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Archive for November, 2012

Thousands Raped and Abused

Posted by Sandra On November - 28 - 2012 Comments Off on Thousands Raped and Abused

Thousands Of Children Raped And Abused

An investigation into child exploitation by gangs and groups in England reveals that rape and abuse of young people is widespread.

At least 2,409 children were raped or abused by gangs or groups in England between August 2010 and October 2011, according to the Office of the Children’s Commissioner. Its interim report – the most in-depth investigation to date of child exploitation by gangs and groups in England – found a further 16,500 children were at “high risk” of abuse. Deputy Children’s Commissioner Sue Berelowitz told Sky News the figures were likely to be an “under-counting”. READ MORE HERE

Child Rapes, Murders Terrifying Parents In Iraq

Posted by Sandra On November - 28 - 2012 Comments Off on Child Rapes, Murders Terrifying Parents In Iraq

BASRA, Iraq — The brutal crimes struck a nerve, even in a country that has seen a horrific amount of bloodshed in the past decade: Young Iraqi girls kidnapped, repeatedly raped and then bludgeoned to death in two separate incidents near the southern city of Basra. Despite a conviction in one case, a handful of arrests in the other and beefed up police patrols in the city, families in Basra remain on edge following the murders of 4-year-old Banin Haider and 5-year-old Abeer Ali in a span of less than two months. READ MORE HERE

Child Abuse 2012

Posted by Sandra On November - 28 - 2012 Comments Off on Child Abuse 2012

2012 Introduced State Legislation

Approximately 107 bills in 30 states and the District of Columbia have been introduced in the 2012 legislative session on the reporting of suspected child abuse and neglect; 10 of these states have enacted legislation. Click here for NCSL’s Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting State Statute Overview. Click here to listen to the archived recording of the Reporting Child Abuse: Stopping the Silence Webinar.

National Child Abuse Statistics | Childhelp

Juvenile Delinquency, Child Abuse – The 2012 Statistical Abstract

 

 

