 Personnel that are housed at the WCAC 1 Supervisor for Law Enforcement Detectives 2 Supervisors for DSS Child Protection Workers 4 Law Enforcement Detectives 10 Child Protective Workers from DSS 2 Therapists from Life Crises 1 Attorney from the State s Attorney Office 1 Doctor 1 Family Advocate

5 The Benefits Reduction in the number of child interviews Improvement in coordination/communications Increases the accuracy of investigations Increases successful prosecutions More immediate follow-ups Consistent support for the family Increase in teamwork & efficiency decreases burnout for professionals Greater community awareness & prevention

6 How does Child Abuse & Neglect affect the Citizens of Wicomico County?

7 Statistics for Wicomico County In 2009, Wicomico County received over 1,200 reports of suspected maltreatment of children. That translates to an average report regarding 1 of every 16 children under the age of 18 based on 2008 census reports on the number of children in Wicomico County.

8 Statistics for S.A.R.A.H. S House In 2009 S.A.R.A.H. S House investigated 594 of reports of child maltreatment. The S.A.R.A.H. S House Law Enforcement team also investigated cases involving Internet Crimes Against Children, Adults Molested as Children and sexual assaults of children. The CPS staff have assisted in these cases upon request.

9 Who Supports the WCAC? Wicomico Co. Dept. of Social Services Life Crisis Center Wicomico Co. State s Attorney s Office Wicomico Partnership for Families & Children Wicomico Co. Health Dept. Wicomico Co. Board of Education Wicomico Co. Dept. of Juvenile Justice PRMC Salisbury City Police Dept. Wicomico Co. Sheriff s Office Fruitland Police Dept. Delmar Police Dept. Maryland State Police Maryland Child Care Administration

10 Services offered by WCAC: Investigation/Assessment of child maltreatment with referrals for necessary on-going assistance. Therapy for victims of child maltreatment and non-offending caregivers. Non-offending caregiver support group. Advocacy for navigation through the court system when an arrest is made. Prosecution and victim support services through the States Attorney s Office. Investigation of sexual assault crimes against child victims, adults molested as children and computer sex crimes involving the abuse of children and child pornography. Child maltreatment education and out reach services for community professionals that serve children/families. Extended forensic interviews and mental injury assessments.

11 Mandated Reports While acting in a professional capacity, you have reason to believe that a child has been subject to abuse.

12 Mandated Reports Shall notify the local Department of Social Services (LDSS) and/or the appropriate Law Enforcement agency.

13 Mandated Reports Written Reports The name and home address of the child and parent or other person responsible The present location of the child The age of the child The names and ages of other children in the home.

14 Immunity The law provides immunity from any civil liability or criminal penalty when a report is made in good faith.

15 Child Abuse Physical C Physical injury Child under 18 years of age. Alleged maltreator is a parent, household member, relative, temporary caregiver The alleged physical abuse caused substantial risk of harm to the child s health or welfare

16 Child Neglect meaning: Circumstances indicate health or welfare is harmed or at substantial risk. Failure to give proper care and attention, including leaving a child unattended Child under 18 years of age The alleged neglect caused substantial risk of harm to the child s health or welfare

17 SB178/HB162 Criminal Law- Child Neglect On SB178/HB162 Criminal Law- Child Neglect became law. Neglect is defined under this statute as the intentional failure to provide necessary assistance and resources for children. This is not intended for failure to provide for children due to financial hardships or homelessness. Violators may be found guilty and convicted of a misdemeanor.

18 Child Sexual Abuse Any act that involves sexual molestation or exploitation of a child Child under 18 years of age Alleged maltreator is a parent, household member, relative or temporary caregiver No physical finding or injury of sexual abuse is necessary

19 Registered Child Sexual Under FL : Offenders An individual may notify the local department or the appropriate law enforcement agency if the individual has reason to believe that a parent, guardian, or caregiver of a child allows the child to reside (1) Is registered under Title 11, Subtitle 7 of the Criminal Procedure Article based on the commission of an offense against a child; and (2) Based on additional information, poses a substantial risk of sexual abuse to the child.

20 What do you do if a child discloses to you? Support the child and their decision to tell Make it clear they did the right thing by telling Respect the child s privacy REPORT

21 What happens after you report: WCAC team interviews child victim WCAC team interviews all other children in the home and the home of the alleged maltreator WCAC team contacts children's parent (s) WCAC team interviews the alleged maltreator WCAC team attempts to corroborate the allegations LDSS conducts assessment of home environment and ensures safety of children and/or non-offending parent LDSS makes appropriate referrals for on-going services when necessary

22 Making a report of Child/Adult Maltreatment Call the Wicomico Child Advocacy Center at (410) Press option #4 or listen to the options offered. Calls accepted during normal business hours. After normal business hours: Contact the Wicomico County Sheriff s Office at (410)

23 S.A.R.A.H. S HOUSE Child Advocacy Center Prepared by Mrs. Pamala Thompsen, LCSW-C Supervisor- Child Protective Services