Mandated Reporting of Child Abuse

Professionals working with children are required to report suspected child abuse. Changes in Pennsylvania law in 2007 expanded the circumstances in which abuse must be reported. This training includes the new requirements under PA Child Protective Services Law, as well as information on indicators that a child has been abused, how to make a mandated report, and what happens when a report is made. (1.5 hours)

Responding to a Disclosure of sexual abuse

One in four girls and one in six boys are sexually abused or assaulted before they reach the age of 18. If we are not prepared to respond to a child’s disclosure, we may inadvertently act in ways that are not helpful to the child and may hinder prosecution of the offender. In this session, participants receive practical information about how to respond; help in understanding how age and developmental levels of children may result in confusing and sometimes retracted disclosures; and guidance on the how to manage the emotions we experience when we find out a vulnerable child has been harmed. (1 hour)