STATE BILL BILL SUMMARY DISPOSITION
Alabama AL HB 524 Determines that a parent’s disability is not a consideration for reporting child abuse or neglect. Failed
Alabama AL HB 604 Establishes that individuals mandated to report child abuse under the mandatory child abuse reporting provisions shall directly report to a duly constituted authority. Failed
Alabama AL HB 676 Requires all persons to report child abuse and neglect if the person has reasonable cause to suspect that a child is being abused or neglected. Failed
California CA AB 1434, Chap. 519 Adds employees of a public or private institution of higher education, as to child abuse or neglect occurring on that institution’s premises, to the list of individuals who are mandated reporters. Enacted
California CA AB 1435, Chap. 520 Adds athletic coach, administrator, or director of a public or private organization to the list of individuals who are mandated reporters under the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act. Enacted
California CA AB 1438 Requires any person who has knowledge of or observes a child whom he or she knows or reasonably suspects has been a victim of sexual abuse to report the known or suspected instance of sexual abuse to a peace officer. Determines that the failure to report an incident of known or reasonably suspected sexual abuse is punishable by imprisonment in a county jail or a fine or both. In Committee
California CA AB 1564 Includes volunteers of public or private organizations whose duties require direct contact with and supervision of children in the list of individuals who are mandated reporters. The bill would also require employers to provide training in child abuse and neglect identification and reporting to their employees and volunteers who are mandated reporters. Requires the Franchise Tax Board to revoke the exemption of an organization if a person who is a mandated reporter has been found guilty of failure to report an incident of known or reasonably suspected child sexual abuse. In Committee
California CA AB 1628 Requires any private entity conducting business in the state that has employees, members, agents, licensees, or representatives who are either mandated reporters or whose duties involve close interaction with children on a regular basis to designate an employee to receive complaints of suspected child abuse, and to implement an internal procedure for employees, members, agencies, licensees, or representatives of the private entity to report any incident of suspected child abuse to the designated employee. Specifies that the private entity is prohibited from sanctioning a person for making a report. Failed
California CA AB 1713, Chap. 517 Expands the list of mandated reporters of child sexual abuse to commercial film and photographic print or image processors, that includes any person who prepares or prints any representation of information, data, or an image, including, but not limited to, any film, photograph, negative, photocopy, videotape, computer software or computer-generated image. Enacted
California CA AB 1817, Chap. 521 Expands the list of persons identified as mandated reporters of child abuse to include commercial computer technicians. Requires a report to be made when such individuals have knowledge of or observe a child being subject to or involved in an act of sexual conduct. Enacted
California CA SB 1137, Chap. 221 Requires the electronic registration form filed by the operator of a heritage school to include an acknowledgment that the director of a heritage school and all employees will be mandated reporters under the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act. Enacted
California CA SB 1264, Chap. 518 Includes in the list of individuals who are mandated reporters, under the Child Abuse Neglect and Reporting Act, any athletic coach, including an assistant coach or a graduate assistant involved in coaching at a public or private postsecondary institution. Increases the penalty for failure to report an incident to up to 12 months in a county jail, a fine of $5,000, or both. The bill would increase the penalty for a supervisor or administrator who impedes or inhibits an individual’s reporting duties to not more than 12 months in a county jail, a fine of not more than $10,000, or both. The bill would also require that any mandated reporter convicted of willfully failing to report abuse or neglect, or any person who impedes or inhibits a report of abuse or neglect, in violation of reporting requirements, where that abuse or neglect results in death or great bodily injury, be guilty of a felony, punishable by a minimum of one year and a maximum of 5 years in state prison, by a fine of not more than $25,000, or by both. Enacted
California CA SB 1522, Chap. 666 Requires a developmental center of residential care to persons with developmental disabilities to immediately report a death, a sexual assault, an assault with a deadly weapon or force likely to produce great bodily injury, or an injury to the genitals or a broken bone when the cause of injury is undetermined, to the local law enforcement agency regardless of whether the Office of Protective Services has investigated the facts and circumstances relating to the incident. Enacted
California CA SB 1551 Amends existing state law to require any competent adult to report reasonable suspicion of child sexual abuse. Makes the failure to report child sexual abuse punishable by a range of fines and imprisonment based on the level of the failure. Failed
Connecticut CT HB 5217 Requires that any person who is alleged to have knowingly made a false report of child abuse or neglect to be referred to the office of the Chief State’s Attorney for purposes of a criminal investigation. Pending
Connecticut CT HB 5552 Strengthens the penalties associated with an individual’s failure to report suspected child abuse or neglect. Failed
Connecticut CT SB 193 Expands the list of persons who are mandated reporters to include any coach or director of intramural, interscholastic or youth athletics, any coach or director of a private sports organization or team, any administrator, faculty, staff, athletic director, coach or trainer employed by a constituent unit of the state system of higher education or private institution of higher education, and any youth camp administrator. Requires criminal history records check for youth camp staff employees and volunteers. Failed
Delaware DE HB 243, Chap. 404 Simplifies the mandatory report requirements for schools through ensuring that the most serious offenses, such as any sexual offense, shall be reported to law enforcement while giving schools discretion to handle minor offenses without mandatory reporting. Enacted
District of Columbia DC B 647 Requires the reporting of child sexual abuse to the Metropolitan Police Department, the 911 Emergency Call Center, or the Child and Family Services Agency. Requires without exception that any adult, with knowledge or reasonable cause to believe that a child is a victim of sexual abuse, make a report. Establishes criminal penalties for the failure to report. Pending
Florida FL HB 1355,
Chapter 155
Determines that any Florida College System institution, state university, or nonpublic college, university, or school whose administrators, faculty, or staff knowingly and willfully fail to report known or suspected child abuse, abandonment, or neglect committed on the property of the institution, university, college, or school, or who knowingly and willfully prevent another person from doing so shall be subject to fines of $1 million for each such failure. The bill would require anyone to report suspected child abuse or neglect to the Department of Children and Families (DCF) hotline and would require hotline operators to process all abuse complaints; any calls about abuse other than by caregivers will be forwarded by DCF officials to local authorities. Determines that DCF will promote public awareness of the central abuse hotline through community-based partner organizations and public service campaigns. Requires DCF to collect and analyze reports of child abuse and sexual abuse which are reported from or occurred on the campus of any Florida College System institution, state university, or nonpublic college, university, or school. Requires teachers in grades 1-12 to participate in continuing education training provided by the Department of Children and Family Services on identifying and reporting child abuse and neglect. Enacted
Georgia GA HB 948 Defines child service organization personnel, a mandated reporter of suspected child abuse, as a person employed by or volunteering at business or organization that provides care, treatment, education, training, supervision, coaching, counseling, recreational programs, or shelter to children. Failed
Georgia GA HB 1176,
Chapter 709
