Infant Case Study: Part 4

Infants & Toddlers Child Abuse: Identification & Reporting Lesson 4 Explore Infant Case Study: Part 4 Reflection Required	WWW.VIRTUALLABSCHOOL.ORG ACTIVITY ID: 14306 Name Certifier Date
You have learned a lot in the past few lessons about Timothy and his family. Take some time to reflect on Timothy’s experiences and the experiences of his family. As a CDC staff member, it is important for you to know that the child development center staff members in Timothy’s program did everything they could to protect him. They did everything right. What can you do to make sure you do your part to keep children safe? First, communication is critical. Child abuse and neglect is complicated. Often, there are many witnesses across many different locations. Each witness only has one tiny piece of information. It can be very challenging to put all the pieces together. Our systems must be designed to help collect information and make accurate decisions. When our systems fail, leaders must evaluate those systems and take action. Second, education is critical. At several stages in Timothy’s story, people suspected something was wrong. His caregiver at the CDC and his mother both noticed warning signs. However, the signs can be easily missed or blamed on changes in routine or development. Child abuse is complicated, and a false accusation can have serious repercussions, so people are naturally hesitant. When multiple signs point to child abuse or neglect, though, our systems should be able to recognize a pattern and provide the family with preventive supports. Third, resources and protective factors are critical. Timothy’s family clearly needed support. As soon as Candice and the baby arrived on the installation, a community support network (e.g., mental health support, new parent support, violence prevention) could have been put in place to help Candice and the family make a smooth transition. Take these stories as a clear message that we must all work together to protect children. We each play a role, and we must do our jobs well. Your job is to report your suspicions. You must trust that everyone else does their jobs well, too. Talk to your manager about Family Advocacy Programs (FAP). Know who your FAP teams are and talk to them about the work they do and how you can support one another’s work with families. Imagine Timothy were a child in your program. Describe your emotions when you see the burns on Timothy’s shoulders. You might feel angry. You might feel scared for Timothy’s safety. You might feel the need to act. You should feel proud for speaking up for Timothy. Describe your emotions when you know that FAP, CPS, and law enforcement are involved in Timothy’s story. You might feel relieved that Timothy’s parents are getting the help they need. You might feel reassured that Timothy is safe. If Timothy is still in the home, you might feel frustrated or continue to fear for his safety. You might also feel a strong need to know more about the follow-up Timothy is receiving, but confidentiality laws will prevent you from getting more information. This might feel frustrating, but it is important to respect the privacy of families. Now imagine that your co-worker was Timothy’s caregiver and struggling with their emotions after making a report. Without breaching confidentiality, what would you tell them? How would you support them? What do you think they would need? It is important to listen and not breach confidentiality. Let them talk, cry, and get angry without revealing any facts about the report. When they are ready, make sure they know that they did everything they could. They did the right thing. Encourage them to consider counseling if the stress of suspecting child abuse is challenging. As Timothy’s teacher, your friend might feel empowered to advocate for children and for additional supports and resources for families.

Reflection

Required

WWW.VIRTUALLABSCHOOL.ORG

ACTIVITY ID: 14306

Name

Certifier

Date

You have learned a lot in the past few lessons about Timothy and his family. Take some time to reflect on Timothy’s experiences and the experiences of his family.

As a CDC staff member, it is important for you to know that the child development center staff members in Timothy’s program did everything they could to protect him. They did everything right. What can you do to make sure you do your part to keep children safe?
First, communication is critical. Child abuse and neglect is complicated. Often, there are many witnesses across many different locations. Each witness only has one tiny piece of information. It can be very challenging to put all the pieces together. Our systems must be designed to help collect information and make accurate decisions. When our systems fail, leaders must evaluate those systems and take action.
Second, education is critical. At several stages in Timothy’s story, people suspected something was wrong. His caregiver at the CDC and his mother both noticed warning signs. However, the signs can be easily missed or blamed on changes in routine or development. Child abuse is complicated, and a false accusation can have serious repercussions, so people are naturally hesitant. When multiple signs point to child abuse or neglect, though, our systems should be able to recognize a pattern and provide the family with preventive supports.
Third, resources and protective factors are critical. Timothy’s family clearly needed support. As soon as Candice and the baby arrived on the installation, a community support network (e.g., mental health support, new parent support, violence prevention) could have been put in place to help Candice and the family make a smooth transition.
Take these stories as a clear message that we must all work together to protect children. We each play a role, and we must do our jobs well. Your job is to report your suspicions. You must trust that everyone else does their jobs well, too. Talk to your manager about Family Advocacy Programs (FAP). Know who your FAP teams are and talk to them about the work they do and how you can support one another’s work with families.
Imagine Timothy were a child in your program. Describe your emotions when you see the burns on Timothy’s shoulders.
You might feel angry. You might feel scared for Timothy’s safety. You might feel the need to act. You should feel proud for speaking up for Timothy.
Describe your emotions when you know that FAP, CPS, and law enforcement are involved in Timothy’s story.
You might feel relieved that Timothy’s parents are getting the help they need. You might feel reassured that Timothy is safe. If Timothy is still in the home, you might feel frustrated or continue to fear for his safety. You might also feel a strong need to know more about the follow-up Timothy is receiving, but confidentiality laws will prevent you from getting more information. This might feel frustrating, but it is important to respect the privacy of families.
Now imagine that your co-worker was Timothy’s caregiver and struggling with their emotions after making a report. Without breaching confidentiality, what would you tell them? How would you support them? What do you think they would need?
It is important to listen and not breach confidentiality. Let them talk, cry, and get angry without revealing any facts about the report. When they are ready, make sure they know that they did everything they could. They did the right thing. Encourage them to consider counseling if the stress of suspecting child abuse is challenging. As Timothy’s teacher, your friend might feel empowered to advocate for children and for additional supports and resources for families.

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