Mandated Reporting: Burlington Area School District

1.

Wisconsin law requires all employees of Wisconsin public school districts to report suspected child abuse and neglect. This power point will cover different kinds of child maltreatment, warning signs of abuse, what is not child abuse or neglect, how to make a report and what to report, what you can do if you are not sure you need to make a report, and where to get more information.

2.

Who are some of the individuals considered to be mandated reporters (check all that apply)?

A.

Doctors
B.

Physical Therapists
C.

Teachers
D.

Aides
E.

Counselors
F.

All of the above

Correct Answer
F. All of the above

Explanation
On November 23, 2011, Governor Scott Walker signed a new bill (Senate Bill 42) into law that will require ALL school employees, including aides and custodians, to report suspected child abuse/neglect to authorities. Previously, only school teachers, administrators, and counselors were required by law to report suspected abuse/neglect.

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3.

Failing to report suspected abuse or neglect may result in being fined or imprisoned.

A.

True
B.

False

Correct Answer
A. True

Explanation
Persons who intentionally fail to report suspected child abuse or neglect, as required, may be fined not more than $1000 or imprisoned for not more than 6 months.

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4.

Some possible warning signs of physical abuse could include which of the following:

A.

Bruises
B.

Unexplained burns
C.

The student is evasive about how they received the injury
D.

All of the above

Correct Answer
D. All of the above

Explanation
Warning signs of physical abuse can include physical marks, bruises, and burns, but can also include if the student is evasive about how they got the injury or the story does not make sense

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5.

If a student does not show physical signs of abuse, but are exhibiting low self-esteem, self-denigration, severe depression, aggression, withdrawal, or anxiety, they may be experiencing:

A.

Physical abuse
B.

Sexual abuse
C.

Neglect
D.

Emotional damage

Correct Answer
D. Emotional damage

Explanation
Emotional damage is harm to a child’s psychological or intellectual functioning and can be observed in severe anxiety, depression, withdrawal or aggressive behavior, or a substantial change in the child’s behavior, emotional response or thinking that is not normal for the child’s age or development

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6.

The following may be signs of possible sexual abuse: the student displays extreme secrecy, compliance or withdrawal; has an unusual interest in sex for their age; engages in sexual behavior; and engages in sexual play with peers that goes beyond curiosity.

A.

True
B.

False

Correct Answer
A. True

Explanation
Some warning signs of possible sexual abuse includes: extreme secrecy, compliance or withdrawal; an
unusual fear of people from 1 gender or with specific characteristics, such as a deep voice; very seductive behavior; unusual knowledge about sex for the student’s age and development; sexual play with peers that goes beyond curiosity.

Note: Sexual curiosity & behaviors that are developmentally normal for pre-adolescent children are not sexual abuse.

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7.

Mandated reporters are responsible for reporting which of the following to Human Services (check all that apply):

A.

Physical abuse
B.

Bullying
C.

Sexual abuse
D.

Emotional abuse
E.

Obesity in youth
F.

Neglect
G.

All of the above

Correct Answer(s)
A. Physical abuse
C. Sexual abuse
D. Emotional abuse
F. Neglect

Explanation
Mandated reporters are individuals who are legally obligated to report certain types of abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities, such as Human Services. Physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect are all forms of harm or mistreatment that mandated reporters are responsible for reporting. Bullying and obesity in youth, while important issues, may not fall under the specific criteria for mandated reporting to Human Services. Therefore, the correct answer is Physical abuse, Sexual abuse, Emotional abuse, and Neglect.

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8.

Anyone can report suspected abuse or neglect by making a phone call to either Racine County Human Services or Walworth County Human Services, but it has to be between the hours of 9am-5pm during the week.

A.

True
B.

False

Correct Answer
B. False

Explanation
Reports can be made 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in both Racine County and Walworth County.

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9.

What important information should you have available when making a report of suspected abuse or neglect (check all that apply)

A.

Who is the suspected abused and abuser?
B.

What occurred?
C.

Where did the suspected abuse/neglect occur?
D.

When did the suspected abuse/neglect occur?
E.

Child's grade, date of birth, and school of attendance
F.

Name and address of child and caregiver
G.

Statement and content of the child's disclosure

Correct Answer(s)
A. Who is the suspected abused and abuser?
B. What occurred?
C. Where did the suspected abuse/neglect occur?
D. When did the suspected abuse/neglect occur?
E. Child's grade, date of birth, and school of attendance
F. Name and address of child and caregiver
G. Statement and content of the child's disclosure

Explanation
When making a report of suspected abuse or neglect, reporters should have the following information: Information about the student, parent(s), suspected abuser - names, addresses, relationships, phone #s, student’s date of birth, specifics of the observed injury – what does it look like, where is the injury located?

Other information that is important includes: any statements made by the student and the context of the disclosures,where did the incident occur and has it happened in other locations, the child’s grade and school of attendance, history of the child’s behavior, other relevant information regarding the family situation (i.e. attendance history, any disabilities the child may have, etc.), other issues within the family, and why the suspected child abuse/neglect is being reported.

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10.

Determining when to report situations of suspected child abuse or neglect can be difficult. When in doubt, it is OK to consult with a member of the student services staff or contact human services for consultation.

A.

True
B.

False

Correct Answer
A. True

Explanation
It is common for someone to be unsure if a report should be made and it is OK to talk to someone else who can help determine if a report is necessary. Individuals who can be consulted with could include pupil services professionals or school administrators, County Child Protective Services, or law enforcement.

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11.

It is OK to ask someone else to make a report of suspected abuse/neglect for you if you are not comfortable doing so.

A.

True
B.

False

Correct Answer
B. False

Explanation
There should be no reports by “proxy”. Someone with 1st hand knowledge of suspected child maltreatment may not ask someone else to make the report. If a person is nervous about making a report or does not understand how or what to do, the person may ask someone with more knowledge to assist with the report

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