Adds nurse’s aide and reproductive health care facility or pregnancy resource center personnel and volunteers to the list of persons who shall report child abuse if they have reasonable cause to believe that a child has been abused. Determines that a member of the clergy is not required to report child abuse within the context of a confession or other similar communication required to be kept confidential under church doctrine or practice. However, when a clergy member receives information about child abuse from any other source, they must comply with the reporting requirements. Enacted
Georgia GA SB 355 Determines that any person who has reasonable cause to believe that a child is abused shall report such information as soon as possible, but no later than 36 hours from the time there is reasonable cause to believe a child has been abused, by telephone to a law enforcement agency. Failed
Hawaii HI HB 2233 Companion bill to HI SB 2575. Requires mandatory reporting to the department or to the police department when there is reasonable suspicion of child abuse or neglect. Failed
Hawaii HI SB 2131 Adds to the list of mandatory reporters of child abuse or neglect any member of a family who has reached the age of majority and who has knowledge that child abuse or neglect in the family is occurring or has knowledge that a child in the family has been harmed due to abuse or neglect; provided that family members who are victims of domestic violence shall not be required to report child abuse or neglect if the alleged perpetrator is actively abusing both the child and the family member. Failed
Hawaii HI SB 2575 Companion bill to HI HB 2233. Requires mandatory reporting to the department or to the police department when there is reasonable suspicion of child abuse or neglect. Failed
Idaho ID SB 1254 States that any physician, resident on a hospital staff, intern, nurse, coroner, school teacher, day care personnel, social worker or other person having reason to believe that a child under the age of eighteen years has been abused, abandoned or neglected or who observes the child being subjected to conditions or circumstances which would reasonably result in abuse, abandonment or neglect shall report within twenty-four hours such conditions or circumstances to the proper law enforcement agency or the department. The department shall be informed by law enforcement of any report made directly to it. When the attendance of a physician, resident, intern, nurse, day care worker or social worker is pursuant to the performance of services as a member of the staff of a hospital or similar institution, he shall notify the person in charge of the institution or his designated delegate who shall make the necessary reports. The law stipulates penalties for failure to report.
Determines that any person who has reason to believe that a child has been abused, abandoned or neglected and, acting upon that belief, makes a report of abuse, abandonment or neglect as required shall have immunity from any liability, civil or criminal, that might otherwise be incurred or imposed.
Failed
Illinois IL HB 3887, Chap. 711 Amends the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act to add personnel of institutions of higher education and athletic program or facility personnel to the list of individuals who shall immediately report or cause a report to be made to the Department of Children and Family Services if they have reasonable cause to believe a child known to them in their professional or official capacity may be an abused child or a neglected child. Enacted
Illinois IL HB 3986, Chap. 860 The agency designated to receive such reports under this Act or the Department may establish a manner in which a mandated reporter can make the required report through an Internet reporting tool. Information sent and received through the Internet reporting tool is subject to the same rules in this Act as other types of confidential reporting established by the designated agency or the Department. Enacted
Illinois IL HB 4147 Adds any state employee or employee of any organization that receives State funding to the list of mandated reporters under the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act. Pending
Illinois IL HB 4701 Adds personnel of institutions of higher education, athletic program personnel, and early intervention providers to the list of mandated reporters under the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act. Pending
Illinois IL HB 5584 Requires any person who witnesses a sex offense committed against a child to immediately report the offense to the appropriate local law enforcement agency. Pending
Illinois IL SB 5678 Requires that all reports of suspected child abuse or neglect shall be confirmed in a record made and maintained by the Department of Children and Family Services for at least one year regardless of whether the report prompts a formal investigation. Mandates that the record of a report shall include the name of the subject of the report and, if voluntarily provided, the name, address, and phone number of the person who reported the alleged abuse or neglect. Pending
Iowa IA HB 2131 Prohibits an employer from taking retaliatory action against an employee as a reprisal for the employee’s participation in good faith in making a child abuse report, photograph, or X ray, or in the performance of a medically relevant test, or aiding and assisting in an assessment of a child abuse report. Requires the Department of Human Services to convene and staff a stakeholder committee to review the training resources for mandatory reporters of child abuse. Failed
Iowa IA SB 2225, Chap. 1040 Prohibits an employer from taking retaliatory action against an employee as a reprisal for the employee’s participation in good faith in making a child abuse report, photograph, or X ray, or in the performance of a medically relevant test, or aiding and assisting in an assessment of a child abuse report. Requires the boards of directors for community colleges, accredited private institutions of higher learning, and the board of regents for institutions of higher learning to develop and implement a consistent written policy for an employee who examines, attends, counsels, or treats a child to report suspected physical or sexual abuse. Requires a stakeholder committee, convened by the department of public health, to review the training resources for mandatory reporters of child abuse. Enacted
Indiana IN SB 267, Chap. 46 Requires the Department of Education, in collaboration with organizations that have expertise in child sexual abuse, to identify or develop model education materials, response policies, and reporting procedures on child sexual abuse. The Department of Education shall make the models developed or identified available to assist schools with the implementation of child sexual abuse education programs in prekindergarten through grade 5 and child sexual abuse response and reporting policies. Enacted
Kansas KS HB 2533 Adds to the list of persons required to report suspected child physical, mental or emotional abuse or neglect or sexual abuse to include any employee, contractor or administrator of any public or private educational institution in the state who works in a position of authority over a child in an official capacity, if such child is a student enrolled in and attending, or participating in a program or event at such educational institution, any person who works in a position of authority over a child in an official capacity and is employed by or works as a volunteer for a recognized church or religious organization, if such child, child’s parent or other person having lawful custody or child’s siblings are members of or attend services or events at such church or religious organization, and any employee of any municipality or of the state who works in a position of authority over children in an official capacity. Strengthens the penalty for failure to report cases of suspected sexual abuse. Removes the defense that a person believed someone else was going to file the report, unless a report had actually been made, or that a person did not make a report for fear of reprisal or any other consequence. Failed
Kansas KS SB 362 Includes licensed addiction counselors and licensed clinical addiction counselors, clergy and religious authorities to the list of persons who shall report physical, mental or emotional abuse or neglect or sexual abuse of a child. Failed
Louisiana LA HB 166, Chap. 380 Establishes that school coaches, including but not limited to public technical or vocational school, community college, college, or university coaches and coaches of intramural or interscholastic athletics are mandatory reporters for purposes of child abuse. Enacted
Louisiana LA HB 577,
Chapter 268
Determines that any person who witnesses the sexual abuse of a child and the person knowingly or willfully fails to report the abuse to law enforcement or to the Department of Children and Family Services shall face specific penalties, including fines and imprisonment. Enacted
