Child Protective Services (CPS) A Brief Overview of CPS Reporting in Virginia

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1 Child Protective Services (CPS) A Brief Overview of CPS Reporting in Virginia 1

2 PURPOSE of CPS To identify abused and neglected children Strengthen/support families Enhancing parental capacity to nurture their children in a safe and healthy environment Prevent (re)occurrence of child maltreatment 2

3 Mandated Reporters Code of Virginia Persons who, in their professional or official capacity: Have reason to suspect child is abused or neglected; Report immediately, to the local department or to the VDSS toll-free child abuse and neglect hotline; and Must disclose all the information that is the basis of the report to the local department including any records or reports documenting the basis of the allegation. Reporters are immune from liability unless bad faith or malicious intent is proven 3

4 Mandated Reporters include: Medical professionals such as doctors, nurses, interns, emergency medical responders Social workers, probation officers, eligibility workers, CASA, mental health providers, mediators Teachers, child care providers Law enforcement, animal control officers Staff in residential centers or group homes Anyone who receives approved training 4

5 Changes to the law effective July 1, 2012 New Mandated reporters Individuals associated with, employed by or who volunteer with a: Public organization responsible for the care, custody or control of children; Private sports organization or team; Public/private day camps, youth centers, youth recreation programs; Public/private institutions of higher learning 5

6 Other changes: Mandated reporters are required to report as soon as possible, but no later than 24 hours Mandatory reporters are not required to make a report if they have actual knowledge that the same matter has already been reported Increased penalty for second failure to report In cases of rape, sodomy, or object sexual penetration, a person who fails to make the required report shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. 6

7 The CPS Process Intake Determine validity, track and response time Respond if valid Investigate or conduct family assessment Assess safety, needs, risk of future maltreatment Disposition if an investigation Provide services 7

8 Factors Associated with Child Maltreatment Parental history of abuse/neglect as a child Stress marital, employment, financial Parental substance abuse Lack of knowledge of child development Low self esteem, poor impulse control, isolation Children with disabilities 8

9 Abused or Neglected Child Defined: Code of Virginia Child under 18 whose parent/person responsible: Causes or threatens to cause non-accidental physical or mental injury Exposure to sale/manufacture of certain controlled substances Neglects to provide food, clothing, shelter, or health care Abandons child or fails to provide adequate supervision Commits or allows to be committed any illegal sexual act Knowingly leaves child alone with person, not related by blood/marriage, who is required to register as violent sex offender. 9

10 Types of Abuse & Neglect Physical Abuse Physical Neglect Medical Neglect Mental Abuse & Neglect Sexual Abuse 10

11 PHYSICAL ABUSE PHYSICAL ABUSE TYPES MAY INCLUDE: Asphyxiation Burns Bruises, Cuts etc. Sprains Bizarre Discipline Gunshot Bone Fracture Internal Injuries Head Injury Poisoning Stabbing Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy Traumatic Inflicted Brain Injury Exposure to Sale or Manufacture of Certain Controlled Substances 11

12 PHYSICAL NEGLECT TYPES: Abandonment Inadequate Food, Clothing, Shelter, Supervision, Hygiene Failure to Thrive Malnutrition Medical Neglect Knowingly leave a child with violent sex offender in specific circumstances Does NOT Include: Truancy or educational neglect Failure to wear seat belts Failure to immunize or seek preventive dental or health care 12

13 SEXUAL ABUSE of the Code of Virginia Parents or other person responsible for his care commits or allows to be committed any act of sexual exploitation or any sexual act upon a child in violation of the law. 13

14 MENTAL ABUSE/NEGLECT 22VAC (D). Mental abuse or neglect occurs when a caretaker creates or inflicts, threatens to create or inflict, or allows to be created or inflicted upon such child a mental injury by other than accidental means or creates a substantial risk of impairment of mental functions. 14

15 Substance Exposed Infants Newborn infants who have been medically diagnosed for exposure to non-prescription, controlled substances during pregnancy are also considered to be at risk of abuse or neglect. Health care providers are required to report these children. 15

16 Circumstances for Reporting Within 6 weeks of birth, a healthcare provider makes a finding: Toxicology Studies of child are positive for controlled substances or Child was born dependent and has withdrawal symptoms Anytime after a child is born a healthcare provider diagnosis is made: Child has illness, condition or disease attributed to in utero exposure or Child has a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) 16

17 CPS Reports Completed Founded Unfounded Family Assessment TOTAL reports completed ,031 5,518 26,308 35, ,023 5,843 24,338 34, ,075 5,822 23,418 33,315 Source: VA DSS Online Automated Data Information System (Accountability) 17

18 What to do if you suspect a child is being abused/neglected: Contact the Local Department of Social Services where the child lives OR Call the VDSS toll-free CPS Hotline:

19 What Information is Needed Identifying information such as names, dates of birth, address, school information, siblings. It is important to provide as much information as possible Nature and extent of the abuse/neglect, including any knowledge of prior maltreatment Is there a family member who can protect Any special language needs or developmental issues 19

20 Additional Training CWS 5692: Mandated Reporters: Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect Online Generic course for mandated reporters: s/cws5692/cws5692% htm 20

21 Many Thanks to YOU - Our Community Partners 21