Child Abuse and Neglect: Identification, Response, and Reporting

[Audio] Child Abuse and Neglect: Identification, Response, and Reporting Guidance for Educators and School Staff "Today we will focus on your role in protecting children by learning how to identify signs of abuse and neglect, respond appropriately, and report concerns. This is not just a legal duty but a moral responsibility. Every child has the right to be safe, and educators are often the first line of defense when something is wrong.".

[Audio] The Importance of Reporting CFSA hotline available 24/7: (202) 671-SAFE Protects children up to age 18 in DC Early intervention is crucial to safety and well-being "CFSA's 24/7 hotline is the gateway to protection for children in DC. They respond to reports around the clock. Our timely reporting allows intervention before harm escalates. Remember, early action can prevent long-term trauma. You do not need proof—reasonable suspicion is enough to make a report.".

[Audio] WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR REPORTING CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT? YOU ARE. EVERY ADULT IN THE SCHOOL "In DC, every adult working in a school is a mandated reporter. This means we are legally required to report any suspicion of child abuse or neglect. Reporting is not optional. Failure to report can have legal consequences for the adult and devastating consequences for the child.".

[Audio] Understanding Child Maltreatment Neglect is most common, followed by physical and sexual abuse Neglect = failure to provide supervision, food, medical care, education Abuse = intentional harm or exploitation "Neglect is the most common form of maltreatment. It includes lack of food, shelter, supervision, medical care, and education. Abuse can be physical, emotional, or sexual and is defined as intentional harm. Both have lasting impacts on a child's safety and development. Our job is to recognize when something might be happening and act.".

[Audio] Signs of Neglect – Physical Poor hygiene Inappropriate clothing Frequent absence from school Lack of medical care Being left unsupervised "Look for physical clues—consistent poor hygiene, ill-fitting clothing, chronic absenteeism, untreated medical issues, or a child being left unsupervised. These can be red flags of neglect and are especially concerning when patterns emerge over time.".

[Audio] Signs of Neglect – Behavioral Chronic hunger or sleepiness Clingy or indiscriminate attachments Delayed language development Frequent complaints of being unwell "Behavior is often the biggest clue. Children may appear constantly hungry, tired, overly clingy, or developmentally delayed in language. Frequent illness complaints may be a child's way of signaling distress. These indicators call for careful documentation and, when appropriate, reporting.".

[Audio] Signs of Physical Abuse – Physical Bruises, welts, burns, bite marks Sprains, broken bones, lacerations Injuries with inconsistent explanations Odd gestures (hiding face, hiding body, absence of eye contact, behavioral spasms) "Look for unexplained bruises, burns, bite marks, or fractures. Pay attention to patterns—injuries in various stages of healing or injuries inconsistent with the explanation provided. Also, note behaviors like avoiding eye contact or hiding parts of the body, which may indicate fear or pain.".

[Audio] Signs of Physical Abuse – Behavioral Hiding injuries Difficulty walking/sitting Fear of caregivers, reluctance to go home Depression, withdrawal, self-harm "Behavior may reveal fear before the body does. Children might flinch when approached, refuse to go home, or display extreme withdrawal or aggression. Self-harming behaviors can also signal that something unsafe is happening at home.".

[Audio] Signs of Sexual Abuse – Physical Genital pain or itching Torn or bloody clothing STIs Pregnancy in a minor "Sexual abuse can present as pain, difficulty walking, unexplained bleeding, or STIs. Pregnancy in a young minor must always be taken seriously as a potential indicator of abuse.".

[Audio] Signs of Sexual Abuse – Behavioral Advanced sexual knowledge or behavior Running away, substance abuse Extreme emotional responses Self-mutilation "Children might act out sexually beyond what is developmentally typical, run away frequently, abuse substances, or display extreme mood changes. Self-mutilation is another red flag. Pay attention to sudden, dramatic changes in behavior.".

[Audio] Responding to a Child’s Disclosure Stay calm and neutral Believe the child and reassure Listen without interrogating Validate feelings Explain you must report "If a child discloses abuse, remain calm and nonjudgmental. Reassure them they did the right thing by telling you. Listen without pressing for details and avoid leading questions. Validate their feelings and explain gently that you must report so they can be safe.".

[Audio] Actions to Avoid Do not investigate yourself Do not share disclosure except with mandated reporters Do not delay reporting "Do not attempt to investigate yourself—leave that to trained professionals. Do not share the child's disclosure beyond those who must know (school admin, CFSA). Most importantly, do not delay. Time is critical in protecting a child from ongoing harm.".

[Audio] How to Report Call CFSA hotline: (202) 671-SAFE Provide details: who, what, where, when Maintain confidentiality after filing Report ONLY that which you can observe Do not report inferences that are not substantiated by observable facts "Call the CFSA hotline immediately if you suspect abuse or neglect. Share only what you have directly observed or what the child disclosed—no speculation. Provide as much detail as possible about who, what, where, and when. After the call, maintain confidentiality and document the report for school records.".

[Audio] After the Report Is Filed CFSA screens and investigates May include home visits and interviews Provides family services, counseling, or legal action School may be contacted for follow-up "CFSA screens each report and determines the level of urgency. They may visit the home, interview the child, and provide family services or legal intervention if needed. They may contact the school for follow-up information. Your role doesn't end after the report—continue to support the child.".

[Audio] Your Role as a School Professional You are a mandated reporter Document objectively Collaborate with administrators Continue monitoring and support "You are a mandated reporter and a protector of children. Document facts objectively, collaborate with your school administrator, and monitor the child for any additional changes. Continue to be a trusted adult who provides emotional support and stability.".

[Audio] READ THE CFS REPORTING SCENARIO AND SCRIPT READ THE SCENARIO PRACTICE THE SCRIPT BE PREPARED TO USE IT SAVE THE DOCUMENT ON YOUR DESKTOP REMEMBER THAT YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE TO REPORT CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT. "We will now read the sample reporting scenario aloud and practice making a mock call to CFSA. This activity helps you become comfortable with the process so that, if the time comes, you know exactly what to say and do. Save the script on your desktop—it can guide you through real-life reports.".