Page 44 - CLT032320

44 ¦ MARCH 23, 2020 PERSPECTIVES

Don’t Let Abused Children Become
Collateral Damage During Crisis

By Joette Katz

Because children and adolescents spend a large
portion of their time in school, educators,
nurses, coaches, psychologists, administra-
tors, bus drivers and maintenance staff have more
access to students than most other professionals-
-indeed most other people--including sometimes
their parents. School personnel, especially educa-
tors, have a vital role in identifying, reporting and
preventing child abuse and neglect.
Consequently, over the years, schools have
worked closely with the Department of Children
and Families, as well as mental health profes-
sionals and others, to develop programs directed
at informing educators that they are a valuable
resource. As mandated reporters, all educators
have the responsibility not only to report sus-
pected abuse, but also to know how to make a
report, to be familiar with their district’s policies
and reporting procedures, and to communicate
with child protection services. Educators have
a deep sense of their professional responsibility
to the children in their care. They are concerned
about their health, safety, and happiness. Educa-
tors recognize that they are role models for the
children they teach and that they may be an im-
portant source of support, concern, and care for Joette Katz

many children. positive relationship with a supporting adult may
There are many reasons why educators are so enhance the resiliency of children who have been
vital in identifying, treating, and preventing child abused, are at-risk for being abused, or live in a
maltreatment. Some are obvious: first, they have home where no abuse occurs but the family expe-
close and consistent contact with children; second, riences other problems, such as substance abuse.
they have a professional and legally mandated re- Indeed, roughly 92% of the cases reported to DCF
sponsibility for reporting suspected maltreatment; involve allegations of neglect, not abuse. So while
third, school personnel have a unique opportunity educators facilitate children’s learning, they do so
to advocate for children, as well as provide pro- much more.
grams and services that can help children and Additionally, schools provide facilities such as
strengthen families. It is important to realize that a auditoriums or conference rooms to groups or for

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