Working with Families After a Report

When the school has made a report to CPS regarding the abuse or neglect of a child, the next challenge is to continue to work intensely with these parents. It is normal for the parents to be angry and deny the allegations at first. However, I always try to help the parent see that CPS can take a helping role in their family. 

I point out that, by state law, I am a mandated reporter and must report my observations. I support them in their parenting efforts and praise things I have seen that are positive about their family. I also let them know that the school will do everything we can to support them in any problems that need to be addressed within the family.

I then explain that while CPS will investigate, they also will be able to provide services to the family at a more comprehensive and faster rate than any other service. I brainstorm with them the services they would like to get for their family that they have been unable to obtain. Maybe this is private counseling for a difficult child, respite care for a special needs child, help finding a job training program, etc. As the family meets with CPS and plans for the needs of the family, I try to advocate for the child. 

If I think the problem necessitates a medical evaluation for a possible behavior disorder, or parenting classes, etc., I try to work with CPS to get these goals in the care plan. When I use this approach, usually I get good results with the parents responding to our offers of help in a positive manner. When the abuse incident includes the sexual abuse of a child, it is even more crucial to help hold the family together. The reaction of the people close to the victim can either help in the healing or further traumatize the victim. During a disclosure and investigation, the goal needs to be to get the information needed disclosed and then to keep everyone functional.

It is also important to reduce suppression as much as possible. Following a disclosure of sexual abuse, especially incest, everyone in the family is at risk of emotional breakdown. Suicide attempts by the victim, the perpetrator, or the parent who did not protect are common. Everyone in the family needs someone to help support them and keep them grounded so they can make rational decisions.

The first decision that needs to be made is how to keep the child safe, and requires removal from the perpetrator. Medical exams and further investigation will add further stress to the family and child. The teacher’s role during this time needs to be one of consistent, calm support. School should be a haven where this child can get away from the trauma of the disclosure. Teachers can help support the child who is going through a CPS investigation by keeping everything as consistent and normal at school as possible. They need to note behavior changes and try to understand what their behavior is telling adults about how the child is feeling. Think of their misbehavior as a symptom of their stress and do what you can to lower their stress levels.

Many children do not want their teacher or classmates to know that something is wrong at home, so let the child know that you are there if they want to talk, but do not force the issue. Give the child outlets for his or her emotions such as art, plenty of exercise, journal writing, etc. The abused child needs to be protected from victimization from peers, especially at this vulnerable time. 

Even if the child is receiving outside counseling, that is for a very short period of time each week. When an abused child is supported by a teacher who considers what the child needs most and provides an enriching, nurturing atmosphere, that alone can act as a therapeutic milieu.

The teacher can support the family by being a good listener to the parents. This does not mean that you should allow them to monopolize your time or have to listen to tirades about the ills of CPS. However, you can help by constructively listening to their worries and concerns about the outcome of the investigation, discuss with them how to support their child, etc. Challenge the parent’s negative view of their child by sharing stories about their positive attributes or contributions to the class. Continue to express your deep concerns and your efforts to build rapport with the family. Be patient but persistent in recommending help, and be alert to any impending crisis. Encourage the idea of family therapy and point out how it has helped other families. Keep confidentiality a prime concern so trust can be earned.

Remember not to expect these stressed parents to help the child at home. Find alternate ways to get homework done at school or reduce the expectations for awhile. Or recruit volunteers like older peer mentors who can help the child with their homework. If you are a teacher or school counselor working with a neglectful family, there may be other services you are able to provide. Home visits for conferences ensure the parent’s participation plus help you understand the environment the child lives in. If the home is in a dangerous neighborhood make sure you go in the daytime and take a partner and a cell phone.

Make sure you do not make demands and do not express your worries about the child’s dire future. Stay positive and focus the conversation on the positive attributes of the child. If academic or discipline problems must be discussed, use the approach that parents and teachers are both on the same team and both want what’s best for the student. 

Tell the parents what you want to do to help the child and how they can participate in the plan. Make their participation something they can easily achieve with a minimum of effort. Also, educate the parent about the services the school can provide to the family.

Another vital support the school can offer to the team is special services for the child. Many abused and neglected children are behind developmentally and can benefit from the screenings and assessments schools can offer. Even if the child does not qualify for special education, having the particular deficits pinpointed so alternate remedial services can be provided is helpful. General support services such as counseling, behavior management programs, nutrition programs, and health care monitoring are important services the school can offer. If you are a school counselor, it will be your job to collaborate with CPS and the other agencies involved with the investigation and services. Sharing information about child and family strengths and needs with the involved agencies is an important service the school can provide. Just remember to have a release of confidential information in place before you share family information with agencies other than CPS. Also share only known facts, not conjectures.

Since there are an inadequate number of community services, the school counselor may play a primary role in the child’s psychological rehabilitation. Even if the child is receiving individual therapy outside of school, a small counseling group can support the child. Including these children in social skills groups, groups that teach coping skills or groups that teach school success skills, will support the child during this difficult time.

Children who know they are going to have to testify in court may be filled with stress. They know that judges will make powerful decisions affecting their lives, therefore, they may feel agitated, anxious, scared and insecure. Their behavior will probably reflect their feelings, although they may not know why. Hopefully, you will have enough rapport with the parents that you will know when the child is going to have to go to court and will be able to support them in this experience. Talking with them about what a judge (or CPS caseworker or law enforcement) does, what the courtroom may look like, and education about the court process is helpful. However, you must be very careful not to discuss the facts of the case as that could be misconstrued as interference with a witness and cause a mistrial.

Once in a great while, educators will be called to testify in court in regard to a child abuse case. Usually, this is when either the parental rights are being terminated or the case has gone to a criminal trial. Sexual abuse cases often end up with dual tracking in both family court and criminal court, while most other neglect and abuse cases are settled in the family court system. If you are called to testify, more than likely the attorney general or prosecuting attorney will meet with you prior to your appearance to discuss your testimony. It is important to review all your documentation and pull together any existing school records to take with you. When you appear in court, you will be allowed to refer to your notes as long as you provide copies to all attorneys. Try to relax, listen to the questions carefully and answer questions precisely. Tell only what you know are true facts and do not elaborate with conjecture. Although it may be difficult to face the parent(s) and discuss what you have observed, understand that both you and the court has the child’s best interest at heart.

In review, it is normal for the parents to be angry and deny the allegations at first. Point out that by state law that you are a mandated reporter and must report your observations. Explain that while CPS will investigate, they also will be able to provide services to the family at a more comprehensive and faster rate than any other service. If you are a school counselor, it will be your job to collaborate with CPS and the other agencies involved with the investigation and services. If you are called to testify, more than likely the attorney general or prosecuting attorney will meet with you prior to your appearance to discuss your testimony. Try to relax, listen to the questions carefully, and answer questions precisely.