[HCCN] PR: Mandated Reporters Training dates: 10/21 or 11/20

[Candy Eaton]

September 30, 2009; FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:  Candy Eaton, Program Director

* *

*Recognizing & Reporting Signs of Stress in Families for *

*Mandated Reporters of Suspected Child Abuse*

 
Do you drive a school bus?  During last year's legislative session, 
school bus drivers and bus attendants were added to the list of 
professional mandated reporters.  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.  Anyone suspecting child maltreatment is encouraged to 
report, as well.
 
On *_Friday, November 20, 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.  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.  There are 
also a few spaces available for the October 21^st training, same time & 
location.  Please indicate which date you wish to attend.
 
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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