Louisiana LA SB 4, Chap. 614 Criminalizes the failure to report the sexual abuse of a child. States that any person who witnesses sexual abuse of a child and knowingly and willfully fails to report the sexual abuse to law enforcement shall be guilty of a felony and upon conviction shall be fined not more than ten thousand dollars or imprisoned with or without hard labor for not more than five years, or both. Enacted
Louisiana LA SB 136 Requires that the reporting of child abuse and neglect is made through the designated state child protection reporting hotline number. Allows dual reporting to both the Department of Children and Family Services through the designated state child protection reporting hotline number and the local or the state law enforcement agency. Failed
Louisiana LA SB 158,
Chapter 148
Provides that no employee shall be discharged, demoted, suspended, threatened, harassed, or discriminated against in any manner in the terms and conditions of his employment because of any lawful act engaged in by the employee, or on behalf of the employee, of any action to report the sexual abuse of a minor child by any fellow employee to law enforcement. Enacted
Louisiana LA SB 190 Makes it a felony for any employee of a public postsecondary education institution who witnesses the sexual abuse of a child or student to knowingly and willfully fail to report the sexual abuse to law enforcement or school administration. Failed
Louisiana LA SB 243, Chap. 638 Establishes that it is unlawful for any person having knowledge of the commission of any homicide, rape, or sexual abuse of a child to fail to report or disclose such information to a law enforcement agency or district attorney. Enacted
Louisiana LA SB 357 Establishes that a mandatory reporter shall face penalties for the knowing and willful failure to report the abuse or neglect of a child. Adds “organizational or youth activity provider” to the list of “mandatory reporters”. Failed
Maryland MD HB 1067 Adds medical examiners and parole or probation agents to the list of individuals required to notify the appropriate authorities and make a report if the individual, acting in a professional capacity in the State, has reason to believe a child has been subjected to abuse or neglect. Makes it a misdemeanor for specified professionals to knowingly fail to provide a notice or make a report of suspected child abuse under specified circumstances. Failed
Maryland MS SB 63 Adds medical examiners and parole or probation agents to the list of individuals required to notify the appropriate authorities and make a report if the individual has reason to believe a child has been subjected to abuse or neglect. Makes it a misdemeanor for specified professionals to knowingly fail to provide a notice or make a report of suspected child abuse under specified circumstances. Failed
Massachusetts MA HB 3902 Expands the Department of Children and Families definition of mandated reporter by adding a state employee who, in his professional capacity, witnesses child abuse, including sexual abuse. Pending
Missouri MO HB 1102 Requires any person who observes a child being subjected to sexual abuse to immediately report the abuse in accordance with specified provisions. Failed
Missouri MO HB 1256 Creates a joint committee of the general assembly to be known as the “Joint Committee on Child Abuse and Neglect” to be composed of seven members of the senate and seven members of the house of representatives. The join committee shall make a continuing study and analysis of the state child abuse and neglect reporting and investigation system. Failed
Missouri MO HB 1470 Expands the list of mandatory reporters of child abuse and neglect to includes coaches, scout leaders, youth organization or group leaders, youth activity leader, or any other person in his or her official or volunteer capacity who has direct contact with children. Failed
Missouri MO HB 1491 Requires mandatory reporters of child abuse and neglect to make a report by removing the option of causing a report to be made. Failed
Missouri MO HB 1565 Requires mandatory reporters of child abuse to report only while working or acting in their official capacity and allows, but does not require, reporting when they are off duty. Failed
Missouri MO SB 457 Requires any person who observes a child being subjected to sexual abuse to immediately report the abuse in accordance with specified provisions. Failed
Mississippi MS HB 943 Creates the Mandated Reporter Training Division within the Administrative Office of Courts. Establishes a special fund in the state treasury known as the Mandated Reporter Training Fund. Failed
Mississippi MS SB 2087 Provides for the mandatory reporting of sexual crimes against minors and creates a civil action for failure to make a mandatory report of abuse. Failed
Nebraska NE LB 839 Requires reporting of sexual misconduct by a teacher or other school employee within twenty-four hours after receiving the allegation. Any report shall be investigated in accordance with the Child Protection Act for the purpose of determining whether or not the allegation is substantiated. Failed
Nebraska NE LB 993 Determines that each child abuse and neglect investigation team shall include procedures for mandatory reporting of child abuse and neglect to include training to professionals on identification and reporting of abuse, assigning roles and responsibilities between law enforcement and the Department of Health and Human Services for the initial response or the report of abuse, and outlining how reports will be shared between law enforcement and the Department of Health and Human Services.  Enacted
New Hampshire NH HB 1249 Requires an employee or volunteer of an organization who suspects another employee or volunteer of child sexual abuse to make a report under the state’s child abuse reporting law. Establishes an enhanced criminal penalty for a supervisor who fails to report an employee or volunteer of suspected child sexual abuse. Failed
New Jersey NJ AB 4396 Companion bill to NJ SB 3143. Requires that a person who has reasonable cause to believe that a child has been sexually abused to immediately report that abuse to law enforcement officials. Provides that a person’s failure to report an act of sexual abuse or any sexual offense against a child and who has reasonable cause to believe that an act of sexual abuse or the sexual offense has been committed is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree. Pending
New Jersey NJ SB 3143 Companion bill to NJ AB 4396 Requires that a person who has reasonable cause to believe that a child has been sexually abused to immediately report that abuse to law enforcement officials. Provides that a person’s failure to report an act of sexual abuse or any sexual offense against a child and who has reasonable cause to believe that an act of sexual abuse or the sexual offense has been committed is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree. Pending
New York NY AB 8816 Companion bill to SB 3511. Establishes acupuncturists as mandatory reporters of suspected cases of child abuse and maltreatment. Pending
New York NY AB 8901 Requires school athletic directors, school coaches, and school assistant coaches to report cases of suspected child abuse. Pending
New York NY AB 8905 Companion bill NY SB 6086. Requires college coaches, athletic directors, professors, graduate assistants, college administrators, college presidents, and paid individuals who may interact with children through employment at summer or overnight camps among those required to report suspected child abuse or maltreatment. Pending
New York NY AB 9617 Requires the posting of a visible notice in group homes for the developmentally disabled stating that New York law mandates the reporting of all forms of abuse to local law enforcement and district attorneys. Ensures that all employees are properly trained with regard to the reporting requirements for all forms of abuse. Pending
New York NY SB 1308 Details the persons required to report to an appropriate law enforcement agency when they have reasonable cause to suspect that a child is an abused child to include: any physician; registered physician assistant; surgeon; medical examiner; coroner; dentist; dental hygienist; osteopath; optometrist; chiropractor; podiatrist; resident; intern; psychologist; registered nurse; emergency medical technician; hospital personnel engaged in the admission, examination, care or treatment of persons; member of the clergy; a Christian Science practitioner; school official; social services worker; day care center worker; provider of family or group family day care; employee or volunteer in a residential care facility or any other child care or foster care worker; mental health professional; substance abuse counselor; alcoholism counselor; peace officer; police officer; district attorney or assistant district attorney; investigator employed in the office of a district attorney; or other law enforcement official. Outlines penalties for failure to report a case of suspected child abuse. Pending
