The Alliance

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The FALL 2012

INSIDE 2 Preventing Child Abuse with Family Support 3

News from Across the Commonwealth

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Does Your Organization Protect Children?

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Child Sexual Abuse Awareness Training

And more….

Mission Mission Pennsylvania Support Pennsylvania Family Family Support Alliance provideschildren a positive Alliance protects by environment forrecognize childrenand teaching citizens to through the provision of by report child abuse and neglect education in parenting skills, providing information, educational support for families materialsservices and programs that and training programs for promote positive parenting. professionals.

A Milestone in Protecting Pennsylvania’s Children The enactment of Senate Bill 449 into law, which now requires school personnel and those who contract with schools to be trained to recognize and report child abuse, is the culmination of more than three years of effort by Pennsylvania Family Support Alliance (PFSA) to better protect Pennsylvania’s children.

Long before the Jerry Sandusky case thrust child abuse into the national spotlight, PFSA began working with statewide partners and members of the General Assembly to craft legislation that requires training to equip teachers, guidance counselors, nurses and others in the school system to play a pivotal role in child protection. The new training law applies to personnel at public schools, charter schools, cyber schools, private schools, nonpublic schools, intermediate units and area vocationaltechnical schools. It allows school employees to receive Act 48 credits, their continuing professional educational requirements. A minimum of three hours of training is required every five years.

“Pennsylvanians should be grateful to everyone who had a hand in bringing this to fruition-including the members of the House and Senate; Gov. Tom Corbett, who signed the legislation into law on July 5, 2012; and in particular, State Sen. Pat Vance of Cumberland County, who got behind this measure from the very beginning,” said PFSA Executive Director Angela Liddle. Each year our state’s annual

Senator Pat Vance championed the new legislation.

child abuse report reflects that schools are by far the largest single source of child abuse reports from mandated reporters. More than 24,000 reports of suspected child abuse were filed in Pennsylvania in 2011, according to the PA Department of Public Welfare, and 34 children died as a result of abuse. “It is sad that it took something like the Sandusky case to finally bring the needed attention to the issue of child abuse,” Liddle said. “It is now up to all of us not to let this slip back into the shadows.”

Training on child abuse recognition and reporting is offered by PFSA on-site and free of charge on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Web-based training is also available, as well as technical assistance with policy development for employees and volunteers on child abuse and related risk-management issues. See page 4 for some guidelines to assess your organization’s policies on child abuse reporting.v

Can Child Abuse Be Prevented?

Many times, the answer is “yes.” One effective way of preventing child abuse is by engaging parents and other caregivers in a Family Support Program (FSP), such as those affiliated with Pennsylvania Family Support Alliance. FSPs can help decrease the chance of child abuse happening by addressing some of the risk factors in families. The most frequently cited risk factors are listed below. When parents attend a family support program, the likelihood of these factors leading to abuse decreases.

• Vulnerability of the child – For example, children with disabilities are at a higher risk of being abused; when vulnerable children are connected with community and neighborhood services, and have more caring adults in their lives, they are less likely to be abused and neglected.

• Marginal parenting skills and knowledge – Most FSPs have a parent education component that assists parents in gaining better parenting skills as well as knowledge about the development of their children. The programs stress alternatives to physical discipline, which can easily escalate to abuse.

• Impaired judgment of perpetrator – Parents who attend groups get input from other parents in the group and develop new perspectives. A trained facilitator working with families can identify key areas in which parents need help and provide the needed direction and support.

• Stress – Overwhelmed and underprepared, many parents lash out at their children when stressed. In the FSP, parents have the opportunity to discuss their stress with other parents and staff, receiving feedback so they know they are not the only ones who are struggling. Group members also use the time in the group to learn and practice stressreduction skills.

• Substance abuse – Parents in recovery from substance abuse are less likely to relapse when they are participating in FSPs. In the FSP, they can lessen the impact of past abuse on children and address the stress that often accompanies relapse.

Also, parenting programs often provide referrals to substance abuse treatment programs if a relapse occurs.

• Insufficient social or family support – The FSP helps to combat social isolation of parents by offering a chance to socialize with other parents, and becomes an informal “family” for parents.

• Abuse between parental figures – The group facilitator helps the family gain access to resources in the community to help combat domestic violence. FSPs also teach parents about the negative impact that witnessing violence between parents has on children.

