• Create a structured, respectful, and safe learning environment.
• Do not expect that the child's needs have been met. For example, if a student arrives late, still allow them to eat breakfast instead of assuming they were given breakfast.
• Teacher's attitude- Be mindful of the way you speak to your students. Demonstrate the appropriate and respectful way to speak to others. If a student feels you are unapproachable, he or she may be reluctant to confide in you.
• Respect Boundaries- Students may want to be comforted physically (hug or pat on the back) or not touched at all.
• Value- Show students that their feelings are important and valued.

• Researchers from the University of California,found that reported cases of suspected child abuse in a county in California decreased, but the severity of actual child abuse cases increased.
• Teachers and other adults at schools made up the biggest hole in the safety net for children during this time.
• COVID-19 caused many issues including
  • raising parental stress
  • strain on family budgets
  • forced families to crowd together for quarantines
  • telecommuting, and remote schooling
  • and limited social and mental health supports for parents
  • reported abuse dropped, the confirmed evidence of abuse rose by 30 percent from 2019 to 2020
• The proportion of suspected child abuse cases that were considered severe enough to need medical evaluations and intervention rose from 10 percent before the pandemic to 17 percent during it.
• One reason for the decrease in reports was that teachers and others at schools  had less contact with students overall, due to school closures and remote classes.
• There is an “exponential increase”  expected in the number of families and students identified as needing support services related to abuse and neglect when schools reopen.

• Several advocates and pediatricians who specialize in child abuse say they are seeing an increase in the number of abused children who need to be hospitalized.
• The coronavirus outbreak in Pennsylvania has sidelined most mandated reporters of abuse, such as teachers, coaches and clergy members, because of closures and stay-at-home orders. 
• Stay at home orders have made it easier for children to be preyed on by online solicitors therefore increasing the chances of being sexually abused
• Advocates are requesting lawmakers make changes now to protect the youth from abuse, neglect, and death.

Reference:

Woodall, C. (2020, May 13). As hospitals see more severe child abuse injuries during coronavirus, 'the worst is yet to come'. USAToday. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/05/13/hospitals-seeing-more-severe-child-abuse-injuries-during-coronavirus/3116395001/

• Darius Clark was tried on multiple counts related to the abuse of his girlfriend's two children.
• The oldest child stated the abuse to his teachers and that information was used by the State as evidence, but the child did not testify.
• The trial court denied Clark’s motion to exclude the statements under the Sixth Amendment’s Confrontation Clause. A jury convicted Clark on all but one count. 
• This law supports the statements of abuse victims and protects them from having to physically testify in court preventing more trauma.

• The 14th amendment can be interpreted in many ways.
• The amendment can protect a victim of child abuse or neglect by requiring equal protection of the law.

• According to the Texas Education Code, every school is required to notify school employees of the responsibility of mandatory reporting of suspected child abuse or neglect.
• Reporting includes the trafficking of a child under Section 20A.02(a)(5) or (7), Penal Code, in the manner required by Chapter 261, Family Code.

• Provides definitions of abuse and neglect
• Describes reporting of types of abuse including unethical conduct
• Describes training requirement of abuse and neglect to employees

• The Midland Independent School district will address include a program that addressed child abuse and neglect by including the following:

1. Methods for increasing staff, student, and parent awareness regarding these issues, including prevention techniques and knowledge of likely warning signs indicating that a child may be a victim;
2. Age-appropriate, research-based antivictimization programs for students;
3. Actions that a child who is a victim should take to obtain assistance and intervention; and
4. Available counseling options for affected students.

• Midland ISD will provide child abuse and neglect training required by law to all employees

• Request training to help refresh how to report and identify child abuse/neglect
• Always report if there is suspicion of child abuse/neglect (It is the law!)
• Communicate with your counselor about student concerns or guidance
• Create a safe, positive, and structured learning environment
• Be a constant, dependable, and supportive model