New York NY SB 3511 Companion bill to AB 8816. Establishes acupuncturists as mandatory reporters of suspected cases of child abuse and maltreatment Pending
New York NY SB 5119 Requires members of the clergy to report suspected allegations of child abuse or maltreatment to an appropriate law enforcement agency. Requires members of the clergy to review past institutional records and report suspected allegations of child abuse by clergy to the district attorney. Reports of suspected child abuse shall be made immediately by telephone or by telephone facsimile to an appropriate law enforcement agency and followed by a report in writing within twenty-four hours. Pending
New York NY SB 6030 Establishes the class E felony of failure to report child abuse for the failure to report to law enforcement officials the commission of any crime against a child under the age of 16. Pending
New York NY SB 6048 Requires immediate reporting of suspected child abuse to an appropriate law enforcement agency. Determines that failure to report suspected child abuse is a class A misdemeanor. Pending
New York NY SB 6086 Companion bill BY AB 8905. Requires college coaches, athletic directors, professors, graduate assistants, college administrators, college presidents, and paid individuals who may interact with children through employment at summer or overnight camps among those required to report suspected child abuse or maltreatment. Pending
Oregon OR HB 4016, Chap. 92 Adds employee or volunteer of organization providing child-related services or activities, employee of higher education institution, coach, assistant coach or trainer of child athlete and individual who provides guidance, instruction or training in youth development activity, and youth camps, to list of public and private officials required to report child abuse. Enacted
Pennsylvania PA HB 1895 Permits exceptions to governmental immunity for child sexual abuse acts committed by individuals employee by a public institution, agency or other legal entity. Pending
Pennsylvania PA HB 1990 Adds school staff member, school faculty, coach to the list of persons required to report suspected child abuse. Pending
Pennsylvania PA HB 1999 Requires individuals who have firsthand or secondhand knowledge of or reasonable cause to believe a child is being sexually abused to report the suspected child sexual abuse to law enforcement officials as soon as is practical. Except for clergy-penitent and attorney-client confidential communications, the privileged communication between any professional person and the patient or client of that person shall not apply to situations involving child sexual abuse and shall not constitute grounds for failure to report as required by this chapter.Allows a person who has, in good faith, reported suspected child sexual abuse and who, as a result of the report, is discharged from his or her employment or discriminated against in his or her employment, to commence an action in the court of common pleas of the county in which the alleged unlawful discharge or discrimination occurred for appropriate relief. If the court finds that the person was discharged or discriminated against in his or her employment as a result of the report, the court may issue an order granting appropriate relief, including, but not limited to, reinstatement with back pay. Pending
Pennsylvania PA HB 2026 Requires that licensing boards for professionals mandated to report suspected child abuse or neglect require those professionals to submit documentation of the completion of at least two hours of approved continuing education training, per licensing cycle, on the identification and reporting of child abuse. Allows exemption from training if the licensee’s practice excludes contact with children. Pending
Pennsylvania PA HB 2046 Whenever a person is required to report suspected child abuse or neglect in the capacity as a member of the staff of a medical or other public or private institution, school, facility or agency, that person shall have the responsibility and have the legal obligation to report or cause a report to be made if that person has personally witnessed an act or acts the person reasonably believes constitutes suspected child abuse. Pending
Pennsylvania PA HB 2047 Increases the penalties for mandatory reporter failure to report suspected child abuse or neglect. The penalty for failure to report suspected child abuse increases from a third degree misdemeanor to a second degree for the first violation and from a second degree misdemeanor to a first degree for a subsequent violation. Pending
Pennsylvania PA HB 2048 Increases the penalties for mandatory reporter failure to report suspected child abuse or neglect. The penalty for failure to report suspected child abuse increases from a third degree misdemeanor to a second degree for the first violation and from a second degree misdemeanor to a first degree for a subsequent violation. Allows a prosecution for failure to report to be commenced within three years after the discovery of a willful failure to report or refer. Pending
Pennsylvania PA SB 1413 Increases the penalties for mandatory reporters’ failure to report suspected child abuse or neglect. The penalty for failure to report suspected child abuse increases from a third degree misdemeanor to a first degree for the first violation and from a second degree misdemeanor to a third degree for a second or subsequent violation. Pending
Pennsylvania PA SB 449, Chap. 2012-126 Provides for recognition and reporting training for school entities and independent contractors of schools and their employees to address recognition of abuse and sexual misconduct, mandatory reporting policies Enacted
South Carolina SC HB 4428 Requires any person to report suspected child abuse or neglect. Pending
South Carolina SC SB 1054 Sec. 1: Adds school employee or independent contractor, coach, camp counselor, animal control officer, firefighter, or any other employee or volunteer of a public or private organization whose duties require direct contact or supervision of children to the list of persons required to report suspected child abuse or neglect. Defines school to mean any public or privately operated child care agency, preschool, nursery school, kindergarten, elementary school, middle school, high school, or public or private institution of higher education. Requires any person who has received information which gives the person reason to believe that a child has been or may be sexually or physically abused as defined by the laws of the State to report the abuse. Requires board members, chief executive officers, directors, other heads of organizations, administrators, and supervisors who have reason to believe that a child has been or may be abused or neglected by a staff member or under the auspices of the organization to report to law enforcement.  States that mandatory reporters who report abuse or neglect to a supervisor or person in charge of an institution, school, facility, or agency are not relieved of the individual duty to report. The Department of Social Services must establish, operate, and publicize a twenty-four hour, statewide, toll-free telephone service to receive reports. Pending
South Carolina SC SB 1346 Adds school or college administrator, coach, volunteer who works with children as a camp counselor, scout leader, and mentor to the list of persons required to report suspected child abuse or neglect. Pending
South Dakota SD HB 1264 Amends the mandatory reporting requirements regarding child abuse to include any professional, or person who has contact with a child through the performance of services as a support staff member, working within or in conjunction with a hospital, health and wellness or medical clinic, mental health provider, child protection agency, religious function or organization, parole or court services, law enforcement, school or school related organization, registered day care, domestic abuse shelter, chemical dependency center, coroner’s office, or any other business, agency, or organization that offers helping services to children, who have reasonable cause to suspect that a child under the age of eighteen has been abused or neglected shall report the information. Failed
South Dakota SD SB 154,Chapter 146 Add employees or volunteers of a child advocacy organization or child welfare service provider, to the list of people specified as mandatory reporters of suspected child abuse involving any child under 18. Enacted
Virginia VA HB 3, Chap. 391 Adds athletic coach, director or other person employed by or volunteering with a private sports organization or team and administrators, employees, or volunteers of public or private day camps, youth centers and youth recreation programs to the list of persons required to report child abuse or neglect to the Department of Social Services. Enacted
Virginia VA HB 4 Adds athletic coaches and directors in public or private schools or in institutions of higher education to the list of persons required to report child abuse or neglect to the Department of Social Services. Failed