• Perpetrator abused as a child – Childhood issues may come up during group discussions and parents have the opportunity to talk with each other and staff about how this could affect their parenting. A parenting program can also provide referrals for counseling when needed.

For more information on preventing child abuse, and to find a PFSA-affiliated program in your community, visit www.pa-fsa.org. See page 3 for some examples of our affiliates at work!v

PFSA Welcomes to its governing Board of Directors….

Jennifer Doyle, Director of Development & Community Investment for The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, Harrisburg, PA. Gary Shuey, Social Work Supervisor, Penn State University, Dickinson School of Law- Children’s Advocacy Clinic, Carlisle, PA. Andi Taroli, M.D., Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Penn State Children’s Hospital, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA.

Fall Conference Planned PFSA is planning its fall conference, “Child Abuse Prevention: Effective Interventions and Strategies,” for November 7 in Bethlehem.

Participants have a choice of workshops, with three workshop sessions planned. Registration fee of $20 per person includes training, materials and lunch; continuing education credits are available. The event is co-sponsored by the Bethlehem Partnership for a Healthy Community. For information on the conference, visit our website – www.pa-fsa.org.

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Allegheny and Westmoreland Counties – Our affiliate, Family Services of Western PA (ParentWISE Program) collaborates with Goodwill of Southwestern PA and the Domestic Abuse Counseling Center to provide the AFFECT (Advancing Fathers and Family Enrichment Collaborative) program. The program helps low-income fathers address basic life needs, employment issues, family and relationship concerns, as well as health and wellness improvement. Parenting classes and support groups focus on developing positive fathering and co-parenting relationships; mothers are encouraged to attend the parenting groups as well. Fathers can be married or unmarried, custodial or noncustodial, can participate for up to one year, and can choose to participate in one or all of the components of the program.

Clarion County – With funding provided by Clarion County Children and Youth Services, the Community Action, Inc. Crossroads Project is providing a weekly family support program for parents in Clarion County; they also offer parenting classes and support programs in Jefferson County. Recently, they surveyed parents to find out how the group impacts their family.

Most parents said they attend to learn more about parenting and find new ways to discipline their children and they feel better equipped to parent since attending the group.

Dauphin County – In addition to offering parent support groups and parenting classes in three counties, Family Support of Central PA partners with Keystone Correctional Services to provide programs that help men reunite with their children

following incarceration.

In less than a year of operation, the program has reached over 50 fathers, who learn about child development, family dynamics and increasing the parent/child bond. The program uses “Building Your Family,” a PFSA publication and, according to Michele Jeszenka, Director of Treatment at Keystone, it has been well-received. “Word is spreading quickly throughout the facility about how great the class is and residents are encouraging other residents to attend,” she says. “Support goes beyond the classes. For example, the program provided gifts for the men to give their children for Christmas. For some fathers, this was the first gift they could give since before incarceration. It meant a lot to them to have something to give their kids after so many missed holidays.”

thanks to community support of their capital campaign, “Adopt a Space So Children Have a Place.” Families in the area can visit www.carecenterofindianaco.org to find out more about the center and upcoming events.

Northumberland County – The Northumberland Family Center began using PFSA’s “Building Your Family” curriculum in February. Carla Clark, Family Center Supervisor, reports that it has been a big success so far. “We have made this (Building Your Family) a core building class for most of our other classes to branch off from. Since we have been doing the class we have had our all-time highs as far as attendance. We have gotten parents to make positive strides with regard to changing their outlooks and approaches to their daily lives. The feedback from the parents has been very beneficial. My staff and I really believe that this class has added a piece of the puzzle that was sorely missing with our parents.” The Northumberland Family Center is supported by the county’s Children and Youth Services.

Front Porch Moments

The newly renovated and expanded CARE Center of Indiana County is opened by District Attorney Patrick Dougherty (left), Executive Director Kristina Taylor-Porter and County Commissioner Patricia Evanko (right)

Indiana County – Long-time PFSA affiliate Center for Family Life/Children’s Advocacy Center has a new name, The CARE Center of Indiana County. CARE stands for Child Advocacy and Relationship Enhancing Center, to reflect on the many services the organization now provides.

Among the newer programs at The CARE Center is supervised visits for court-ordered families. They have also renovated and expanded their program and office space, THE ALLIANCE v 3

Front Porch moments are those times when a little bit of interaction with a family can go a long way in helping parents and protecting children. The name comes from PFSA’s Front Porch Project (FPP), primary prevention training that equips members of the community to know when and how to get involved when they are concerned about a child. Here is what one recent attendee, Jennifer Rodeheaver, had to say about the training she attended in York: I want thank you for the training. Usually when I leave training I feel it was a waste of time and was really just basic education.

