[HCCN] PR: 6.12.09 Professional MR Training

[Candy Eaton]

*HANCOCK COUNTY CHILDREN'S COUNCIL*

*a program of Downeast Health Services Inc.*

*52 CHRISTIAN RIDGE ROAD, ELLSWORTH, ME  04605*

*pHONE:  (207) 667-5304 ext. 261;  fAX: (207) 667-6117*

*children at downeasthealth.org* <mailto:children at downeasthealth.org>* *


May 5, 2009; FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:  Candy Eaton, Program Director

* *

*Recognizing & Reporting Signs of Stress in Families for
Mandated Reporters of Suspected Child Abuse*

 

In Maine, many adults, while acting in a professional capacity, are 
mandated by law to report suspected child abuse or neglect to the 
Department of Health and Human Services.  These professions include:  
medical & dental personnel, school personnel, social workers & mental 
health professionals, camp counselors, child care personnel, law 
enforcement, municipal fire inspectors & code enforcement officials, 
clergy, court-appointed guardian ad litems and humane agents.  During 
last year's legislative session, sexual assault counselors and family or 
domestic violence victim advocates were added to the list of 
professional mandated reporters.  Animal control officers are permitted 
to report, as well.
 
This training is scheduled to accommodate those summer employees who may 
be in a professional capacity for the first time, such as camp 
counselors and child care personnel, as well as other social services 
employees new to their employment.
 
On *_Friday, June 12, 2009, 9am to noon_*, the Hancock County Children's 
Council will provide training for mandated reporters at Downeast Health 
Services, 52 Christian Ridge Road, Ellsworth.  During the past year, 
representatives from the Maine Child Abuse Prevention Councils, Child 
Protective Intake Services, Maine Children's Trust, and Maine's Early 
Childhood Initiative have developed a new curriculum to be used 
statewide for consistent training for all professionals mandated to 
report suspicion of child abuse.
 
This training includes the latest changes to the law, and will provide 
you with a basic framework for recognizing child abuse and neglect and 
the various indicators of physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect and 
emotional maltreatment.  You will learn when to report, how to make a 
report, what to do if it's an urgent situation, what happens after you 
file a report, and how to protect children and support families.  This 
training is free, but space is limited to 15 participants, so please 
register early by calling Candy Eaton at 667-5304 ext. 261.
 
For more than twenty years, the Hancock County Children's Council has 
worked to PREVENT child abuse and neglect in all its forms.  /Physical 
abuse/ is a non-accidental injury or pattern of injuries to a child.  
These injuries may include, but are not limited to severe beatings, 
burns, human bites or strangulation.  /Emotional abuse /is a pattern of 
behavior that attacks a child's emotional development and sense of 
self-worth.  Examples include constant criticizing, belittling and 
providing no love, support or guidance.   /Sexual abuse /is the 
exploitation of a child for the sexual gratification of another as in 
rape, incest, fondling of the genitals, exhibitionism or pornography.  
Most child sexual abuse victims are abused by someone they know.  We can 
help protect children by teaching them they have a right to privacy, not 
to keep secrets, and believe a child who confides in you.  /Neglect /is 
not providing children with the care or protection they need. 
 
The Hancock County Children's Council collaborates with many local and 
statewide partners to strengthen families and support communities in 
nurturing all children.  The Council has an extensive collection of 
books and videotapes on subjects designed to help children and families 
live healthier lives.  The Family Resource Center Library is available 
to all residents in Hancock County and is located at Downeast Health 
Services, 52 Christian Ridge Road, Ellsworth, ME.    Please call 
667-5304 ext. 261, email children at downeasthealth.org 
<mailto:children at downeasthealth.org> or visit our website at 
www.downeasthealth.org for additional information on parenting classes, 
child development and family resources available in Hancock County. 
 
/Candy Eaton, Program Director
Hancock County Children's Council
a program of Downeast Health Services Inc.
52 Christian Ridge Road, Ellsworth, ME  04605/
/207-667-5304, ext. 261 /
/children at downeasthealth.org/ <mailto:children at downeasthealth.org>
 

 

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