Creating capacity among school staff to confidently recognize and report suspected

School staff represent a cohort of professionals who are well-positioned to recognize changes in behavior patterns and other signs of potential child abuse or maltreatment. Until recently, school staff levels of skills,... [ view full abstract ]

School staff represent a cohort of professionals who are well-positioned to recognize changes in behavior patterns and other signs of potential child abuse or maltreatment. Until recently, school staff levels of skills, knowledge and confidence to recognize, respond to and report cases of suspected child abuse has been largely unknown. In September, 2015 the Education Committee at the Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Centre distributed an online survey to a diverse group of elementary and secondary school staff in eight jurisdictions. Responses provided critical insight into the strengths, challenges and opportunities among schools staff in identifying, responding to and reporting cases of suspected child abuse. These results, in addition to stakeholder interviews, focus groups and the literature have led to a stronger understanding of:

• Levels of confidence and self-reported skills in recognizing and responding to cases of suspected child abuse among school staff.
• Influential factors in deciding to report suspected cases of child abuse.
• Previous professional education and training on child abuse and neglect.
• Types of support, resources and information that would help to increase confidence and skills in recognizing, responding to and reporting child abuse.
• Policy recommendations

Survey results illustrate the need for a multi-faceted, collective approach to reducing the factors that impede school staff to recognize, respond to and report child abuse. Session facilitators will share the survey results as well as strategies being collaboratively developed with school jurisdictions and at the University level. Participants will have an opportunity to discuss data presented, ask questions and contribute their insights.