ILLINOIS – An outraged Illinois judge on Tuesday sentenced a 34-year-old woman he dubbed a ‘monster mom’ to 43 years in prison for murdering her 11-year-old daughter with a single punch to the stomach after prolonged abuse. Nicholette Lawrence, of Waukegan, was arrested on September 5, 2014, after her daughter, Raashanai Coley, was found unresponsive at the family’s home on Gillette Avenue and later died. When she was questioned by police, Lawrence admitted that she had punched Raashanai in the stomach two days prior. READ MORE HERE

Child abuse is a problem that is prevalent in society. School counselors have a legal and ethical duty to report any case of suspected child abuse to the authorities. However, simply transferring child abuse cases to child protection services doesn’t always return the results expected, and children are often stuck in the same abusive situations.

The Importance of Early Intervention

Early intervention and prevention is capital for the well-being and development of a child. In a perfect world, abuse doesn’t happen, but in the cases where it does, early intervention allows professionals to address some of the issues immediately and remove the child from the situation, which minimizes the trauma the child has to suffer.

The Importance of Formation

Every school or college should have a solid prevention plan in place to assist victims of abuse. The first step in implementing a prevention plan is to educate all school personnel on the prevalence of child abuse and implement school safeguarding policies to counteract it. This usually starts with the college counselor or school counselor. Most school counselor courses, such as the Wake Forest University program, have modules specific to dealing with the situation.

School counselors are often the only resource a children can access when dealing with abuse at home. School counselors can facilitate the training of other school personnel since they have a wealth of experience on the subject.

Identifying the Signs

One of the first steps in the formation of a safeguarding team is teaching how to identify early signs of child abuse. However, it is important for them to know that signs and symptoms often related with child abuse are not always caused by abuse, so it’s important not to jump to conclusions.

Once early signs have been detected, it is the job of the school counselor to consult the student and question them about their situation at home. Only by questioning the student will the counselor be able to truly tell if they’re dealing with abuse.

Consistency is important when implementing any program. This is why the rules and regulations concerning suspected cases of abuse should be uniform and clearly stated in writing. Clear protocols should be set in place in case of suspected child abuse and each department should be fully aware of the set of procedures that must be taken in case some of the common signs are noticed.

What about the Parents?

Sadly, school personnel are somewhat limited when it comes to addressing the usual perpetrators: the parents. However schools can work in parallel with other community agencies to provide guidance and assistance to parents dealing with difficulties. School counselors can provide guidance on good parental care and steer parents towards resources that could help them in becoming better parents.

The role of a school counselor goes far beyond simply helping students in their day to day activities and providing moral support. They play an essential role in the prevention and prosecution of child abuse cases. Anyone entering this profession should be aware of that fact and understand fully what will be expected of them once they land this position.

ADDITIONAL INFO:

How to ensure your school can spot the signs of child abuse

How To: Recognize The Warning Signs of Child Abuse

The Role of Educators in Preventing and Responding to Child Abuse

UNICEF – Teachers Talking

MORGAN COUNTY, ALABAMA – Court documents reveal new details about a Morgan County child abuse investigation and the living conditions at the home. 28-year-old Arik Nathaniel Young and 25-year-old Chelsea Renea Stainforth are the parents of the alleged victim, a 6-month old child. Both are charged with willful abuse of a child. In the affidavit asking a judge to allow the search warrant, a Morgan County Sheriff’s Office investigators wrote there were feces where the child and sibling would play. The investigator also alleges the baby suffered two broken leg bones for at least two days before receiving medical care. READ MORE HERE

How To Identify Early Signs of Child Abuse

Children experience different types of abuse including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. Many of them suffer silently for a long time before their parents discover their pain. In most cases of child abuse, the abuser threatens the child against disclosing his or her acts to anyone. Sometimes abuse comes from a close relative or parent, which makes it difficult for the other parent or relatives to learn about it. However, parents and pediatric nurses can look out for some early signs of child abuse. These include:

1. Withdrawal

A child experiencing abuse may seem withdrawn from his or her peers and family. Some withdraw out of fear while others withdraw because of shame, especially in the case of sexual abuse. A child may lose interest in social and outdoor activities, suddenly or gradually.