Virginia VA HB 74,
Chapter 740
Establishes that if an initial report of suspected abuse or neglect is made to the person in charge of an institution or department, or his designee, the person shall notify the individual making the initial report when the report of suspected child abuse or neglect is made to the local department or to the Department of Social Services’ toll-free child abuse and neglect hotline and shall forward any communication resulting from the report to the individual who made the initial report. Reduces the time limit for reporting suspected child abuse or neglect by mandated reporters from 72 hours to 24 hours. Enacted
Virginia VA HB 215 Reduces the time allowed for reporting suspected child abuse or neglect by a mandated reporter from 72 hours to 24 hours and provides that failure to report is punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor for the first failure and a Class 6 felony for a second or subsequent offense. Current law imposes a fine of not more than $500 for a first offense and not less than $100 nor more than $1,000 for a second or subsequent offense. Failed
Virginia VA HB 970, Chap. 698 Adds any person employed by a public or private institution of higher education to the list of individuals required to report suspected abuse or neglect of a child. Enacted
Virginia VA HB 1237, Chap. 728 Expands the list of who a report of suspected child abuse or neglect shall be made to include a law-enforcement agency. Adds individuals employed by a public or private organization responsible for the care, custody or control of children to the list of individuals required to report suspected child abuse or neglect. Reduces the time allowed for reporting suspected child abuse or neglect by a mandated reporter from 72 hours to 24 hours. Establishes that no person shall be required to make a report of suspected abuse if the person has actual knowledge that the same matter has already been reported to the local department or the Department of Social Services’ toll-free child abuse and neglect hotline. Enacted
Virginia VA HB 1266 Determines that any person who fails to report within 72 hours of his first suspicion of child abuse or neglect is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. Failed
Virginia VA SB 239,
Chapter 815
Adds individuals employed by a public or private organization responsible for the care, custody or control of children and any person employed by a public or private institution of higher education to the list of individuals required to report suspected child abuse or neglect. Reduces the time allowed for reporting suspected child abuse or neglect by a mandated reporter from 72 hours to 24 hours. Establishes that no person shall be required to make a report of suspected abuse if the person has actual knowledge that the same matter has already been reported to the local department or the Department of Social Services’ toll-free child abuse and neglect hotline. Enacted
Virginia VA SB 265 Adds athletic coaches and directors in public or private schools or in institutions of higher education to the list of persons required to report child abuse or neglect to the Department of Social Services. Failed
Virginia VA SB 296 Reduces the time allowed for reporting suspected child abuse or neglect by a mandated reporter from 72 hours to 24 hours and provides that failure to report is punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor for the first failure and a Class 6 felony for a second or subsequent offense. Current law imposes a fine of not more than $500 for a first offense and not less than $100 nor more than $1,000 for a second or subsequent offense. Failed
Virginia VA SB 303 Adds any person employed by a public or private institution of higher education to the list of individuals required to report suspected abuse or neglect of a child. Failed
Virginia VA SB 622 Adds individuals employed by a public or private institution of higher education and any other person with responsibility for the care, control, or custody of children to the list of individuals required to report suspected child abuse or neglect. Determines that any person who fails to report within 72 hours of his first suspicion of child abuse or neglect is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. Failed
Vermont VT SB 113,Chapter 2012-156 Proposes to require independent schools to comply with the same training as school districts with respect to the prevention, identification, and reporting of child sexual abuse and sexual violence, and to add headmasters of independent schools to the list of mandatory reporters of child abuse and neglect. Enacted
Washington WA HB 2331 Requires mandatory reporters to also report any suspicion of sever child neglect. Defines “severe abuse or neglect” as any of the following: any act of abuse of sufficient severity that causes significant bleeding, deep bruising, significant external or internal swelling, bone fracture, or unconsciousness; any act or acts of withholding basic necessities of life that create or cause an imminent risk of substantial bodily harm; or any act of intentionally touching the sexual or other intimate parts of a child for the purpose of gratifying sexual desire. Failed
Washington WA SB 5991 b, Chap. 55 Requires administrative and academic or athletic department employees, including student employees, of institutions of higher education, and of private institutions of higher education who have reasonable cause to believe a child has suffered abuse or neglect, to report the abuse or neglect immediately. The law also requires employees of institutions of higher education, not considered academic or athletic department employees, who have reasonable cause to believe a child has suffered abuse or neglect, must report such abuse or neglect immediately to the appropriate administrator or supervisor, as designated by the institution. The administrator or supervisor to whom the report was made, if not already a mandatory reporter, must report the abuse or neglect within forty-eight hours to a mandatory reporter designated by the institution. Enacted
West Virginia WV HB 4065 Adds youth camp administrators, camp counselors, employees and volunteers of entities that provide organized activities for children and commercial film or photographic print processors as mandated reporters of suspected child abuse. Increases criminal penalties for failing to report child abuse. Provides funding for educational programs for reporting and preventing child abuse and neglect. Failed
West Virginia WV HB 4240 Adds youth camp administrator or counselor, employee or volunteer of an entity that provides organized activities for children or commercial film or photographic print processor who to the list of persons mandated to report abuse and neglect of children. Provides funding for educational programs for reporting and preventing child abuse and neglect. Failed
West Virginia WV SB 161,Chapter 27 Adds youth camp administrator or counselor, employee, coach or volunteer of an entity that provides organized activities for children, or commercial film or photographic print processor to the list of persons mandated to report abuse and neglect of children. Adds any person over the age of eighteen who has actual knowledge of or observes any sexual abuse or sexual assault of a child to the list of mandated reporters who shall immediately, and not more than forty-eight hours after obtaining actual knowledge of or observing the sexual abuse or sexual assault, report the circumstances or cause a report to be made to the State Police or other law-enforcement agency. Creates an educational and training for persons required to report suspected abuse or neglect and for the general public to include indicators of child abuse and neglect, tactics used by sexual abusers, how and when to make a report, and protective factors that prevent abuse and neglect in order to promote adult responsibility for protecting children. Enacted
Wisconsin WI AB 714 Makes professors, administrators, coaches, and other employees of any public, private, or tribal postsecondary educational institution mandatory child abuse and neglect reporters. Failed
Wisconsin WI SB 42, Chap. 81 No person making a report of suspected child abuse in good faith may be discharged from employment, disciplined or otherwise discriminated against in regard to employment, or threatened with any such treatment for so doing. Each school board shall require every employee of the school district to receive training provided by the department in identifying children who have been abused or neglected and in the laws and procedures governing the reporting of suspected or threatened child abuse and neglect. A school district employee shall receive that training within the first 6 months after commencing employment with the school district and at least once every 5 years after that initial training. Enacted