However, I truly felt empowered and more knowledgeable after your training! I will pass this on and encourage others to go! continued on page 5

Misconceptions of Reporting Child Abuse When a child abuse tragedy is reported in the media, people who know the child often say that they thought something was wrong. Yet, too often, no reports of known or suspected abuse were made to the police or local child protective services agency.

Surveys have shown that although the majority of Americans polled believe that everyone should play a role in stopping child abuse, many people also admit to witnessing child abuse and doing nothing about it. The reasons for not reporting abuse include not knowing where to call, as well as misconceptions regarding what will happen once a report of known or suspected abuse is made.

Many people incorrectly believe that: • Abused children must be removed from their homes immediately. This actually is the least likely outcome.

• Child abuse cannot be reported anonymously. In Pennsylvania, you do not need to provide your name, unless you are a mandated reporter.

• The person reported for abuse is entitled to know who made the report. They are not. Pennsylvania’s Child Protective Services Law provides confidentiality and protects the identity of reporters of suspected child abuse, regardless of the outcome of the investigation.

To report suspected child abuse, anyone may call the statewide hotline (ChildLine) at 800-932-0313. The hotline is staffed 24 hours a day and accepts calls from throughout the Commonwealth. For additional information, including training for both mandated reporters and the general public, call PFSA at 800-448-4906 or visit www.pa-fsa.org. v

Building Blocks to Prevent Child Abuse One of the things we know about child abuse is that it is preventable. As professionals and individual members of the community, it is our responsibility to protect children. Organizations can strengthen prevention efforts by adopting practices and implementing protocols that protect children. Any organization that provides programming or services to children is a place where abuse can occur; if the organization’s work is carried out in a responsibly safe manner, the risk to a child can be minimized. Policies that create safety for children and clearly communicate how to respond to allegations of child abuse can aid in this effort.

There are several actions an organization can take: • Organizations should make child safety the highest priority. The policies and procedures of the organization, and every action of employees and volunteers, should reflect a commitment to child safety.

• All employees who work with children must be screened, including Child Abuse Clearances and comprehensive criminal history checks. The Child Protective Services Law (CPSL) requires such clearances as a condition of employment. Volunteers should be screened as well.

• Staff and volunteer orientation and training should include education on policies and other issues related to the prevention and reporting of child abuse. All members of the organization should be informed on child abuse issues.

• Information about appropriate conduct with children should be given to both staff and volunteers, in writing, and should be signed by staff and volunteers. Standards for adequate supervision of children, including the age of staff and volunteers and having at least two staff present at all times, should be set.

• Both staff and volunteers should be supervised appropriately, including random, unannounced observations. Parents should also feel free to make unannounced visits to the program.

• Staff and volunteers should be provided with training and education on how to be watchful for signs and symptoms of child abuse. A clear policy on how to report should also be in place and reviewed with all personnel regularly. PFSA has a Sample Policy template that organizations may download by visiting www.pa-fsa.org; information on training for mandated reporters is also available on our website.

• The environment should be designed with child safety in mind. Rooms with windowed doors or leaving doors open in areas used for children’s activities or counseling sessions is a recommended practice. Parents should be provided with advance notice and full information regarding events in which their children will participate.

• Prevention programs for children are also recommended. Children should be informed about who they may contact for advice and help if they have been a victim of abuse.

• Parenting classes and support groups to help parents and other caretakers deal with the stressors of family life are also recommended. Stress is a key factor in why abuse occurs; helping parents deal with those stressors can decrease the likelihood of abuse.

PFSA can help your organization protect children and strengthen safeguards for both the child and the organization. We can review organizational policies, suggest changes and assist in creating new policies. For information, contact PFSA at 800-448-4906.v THE ALLIANCE v 4

PFSA Offers Training in Child Sexual Abuse Awareness PFSA has added a new educational weapon to its arsenal for community members interested in protecting and safeguarding our children. PFSA staff has recently been trained to facilitate Darkness to Light’s award-winning prevention training, Stewards of Children, which is proven to change beliefs, actions and attitudes toward child sexual abuse.

