Child Abuse Reporting: Tennessee Department of Children's Services

Introduction

• Child abuse is a significant issue in Tennessee and the US.
• The Tennessee Department of Children's Services (DCS) collaborates with communities to ensure child safety.
• Importance of recognizing, responding, and reporting child abuse.

Reporting and Investigating Child Abuse

• DCS accepts all reports of alleged child abuse and neglect.
• Reports are screened and assigned to a Child Protective Services Manager.
• The Office of Child Safety works with families to keep children safe, aiming for the least restrictive settings.

2019 Statistics

• 128,611 calls received by the Tennessee Child Abuse Hotline.
• 14,777 allegations of child sexual abuse investigated.
• 169 child deaths investigated.

Categories of Abuse and Neglect

• Physical abuse
• Drug-exposed child
• Various types of neglect (environmental, nutritional, medical, educational)
• Lack of supervision, abandonment
• Child sexual abuse, psychological harm
• Abuse or neglect death

Definition of Abuse and Neglect

• As per TN Law (T.C.A. 37-1-102): Abuse involves harm or potential harm caused by a caretaker.
• Can be physical, verbal, emotional, or sexual.

Definition of Caregiver

• Includes relatives, visitors, employees, volunteers, and anyone in a caretaking role.

Recognizing Signs and Symptoms

Physical Abuse

• Unexplained injuries, patterned injuries, burns, emotional turmoil, school absences.

Neglect

• Poor growth, hygiene issues, inadequate clothing, medical neglect.

Emotional Abuse

• Delayed emotional development, social withdrawal, depression, school performance decline.

Sexual Abuse

• Physical signs, STDs, nightmares, obsession with pornography, extreme behaviors.

Sexual Exploitation

• History of abuse, expensive gifts, older partners, drug use, multiple phones.

Addressing Concerns and Disclosure

• Talk calmly to a suspected abused child, showing concern without judgment.
• Avoid leading questions; let professionals handle investigations.

Mandatory Reporting

• All individuals are mandated to report suspected abuse.
• Reports are mandatory per Tennessee Code Annotated 37-1-403 A1.

Reporting Process

• Reports can be made via hotline or online.
• Calls are evaluated for necessary DCS involvement.

Protection and Privacy for Reporters

• Reporters can remain anonymous and are protected from liability.

DCS Response to Allegations

• DCS evaluates and responds based on priority levels (1, 2, 3).
• Response includes safety assessments and partnerships with families.

Prevention Strategies

• Change social norms, enhance parenting skills, strengthen economic support.
• Provide quality early care and education; intervene to prevent future risks.

Partnering for Prevention

• DCS works with organizations like Darkness to Light for training.
• Schools and child-serving agencies should have policies and training in place.

Conclusion

• Community involvement is crucial in preventing and addressing child abuse.
• Agencies like the Tennessee Department of Children's Services offer resources and training.

For additional training or agency requests, visit the provided Formstack link.