Ensuring Child Welfare: Mandated Reporter Training Overview
Learn about mandated reporter training facilitated by DCF hosts Ronna Bibeau and Liz Young to recognize and report child abuse or neglect. Discover when to file a 51A report, handle concerns of abuse, use virtual/telehealth services, and know how to file a report effectively.
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Presentation Transcript
Mandated Reporter Training facilitated by DCF (Department of children and Families) Hosts: Ronna Bibeau and Liz Young
A report regarding any concerns of abuse or neglect by a caretaker (any person entrusted with the responsibility of a minor child's health or welfare) ( minor 17year old or younger ) Examples: parents, teacher, babysitter, family members, school personal, bus driver, camp counselor, etc. what is a 51A report
Any knowledge of concerns Direct disclosures from a parent or child When to file Any visible marks or bruises Any concerning behavior by a caretaker ** note: if you are not sure you can call the screening unit and discuss the situation, however, keep in mind DCF can not tell you to file or not.
Virtual/Telehealth Services If you see the child/children without a caretaker in the home. If you see any supervision concerns ex: a child on the counter, near a stove. -ask questions who is there with them, where is there parent/caretaker, where did the parent/caretaker go. - Call the parent/caretaker to see if they are home and or if there is an adult caretaker. - If the child says they are home alone, and you can not reach the parent/caretaker you can call for a well person check from the local police department and file a 51A with DCF. - If you overhear or see aggressive, hostility towards the child by the caretaker (swearing, threatening, hitting, posturing) - If you overhear/see any aggressive, hostile behavior between the adult caretakers or impairment (possible medical concern or under the influence) - if any concerning disclosures made by caretaker or children in the home
How to file a 51A report ALWAYS CALL FIRST!!!!! If its during business hours (8:45am-5pm) call the Area office 413-205-0500 / after hours/weekend/holiday, it is hotline (1-800-792-5200) CALL Preferred file online; fax written (413-205-0650) if online is not feasible online https://www.mass.gov/how-to/report-child-abuse-or-neglect-as-a-mandated-reporter
What happens after I file ?/ How is a report processed ? What happens after I file ?/ How is a report processed ? **DCF has 24hrs to process a report and a decision is not made until the end of the next business day. However, exceptions are made when reports are deemed to be emergencies and responses are on the same day report is filed: examples: visible marks/bruises, disclosure of sexual abuse and caretaker lives in the home. Collaterals are done during the screening process to determine DCF involvement such as (review of DCF history, BRC, police responses, collaterals to current or previous providers). Screening meeting happens the next business day with internal personal such as Manager, screening supervisor, screener and DCF clinical team (social worker, supervisor of case) * During a 51A/51B releases are not required are not required and DCF can legally obtain information from providers during this period of time only. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Screen out Screen in Open for investigation Unsupported/supporte d/substantiated concern Close investigation Open for FAAP assessment/ongoing services
As a mandated reporter you must provide your name, number and position. Exceptions: You are a teacher, but you are filing on your own family member. You can call or go online and find out DCF decision with the report. You do not have to tell the parents/caretaker you filed. DCF can not disclose to the caretaker/parent you filed. You can inform the caretaker/parent you filed if you want to have that transparent conversation. Things to know
have the childs demographic information (full name, dob, address, parents' names ,phone numbers, siblings, providers, outside services, emergency contacts ) Have the caretaker/parent's information It is important to have as much demographic information as possible prior to filing. Observed child s/parents' presentation Family's strengths/risk/worries Disclose any safety issues, known gang/criminal involvement, ownership of weapons. You can ask the child basic questions to get clarifying information (who, what, when,how) but keep it short and do not ask them to elaborate or badger. Take pictures if you can of visible marks/bruises If the family has a known DCF open case you can call the social worker and let them know a 51A report was filed with the SCREENING UNIT Do s
-contacting the DCF social worker is not filing a report. -do not call the parent/caretaker if there are any concerns of physical abuse especially visible. - Don t allow the parent/caretaker to leave with the child if there are concerns with their presentation under the influence, smell of alcohol, seems impaired . Call the police as they can respond faster and then file with DCF. - Do not have different names on the 51A report (example if someone calls it in, the same name must go on the online report) DON T S TIME MATTERS: - don't wait until the child leaves the daycare/school to file - Don t wait days to file if you are already privy to the concerns/disclosures (file in real time or atleast same day. - Don t wait until the end of the business day 4:50pm to file; unless it is an emergency.
Community based Resources outside of DCF Family resource center Ware - 78 Main Street, Ware, MA 01082 (413) 277-6601 Family resource center Springfield -18 Gaucher St, Springfield, MA 01109 Phone: (413) 733-7699 Examples of resources offered by Family resource: housing, therapy, legal aide services, education, substance abuse, translation, medical, parent support
Van Wart Catchment Area South Hadley Granby Chicopee Belchertown Ware Ludlow Palmer Wilbraham Monson Hampden Springfield
Elizabeth.young@mass.gov Elizabeth Young: Elizabeth.young@mass.gov Any future trainings please email contact Colleen.Coupal@mass.gov Colleen Coupal : Colleen.Coupal@mass.gov Ronna.bibeau@mass.gov Ronna Bibeau: Ronna.bibeau@mass.gov
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