 

Child Abuse: An EMS Nightmare

Posted by Sandra On November - 28 - 2012 Comments Off on Child Abuse: An EMS Nightmare
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This is a child abuse lecture prepared by a paramedic (EMS) for pre-hospital providers. There are references to Idaho Codes, but this could be made state specific. Very educational.

 

 

Authorities Publicly Admit Cyril Smith Was A Pedophile

Posted by Sandra On November - 28 - 2012 Comments Off on Authorities Publicly Admit Cyril Smith Was A Pedophile

The police now publicly accept that young boys were victims of physical and sexual abuse committed by the Rochdale MP

Heavyweight MP Sir Cyril Smith was a pedophile who should have been brought to trial, authorities admitted today. The MP was accused of molesting eight boys in a children’s home in his constituency of Rochdale in the Sixties. Today the Crown Prosecution Service confirmed they decided three times – in 1970, 1998, and 1999 – not to prosecute the Liberal MP for alleged child abuse after being passed files by the police. And Greater Manchester police said tonight that if they allegations had been made today they could have taken the case to court.  READ MORE HERE

Man Accused of Raping GF’s Children

Posted by Sandra On November - 28 - 2012 Comments Off on Man Accused of Raping GF’s Children

CLAYTON, Mo. (KMOV.com) — A 23-year-old man faces molestation charges for allegedly molesting his girlfriend’s children. According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, court records say Tyree Ivory had access to the children while he was babysitting them back in March. READ MORE HERE

6-YO Jersey’s Killer Arrested

Posted by Sandra On November - 28 - 2012 Comments Off on 6-YO Jersey’s Killer Arrested

6-YO Jersey Bridgeman Murder Suspect Arrested

BENTONVILLE, Ark. – Authorities in northwest Arkansas said a fellow inmate attacked accused murderer Zachary Holly on Tuesday, a day before Holly was expected in court for the slaying of 6-year-old Jersey Bridgeman. Holly, 28, was arrested Monday on capital murder, kidnapping and residential burglary charges in Jersey’s death. He was due in court later Wednesday, when a judge was expected to assign him a public defender. READ MORE HERE

 

Who is Zachary Holly?

Wife Releases Statement Following Zachary Holly’s Murder Arrest 

Zachary Holly | Examiner.com — 1 day ago – Read the latest Zachary Holly news and view Zachary Holly pictures from our team of local insiders.

Scoutmaster Murdered by Man Who Claims He Raped Him As A Child

Posted by Sandra On November - 28 - 2012 Comments Off on Scoutmaster Murdered by Man Who Claims He Raped Him As A Child

MORE VICTIMS COMING FORWARD ALLEGING SEX ABUSE

A former scoutmaster who had deep local ties to his New Jersey community was brutally murdered over the summer and was found with his throat slit and multiple stab wounds over his body. Dennis J. Pegg was considered a mentor to the Boy Scouts he trained, but months after his grisly murder, darker questions have arisen. Clark Fredericks, the 46-year-old man who confessed to Pegg’s murder, said that the scoutmaster sexually abused him as a boy, and said that he ‘got what was coming to him.’ Now, months after Pegg’s gruesome murder, others have echoed Fredricks’ complaint of sexual abuse. READ MORE HERE

11-YO Girl Was Gang Raped by 20 Men for Days

Posted by Sandra On November - 28 - 2012 Comments Off on 11-YO Girl Was Gang Raped by 20 Men for Days

The defense attorney for one of 20 men accused in a gang-rape scandal likened the victim, an 11-year-old Texas girl, to a ‘spider’ who lured men into her web during the one and only day of testimony on Tuesday. Attorney Steve Taylor said the accused, 20-year-old Jared Len Cruse, is innocent of any wrongdoing in the case because he was baited by the girl, whose name has not been released because she is a minor.  ‘Like the spider and the fly. Wasn’t she saying, “Come into my parlor, said the spider to the fly?'” Taylor asked former Cleveland Police Department Sgt. Chad Langdon, who was the lead investigator on the case, the Houston Chronicle reported.  READ MORE HERE

Couple Accused of Bounding, Starving 3 Adopted Children

Posted by Sandra On November - 28 - 2012 Comments Off on Couple Accused of Bounding, Starving 3 Adopted Children

