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Meet my son, Dionne Jenkins. In this picture, he is 9 and all smiles, but when we adopted him 7.5 years ago, it was completely the opposite. His name was Mauricio at the time, and he was removed from his abusive home at the age of 16 months. He suffered from neglect and physical abuse in that home. Being surrounded by 3 drug addicts was just the beginning, the floor and walls were covered in trash and cat feces. His bed was compiled of dirty clothes crumpled into a corner, and only received a fresh diaper once a day. He came into my custody with scars on his face, groin, and legs. Two from cigarette burns and two from broken ash trays. From the first day I held him in my arms, I have been working to treat and prevent the emotions, actions, and questions that come with this kind of abuse. I have created this website to help other adoptive parents prepare to love and help their newest son or daughter.

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For Parents:
https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f-background/
This link helps parents discover background information about their adopted child, which can help them understand and prepare to assist their child with their exceptionality.
http://circleofparents.disscada.com
This is a link to a support group of parents where you can share ideas and have discussions about the challenges or raising children with exceptionalities. Parents can find support here.
For Teachers:
http://www.ovc.gov/pubs/helpseries/pdfs/CATipSheet.pdf
This link suggests ways to talk to students about abuse. This can be helpful if the subject comes up in class, or if siblings of the adopted child have questions.
http://www.secasa.com.au/pages/helping-the-abused-student-in-the-classroom/
This link provides tips for dealing with a student in your class who is being abused, or suspected of abuse.
Additional Links:
https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubPDFs/brain_development.pdf#page=5&view=Effects%20of%20maltreatment%20on%20brain%20development
This article can help both teachers and parents learn about the effects of brain development during abuse. They can learn to better understand their child/student.
http://www.americanadoptions.com/pregnant/growing_up_adopted_study_highlights_health_happiness_of_adopted_children
This article address adoption in general and how it can affect the lives of children.
http://www.childmatters.org.nz/24/learn-about-child-abuse
This website offers a lot of information on child abuse.

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1. Build a strong relationship with your student. Let them know you value them and their safety. This builds trust.
2. Understand how discipline can affect a child of abuse. Provide discipline by these strategies: role modeling, encouragement, rules, setting limits, and gear discipline towards their developmental stage, not age
3. Create an environment where the student can feel safe and loved. Look for opportunities to incorporate self-esteem activities and positive learning strategies
4. Respect student's personal space, and model appropriate adult/child relationships.

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How can I help my child/student heal? (for parents and teachers)

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How can I help my child/student heal? (for parents and teachers)

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1. Be consistent
2. Be patient
3. Allow child to feel their feelings
4. Build strong connections and relationships
5. Always show your support

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https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubPDFs/parenting_CAN.pdf

http://www.secasa.com.au/pages/helping-the-abused-student-in-the-classroom/

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1. Unexplained burns, bites, bruises, broken bones, black eyes
2. Shrinks at the approach of adults
3. Abuses animals or pets
4. Lacks needed medical care or dental care
5. Reports nightmares or bedwetting
6. Shows extremes in behavior
7. Is delayed in physical or emotional development

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PHYSICAL ABUSE: Non-accidental physical injury (hitting, kicking, burning) by parent or other caregiver.

NEGLECT: Failure of parent or caregiver to provide for child's basic needs (food, shelter, supervision, medical care, and emotional nurturing).

SEXUAL ABUSE: Forcing or coercing a child to engage in sexual activity, or exploitation through pornography.

EMOTIONAL ABUSE: Pattern of behavior that hurts a child's emotional development.