Darkness to Light’s Stewards of Children is a two-hour workshop designed to educate community members on how to prevent, recognize and react responsibly to the reality of child sexual abuse. Stewards of Children emphasizes child safety as an adult’s responsibility. Each participant will be inspired to take personal responsibility

in preventing this epidemic. Stewards of Children facilitates discussion about the incidence and consequences of abuse, and presents information about child protection policies and reporting mandates.

Learn how to help prevent child sexual abuse and the impact on an estimated 39 million victims in the U.S. by hosting a “Stewards of Children” workshop. The host organization is responsible for promoting the training, handling, registration and providing space and equipment for the training. A minimal fee of $10 per participant covers the cost of the interactive workbook and companion brochure, 7 Steps to Protecting Our Children. Contact PFSA to schedule training for your group or organization.v

Front Porch Moments continued from page 3

I can’t tell you how many times I felt children have slipped through the cracks of the system. Because of this I really wanted to get out of this training what I can do to help these children. With some cases I was beginning to feel hopeless. The training really shed light to show that when the system cannot get involved, the community can, and reminded me of the importance of a child having strong support systems in their lives. This probably sounds so simple; however, many of our therapists often feel helpless because they forget the power of community. So again, thank you! (Jennifer is the START Program Supervisor at the Children’s Home of York.

FFP training is offered in partnership with local organizations. Several formats are available. To find out more about hosting the Front Porch Project, visit www.pa-fsa.org.v

did you know? ✓✓ The real prevalence of child sexual abuse is unknown because so many victims do not disclose or report their abuse. Researchers have suggested rates varying from 1% to 35%; most professionals in the field of abuse suggest rates from 8% to 20%. ✓✓ Adult retrospective studies show that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men were sexually abused before the age of 18. ✓✓ Family structure is the most important risk factor in child sexual abuse. Children who live with two married biological parents are at low risk for abuse. The risk increases when children live with step-parents or a single parent. Children living without either parent (foster children) are 10 times more likely to be sexually abused than children that live with both biological parents. Children who live with a single parent who has a live-in partner are at the highest risk: they are 20 times more likely to be victims of child sexual abuse than children living with both biological parents. ✓✓ Family and acquaintance child sexual abuse perpetrators have reported that they look for specific characteristics in the children they choose to abuse. They look for passive, quiet, troubled, lonely children from single parent or broken homes.

Perpetrators frequently seek out children who are particularly trusting and work proactively to establish a trusting relationship before abusing. ✓✓ Research suggests that fewer than one-third of child sexual abuse incidents are identified or reported. Of those identified by professionals, up to 25% of these are not reported. Police make arrests in about 29% of cases reported to them. More than 13% of sex offenses are not prosecuted. ✓✓ Almost three-fourths of victims do not tell anyone for at least a year after the abuse occurs; 45% of victims do not tell anyone for at least five years. Some never tell.

Source: Darkness to Light- www.darkness2light.org.

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Board of Directors President Emeritus, Graham S. Hetrick, Coroner, Dauphin County President, Ruth Williams, Alternative Rehab Communities, Dauphin County Vice President, Raffy R. Luquis, Ph.D., CHES, Penn State Harrisburg, Dauphin County Secretary, Britta Schatz, Penn National Insurance, Perry County Treasurer, G. Anthony Meadows, CPA, CITP, Public School Employees’ Retirement System, Dauphin County Jeannette Archer-Simons, Archer-Simons Consulting, Dauphin County Bernadette Bianchi, LSW, Pennsylvania Council for Children, Youth & Family Services, Dauphin County Leena S. Dev, M.D., St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, Philadelphia County Jennifer Doyle, The Foundation for Enhancing Communites, Dauphin County Sabina Grant-Spencer, Susquehanna School District, Dauphin County Tracy Grinnen, CPA, Boyer and Ritter, Cumberland County Maryrose McCarthy, University of Pittsburgh – PA Child Welfare Resource Center, Northumberland County Charis Mincavage, Esq., McNees, Wallace and Nurick, Dauphin County Barry S. Ramper, II, Homeland Center, Dauphin County Joy Maatman Russell, Genentech, Inc., Dauphin County Gary Shuey, Penn State University, Dickinson School of Law, Cumberland County Richard (Rick) D. Steele, PA Juvenile Court Judges, Northumberland County Andi Taroli, M.D., Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Dauphin County Angela Liddle, MPA, Executive Director Printed on paper with 50% recycled content.

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“Parents are like shuttles on a loom. They join the threads of the past with threads of the future and leave their own bright patterns as they go. ” -Fred Rogers