2. Poor Performance in School

A child’s performance in school is a good indicator of his or her state of mind. If a child’s grades begin to decline without an obvious reason like sickness or absence, it is possible that the child is experiencing neglect or abuse.

3. Fear or Uneasiness while Interacting with a Parent

The ability of nurses to identify child abuse cases largely depends on their pediatric nurse practitioner specialties. Nurses and teachers can identify child abuse cases by observing the interactions between children and their parents. Children undergoing abuse from their parents are often afraid when talking to their parents. The children try to do everything right to avoid upsetting their parents. They are not free to express themselves or play around their parents.

4. Stunted Development

A child undergoing any form of abuse shows signs of abnormal growth and development. The child may not possess the skills and abilities that other children of the same age possess. Sometimes children lose some of the skills they had attained after experiencing abuse. Stunted physical development is also an indicator of abuse and neglect. For instance, a child may gain weight and height at a slower rate than his or her peers.

5. Unexplained Injuries and Bruises

Nurses can learn how to become a pediatric nurse practitioner to improve their effectiveness in helping victims of child abuse. Unexplained physical marks, injuries, and bruises are obvious signs that a child is experiencing physical abuse. A child may try to cover the injuries with inappropriate clothing or give conflicting information on the source of the physical marks.

6. Extreme Behavior

Children undergoing abuse may display extreme behavior. They may become excessively demanding for care and attention or extremely passive. An abused child may become extremely compliant or extremely deviant.

7. Mental Health Issues

All forms of abuse lead to negative emotions and feelings. Abused children often suffer from depression, anxiety, and a low self-esteem. Some experience suicidal thoughts and may attempt suicide on several occasions. An abused child is always alert or watchful as if he or she expects something bad to happen.

Pediatric nurse practitioners and parents can use the signs outlined above to identify cases of child abuse. However, with the exception of physical injuries and bruises, one sign is not sufficient evidence of abuse. Parents and nurses should rule out other possible causes before concluding that a child is experiencing abuse.

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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Signs & Symptoms of Child Abuse

Child Abuse & Neglect: Recognizing the Signs and Making a Difference

Child abuse Symptoms – Mayo Clinic

How to Recognize Child Abuse

Child sexual abuse warning signs

Tip Sheet: Warning Signs of Possible Sexual Abuse

$12,500 Reward Offered for Texas Fugitive Wanted for Murder, Child Sex Crime

AUSTIN, Texas – The reward for Freddie Alaniz, 36, has been increased to $12,500 for information leading to his capture if the tip comes in during the month of January. Alaniz is wanted for murder, sexual assault of a child. and possession of marijuana. All tips are guaranteed to be anonymous. READ MORE HERE

Twice-convicted sex offender, Bruce Feathers, wanted by Denver Police

DENVER, Colorado — Authorities are asking for the public’s help to find a wanted sex offender. Bruce Earl Feathers, 39, has been convicted of sexual assault charges involving a child twice. He was convicted of sex assault on a child in 1996 and aggravated sex assault on a child in 2002. READ MORE HERE

DETROIT — A Michigan doctor accused of sexually abusing gymnasts was sued Tuesday by 18 women and girls, the latest legal action over alleged assaults, mostly at his clinic at Michigan State University. The lawsuit against Dr. Larry Nassar, Michigan State, USA Gymnastics and a Lansing-area gymnastics club was filed in federal court in western Michigan. It makes claims of civil rights violations, discrimination and negligence. The Associated Press usually doesn’t name people who allege sexual abuse, but one of the plaintiffs, Rachael Denhollander, 32, of Louisville, Kentucky, talked publicly about the lawsuit. She said she was assaulted by Nassar while seeing him for wrist and back injuries at age 15 in 2000. READ MORE HERE

