Child abuse and neglect is a difficult subject to think about, but it is one that all managers and program leaders must be prepared to address. This lesson will introduce you to the concepts of familial and institutional child abuse and neglect. You will learn about your legal and ethical obligation to report suspicions of abuse and neglect. You will also learn about your responsibility to ensure: (a) every person in the facility knows their obligation to report and the proper protocol for reporting and (b) that training is provided to staff at orientation and on an annual basis. Finally, you will learn about ways your program can strengthen families through a Protective Factors approach.

Child abuse and neglect can have a devastating impact on children and families. Sometimes the signs are obvious, but often they are subtle. Staff members may not feel confident in their abilities to recognize potential child abuse and neglect. A Program Manager’s role is to ensure staff have the training and resources they need to learn the signs and behavioral indicators of child abuse and neglect. You can help them process information and support them as they report their suspicions. This lesson will help you learn to recognize signs of abuse or neglect that happen in home settings and institutional settings.

All program staff members are mandated reporters. This means that you are legally bound to report your suspicions of child abuse or neglect. It is your job to know the possible signs and make the call that could save a child’s life. It is also your job to make sure all staff know the possible signs and make the call. This lesson will give you information to help you prepare for and make a report of child abuse or neglect. 

Reporting suspected child abuse and neglect is a stressful professional experience. Staff members need your support to help process their emotions. This lesson will help you understand the signs of stress and ways you can help promote well-being in your program.

After a report of suspected child abuse and neglect, the Program Manager has several layers of responsibility. This lesson will help you understand your role in cooperating with an investigation, notifying patrons, and maintaining records.

Families who have experienced traumatic events like abuse or neglect need support. This lesson will continue to describe the protective factors framework. It will provide strategies for strengthening all families including those affected by abuse or neglect.

Child development and school-age programs are complex places. Policies and procedures must be in place to protect children and staff from harm. This lesson will help you understand the policies that protect children from mistreatment. You will also learn about ways your facility and program policies protect you from false allegations of abuse or neglect.