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Courses Offered For Identifying Child Abuse 06-10-2009

Are there warning signs to indicate a child is being abused or neglected? What qualifies as a potential case of abuse or neglect? What should I do if I suspect a child is being abused? These and other questions will be presented June 18-19, as Marion County Children Services presents Child Abuse/Neglect Identification and Reporter training sessions June 18-19 at the agency. The sessions are free of charge to Marion County residents. Participants may choose from the six-hour training session Friday, June 19, while a refresher three-hour program will be offered Thursday, June 18. Jacque Ringer, Intake & Investigations supervisor with 10 years of experience in the child welfare profession, will present both sessions. This training is designed specifically for mandated reporters who are required by Ohio law to report suspected cases of abuse or neglect Ringer pointed out. Mandated reporters include attorneys, physicians, dentists, nurses, day care staff, speech pathologists, licensed social workers, school personnel, and those rendering spiritual treatment. “The world of child welfare is complex,” Ringer said. “This training opportunity will assist in the understanding of what constitutes abuse or neglect. It will also empower mandated reporters with the tools needed to report suspicions of abuse or neglect, and as a result, will help serve our mission of keeping children safe.” Ohio Revised Code (ORC) provides definitions of neglect, along with physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. The laws also outline when and if a children services agency can open a child abuse or neglect investigation. “Marion City and county school teachers who attend this same training have provided excellent feedback, saying the training is very beneficial, presented in an interesting compassionate manner, and helpful in their daily interactions with children,” Ringer explained. In 2008, Marion County Children Services received the most referrals from family members/relatives, followed closely by social services staff and law enforcement officials, then neighbors/friends and medical personnel. The training is open to community members on a first-come, first-serve basis, with mandated reporters given first preference. Each training session will be conducted at Marion County Children Services, 1680 Marion-Waldo Road. To register or to learn more, contact Jan Farison at Children Services, 740-389-2317, ext. 139. or Ringer at ext. 166, or send an email to moreinfo@marionkids.com by June 17. Tentative dates for the next abuse/neglect training classes are set for Dec. 3 (three-hour refresher) and Dec. 5 (six hour). Anyone can report suspected child abuse and neglect by calling 740-389-SAFE. A caseworker is available 24/7. All calls are confidential.

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