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH — A Utah mother has been charged with child abuse by authorities who say she locked her 12-year-old son in a filthy bathroom without lights for at least one year, leaving him dangerously malnourished. The boy’s father found him in the mother’s house Friday night in the small southeastern Utah city of Toquerville near the state line with Arizona, Washington County Sheriff’s Office Lt. David Crouse said on Tuesday. Authorities found feces throughout the bathroom, one blanket, a few empty cans of beans and a camera that may have been used to capture what was going on in there, Crouse said. The boy was likely kept in the dark, he said. Investigators found 3 square feet of duct tape mounted on the light switch so it could not be turned on. The door had locks on the outside. READ MORE HERE

UPDATE: 4:47 p.m.  – Authorities say two siblings of a 12-year-old boy found dangerously malnourished and locked in a filthy bathroom say their brother had been there for at least one year. Washington County Sheriff’s Office Lt. David Crouse said Tuesday the children said they hadn’t even spoken to their brother through the door in six months. He declined to give their ages, but said one was old enough to understand things. The boy was found Sunday at his home in the small southeastern Utah city of Toquerville near the state line with Arizona. READ MORE HERE

Why Business Owners Are the Best Mentors a Child Can Have

Growing up, children are exposed to many different types of professionals via career fairs, special guests who visit their schools, and even their own parents. Sometimes children are brought directly into fold, with field trips to colleges, such as the University of Maryland and the Franklin Institute. Many of these professionals can have a marked impact on a child’s life, inspiring them to grow up and become highly regarded movers and shakers in the business world. While one-time visits can be extremely influential on a child’s life, mentorship programs have much more staying power. From there, internships and apprenticeships can be established, enabling each adult involved to benefit, just as much as the children they are guiding and leading. For business owners interested in giving back to the community, becoming a mentor is a valuable experience.

Why Mentorship?

Children already have a ton of things to worry about, such as extracurricular activities and school dances, so they may be a little skeptical when they are first told about mentorship opportunities. If they are younger, they won’t yet know that an MBA is a great investment, nor will they have any idea of what they want to do after high school. This is one of the primary reasons that involving business owners in mentorship programs is essential. Many people end up going into the first careers that seem viable because they weren’t prepared enough to make sound choices. By working closely with children at a younger age, they have the chance to learn what they enjoy doing versus what they might want to do as a secondary option.

Ways to Get Involved

You can reach out to local schools to find out how they match students with mentors. Alternatively, you can find non-profits and begin volunteering your time at programs where students come to meet after school. Programs such as the Boys and Girls Club are always on the lookout for professional mentors who aren’t afraid to dedicate both time and resources to the betterment of the youth. You will find that it is easy to form a bond with younger students as you get to know them and see an ambitious glimmer of hope in their eyes. Talk to them about MBA career opportunities versus what they’ll need to do to run their own companies, and be sure to answer all of their questions as thoroughly as you can.

Starting Your Own Mentorship Program

Another option is to get involved with the younger generation on your own. If you have a business that would be conducive to hosting a mentorship program, invite parents to bring their children in and learn about the business industry from an early age. You might want to hold a seminar that teaches children the very basics about becoming business owners, or run a summer camp that allows kids to get hands on training.

Think back to when you were a kid who was eager to grow up and start working. You likely dreamed about becoming your own boss, but you probably had no idea of what being a business owner actually entailed. Being a mentor is a way to give kids a realistic glimpse into business ownership without overwhelming them or stifling their dreams.

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OTHER CHILD MENTOR PROGRAMS:

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America: Home

Become a Mentor – MENTOR

Child Safe Michigan Mentoring Program

Find Child Mentoring Programs in Your Area

Tuesday’s Children: Youth Mentoring Program

Choosing the right school and the right field of study to focus on is more important than ever. Whether you’re trying to acquire a bachelor’s degree or you want to pursue an MBA from the best online MBA schools available today, taking the time to choose a school and major that suits you is a must. A specific specialization will help you perform better as you enter the job market. Employers also value MBA students with specific sets of skills that are aligned with the position they are filling perfectly.