A couple have been arrested after allegedly locking three of their adopted children in a bedroom and starving them – before enjoying a Thanksgiving feast downstairs with their biological son. The alleged treatment at the hands of Larry and Nikki Russell was uncovered when their eldest adopted son escaped at their Terre Haute, Indiana home on Friday after breaking a window. Wandering barefoot and weighing just 93 pounds, the 17-year-old boy was picked up by a motorist and taken to Union Hospital, where staff called police and the Department of Child Services.  READ MORE HERE

15 Signs of An Abuser

Posted by Sandra On November - 26 - 2012 Comments Off on 15 Signs of An Abuser

Some behaviors of an adult who is a caregiver or who interacts frequently with a child may indicate that the adult is abusive. If you observe worrying signs, it does not necessarily indicate that the individual is an abuser; however, you should consider them a serious warning that warrants further investigation. If you suspect abuse, contact your local child protective services department for support and advice on what to do. READ MORE HERE

Red Flags: 15 Signs of an Abuser

 

1. Extreme Jealousy

Calls constantly, visits unexpectedly, is always checking up on you; says things like “if I ever catch you looking at someone else” and/or frequently accuses you of having affairs, sleeping with friends, spending too much time with your friends or family; interrogates you.

2. Possessive

Act like they “own” you; believes that you should consult with and get permission from them before going anywhere, doing anything, buying anything; won’t let you out of their sight.

3. Isolation

Tries to cut your ties with your friends, family and extracurricular activities; accuses people who are your supporters of “causing trouble;” refuses to let you have other friends; controls who, when and where you hang out with people.

4. Blames Others

For their problems, feelings, or behaviors; always someone else’s fault if something goes wrong; rarely takes responsibility for making a mistake; says things like “if you weren’t so stupid…” or “you provoked me, pressed my  buttons, made me do it, led me on.”

5. Uses Verbal Put-Downs

Verbally criticizes and belittles you, calls you inappropriate names, swears at you; puts-down what you wear, do and say, “you’d look good if…,” tries to embarrass you and make you feel stupid, so that your self-esteem and confidence will diminish.

6. Unpredictable Behavior

Has extreme mood swings; switches from sweet to violent in a short period of time; has a quick temper.

7. Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitive to criticism or perceived criticism; is easily insulted, claiming hurt feelings.

8. Close-Minded

Believes in stereotypical gender roles; shows little respect for the opposite sex; believes that their way is the only way, that you should be obedient, not disagree, not question, and never act independently.

9. Unrealistic Expectations

Of you or the relationship; expects you to meet their every need; gets too serious too fast.

10. Violent Tendencies

Threats of violence towards you, others or pets; has a history of fighting or unhealthy relationships; grew up in a violent home; breaks or strikes objects; owns or uses weapons or displays them to back up threats.

11. Denial

Has difficulty identifying feelings & communicating them; refuses or is unable to discuss, negotiate and compromise; refuses to accept breaking up.

12. Plays On Your Guilt

Says manipulative things like “if you really loved me, you would have sex with me” or “I can’t live without you” or “if you leave I’ll kill myself,” trying to make you feel guilty about your choices, so that they can maintain control over what you choose to do.

13. Uses Intimidation

Pressures you to use/abuse alcohol or drugs; pressures you for sex; scares you or is forceful with you.

14. Blames Circumstances

Always has an excuse for their behavior; believe they can’t control their anger; asks for a second chance and promises to change, says things like “I’m sorry, if only I hadn’t been drinking, I wouldn’t have hit you.”

15. ALWAYS HAS TO BE IN CONTROL 

Source

READ 28 More Signs of An Abuser

Warning Signs of an Abuser That You Must Know


Teen Shot Dead by Neighbor

Posted by Sandra On November - 24 - 2012 Comments Off on Teen Shot Dead by Neighbor

A teenage girl was shot dead by her neighbour after she objected to him urinating near the gate of her family home. Yusra Khan, 17, was gunned down by a 21-year-old man, who also broke into her home in New Delhi and left her mother Sadmani critically injured. The teenager is believed to have argued with the man, who lives in the same building, after objecting to him urinating near to the gate of the house. READ MORE HERE

Madeleine McCann Search Continues

Posted by Sandra On November - 24 - 2012 Comments Off on Madeleine McCann Search Continues

Cops investigate pedophile in search for Maddy!

Child molester Raymond Hewlett went to his death refusing to speak to investigators hunting for Madeleine McCann after he was sensationally linked to her disappearance. But police have now turned their attention back to the notorious paedophile who has a string of child sex convictions and was living on the Algarve when the youngster vanished from her holiday home in May 2007. Scotland Yard detectives who opened a review into the Madeleine mystery want to speak to a couple who befriended the former soldier while they were on holiday in Portugal. They were told by him he had been approached by gypsies wanting to buy one of his six children. Alan and Cindy Thompson met pervert Hewlett, his German wife Mariana Schmucker and their kids. READ MORE HERE

Texas Millionaire Accused of Molesting Boys

Posted by Sandra On November - 24 - 2012 Comments Off on Texas Millionaire Accused of Molesting Boys

An eccentric Texas millionaire has been accused of sexually abusing eight teenage boys. Stanley Marsh 3, who is famous for burying 10 vintage Cadillacs nose-down in an Amarillo field in the name of art, is facing a raft of lawsuits alleging he supplied the boys with cash, cars and alcohol in return for sexual favors. The lawsuits also claim the millionaire’s wife, Wendy Marsh, and business partner David Weir, knew of the abuse and covered it up. READ MORE HERE

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DREAMCATCHERS FOR ABUSED CHILDREN, INC. is an official non-profit 501(c)3 child abuse & neglect organization. Our mission is to educate the public on all aspects of child abuse such as symptoms, intervention, prevention, statistics, reporting, and helping victims locate the proper resources necessary to achieve a full recovery. We also cover areas such as bullying, teen suicide & prevention, children\'s rights, child trafficking, missing & exploited children, online safety, and pedophiles/sex offenders.

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