Fortunately, the education landscape is responding beautifully to the increasing demand for specialized professionals. Top universities such as Northeastern University, for example, are making specializations such as international marketing and finance available to their MBA students. Choose the correct specialization and you’ll be shaping a better future for yourself.

To learn more, the How to Choose the Right School for Your Career Path infographic by Northeastern University has all the information you need.

Northeastern University’s Master of Business Administration Online Program

Grants & Scholarships for Survivors – Dreamcatchers for Abused Children

Education – Dreamcatchers for Abused Children

Scholarships For Sexually Abused Children – Grants – Financial Aid

Despite efforts by law enforcement, medical professionals, teachers, families and others to prevent abuse, abuse still exists today and affects the lives of millions of people in the U.S. and worldwide. Abuse comes in all different forms; whether it is physical, sexual, psychological, or even financial, and can happen to anybody, from middle-aged men to elderly women and small children. The more people that we have fighting abuse and raising awareness, letting victims know that it’s okay to speak up and offering them safety, the better we can improve the situation regarding abuse in all forms around the world. We’ve listed some of the best career choices for anybody who’s passionate about standing up to abuse.

Nurse

Every day, nurses work with victims of all different forms of abuse. Nurses could work with assault victims in the ER, whilst mental health nurses play a vital part in caring for victims who have been strongly emotionally affected by the trauma that they have experienced. Nurses can often play a vital role in spotting the signs of abuse in patients who may be too frightened or unable to speak up. A rewarding career, nursing is also filled with many opportunities, for example studying on an RN to MSN program after graduating. Click the link for masters in nursing program details or contact your preferred university for a RN to MSN program guide.

Counselor

Counselors and therapists play a huge part in the recovery process of those who have suffered abuse at the hands of others, and likewise, can often help abusers to change their behaviors and stop hurting people. However, working as a counsellor is no easy task, and you will need to be thick-skinned, mindful, and able to detach yourself from situations and the stories that you will be hearing day-to-day in your job.

Social Worker

Social workers work with a wide range of different people in order to safeguard, protect, and help them to achieve their best. Social workers are most often known for working with vulnerable children, who may be at a higher level of risk when it comes to mistreatment, abuse and neglect. As a social worker, it will be your job to assess situations and step in if you believe that things have or could be taken too far. Social workers have a stressful job with high levels of responsibility. However, the fact that you have the ability to prevent abuse and mistreatment makes it a hugely rewarding profession.

Teacher

As a teacher, you will be working with children every day and you’ll often be their first port of call when it comes to many of their issues. As a teacher, your job gives you the responsibility of safeguarding and looking after the children that you teach, which means looking out for any signs that they are being mistreated, such as sudden changes in behavior or suspicious marks or bruises.

Sadly, abuse still goes on a lot more often than many realize, even in an age where there’s more awareness than ever before. If you’re determined to spend your career fighting and preventing abuse, these career paths could be perfect for you.

CANTON A 46-year-old city man was recently convicted of rape and sentenced to 15 years to life in prison. A Stark County jury found Jack P. Shreve guilty of single counts of rape and gross sexual imposition. He was acquitted of a second rape count. Shreve sexually abused the young girl earlier this year, said Daniel Petricini, assistant Stark County prosecutor. DNA evidence and the girl’s testimony led to the conviction, he said. Testifying was difficult and traumatic for the victim, Petricini said. A therapist, police and child sex abuse investigators were also witnesses, he said. The defendant did not testify. READ MORE HERE

The Gaslighting Campaign has been created to bring international awareness to the complex issues surrounding child poverty, youth offending and abuse. The campaign goal is to create change using dramatic films based on true events. Gaslighting is one of two films to be utilized by our national affiliates for awareness and educational purposes.

THIS FILM CONTAINS SCENES THAT SOME PEOPLE MAY FIND DISTURBING.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FILM “GASLIGHTING”

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FOR SUPPORT AND ADVICE PLEASE CONTACT

U.K. – CHILDLINE 24HR ON 0800 111

U.K. – NSPCC 24HR HELPLINE ON 0808 800 5000

U. S. – Child Helpline 1-800-4-A-CHILD

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