SHIELD Task Force

❓ What if I tell my supervisor? Do I still need to call DHHR? In short — yes. WV Code §49-2-803 requires that mandatory reporters notify the administration of their organizations as well as DHHR. Reporting to a supervisor or school administrator DOES NOT fulfill your legal duty as a mandatory reporter. You must file a direct report by calling the WV Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-800-352-6513. Specifically, the code states: “Any person required to report under this article who is a member of the staff or volunteer of a public or private institution, school, entity that provides organized activities for children, facility, or agency shall also immediately notify the person in charge of the institution, school, entity that provides organized activities for children, facility, or agency, or a designated agent thereof, who may supplement the report or cause an additional report to be made: Provided, That notifying a person in charge, supervisor, or superior does not exempt a person from his or her mandate to report suspected abuse or neglect.” Learn more at shieldwv.com/faqs. #SHIELDWV #mandatoryreporting #FAQFriday

❓ Who qualifies as a mandatory reporter? Under WV Code §49-2-803, most people who work with children are mandatory reporters and must report all reasonable suspicions of child abuse or neglect to DHHR within 24 hours. This includes: - Medical, dental, and mental health professionals. - Christian Science practitioners. - Religious healers. - School teachers and other school personnel. - Social service workers. - Child care workers. - Foster care workers. - Emergency medical services personnel. - Peace officers and law-enforcement officials. - Humane officers. - Members of the clergy. - Circuit court and family court judges. - Employees of the Division of Juvenile Services. - Magistrates. - Youth camp administrators and counselors. - Employees, coaches, and volunteers of an entity that provides organized activities for children. - Commercial film or photographic print processors. Learn more at shieldwv.com. #SHIELDWV #mandatoryreporting #FAQFriday

It's crucial to talk to your children about body safety and help them understand the difference between safe and unsafe touch. The Bathing Suit Rule is a simple way to teach young children about inappropriate touching. 1️⃣ No one should touch you in places that your bathing suit covers. 2️⃣ No one should take pictures of body parts that your bathing suit covers. Be sure to clearly explain any exceptions to the rule, such as a doctor needing to examine these areas during a checkup. #BodySafety #ChildAbusePrevention #SHIELDTaskForce #SHIELDWV

Thanksgiving gatherings can be a whirlwind of activity, and that can sometimes be overwhelming for kids (and adults!). Here's how to create some calming spaces and moments amidst the holiday bustle: 🔕 Quiet Zone: Designate a quiet room or corner where kids can retreat for some peace and quiet. Include calming items like soft blankets, pillows, books, or sensory toys. ⏲️ Scheduled Breaks: Plan short breaks throughout the day where kids can step away from the excitement. Even 15 minutes can help them recharge. 🎶 Sensory Activities: Offer calming sensory activities like coloring, play dough, puzzles, or listening to quiet music. 🌤️ Outdoor Time: Encourage some outdoor playtime to burn off energy and enjoy fresh air. Recognize that every child is different. Some might thrive in the excitement, while others need more downtime. Be responsive to their cues. By creating a balance between festive fun and peaceful moments, you can help everyone enjoy a happy and stress-free Thanksgiving. #SensoryFriendly #CalmKids #HolidayWellbeing #SHIELDWV

We were thrilled to be able to present at South Preston School this week. Thanks for having us! To schedule a 🛡️SHIELD assembly🛡️ at your school, email us at contact@shieldwv.com. #SHIELDTaskForce #OnlineSafety #DigitalCitizenship #SouthPreston #SHIELDWV

Happy World Children's Day! "World Children’s Day was first established in 1954 as Universal Children's Day and is celebrated on 20 November each year to promote international togetherness, awareness among children worldwide, and improving children's welfare. November 20th is an important date as it is the date in 1959 when the UN General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child. It is also the date in 1989 when the UN General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Since 1990, World Children's Day also marks the anniversary of the date that the UN General Assembly adopted both the Declaration and the Convention on children's rights." (https://buff.ly/2NVmm68) Today, let's celebrate the children in our lives and work towards a world where every child thrives. #ChildrensRights #ChildAbusePrevention #SHIELDWV #WorldChildrensDay

Wise words from Edmund Burke: "The greater the power, the more dangerous the abuse." Holding those in power accountable is a responsibility we all share — and a critical step in fighting against abuse in all its forms. #ChildAbusePrevention #SHIELDTaskForce #QuoteOfTheDay"

💔 Over 6,000 reasons to open your heart & home 🏡 As of September 30th, 2024, there are over 6,000 children in West Virginia's foster care system. Every child deserves a family to call their own. This National Adoption Month, consider how you can make a difference in the life of a child. ➡️ Learn more about becoming a foster or adoptive parent in West Virginia: [https://buff.ly/3NQ5r2K] ➡️ Share this post to help raise awareness about the need for loving foster homes in our state. #WVAdoption #FosterCare #NationalAdoptionMonth #EveryChildDeservesAFamily #SHIELDTaskForce #SHIELDWV

Teach kids (and adults!) the difference between being a bystander and being an upstander. A bystander sees bullying and does nothing. An upstander takes action to stop it—whether that means directly telling the bully to stop, going to get help, or providing a distraction. Remember, your actions matter. Be an upstander! #BeTheChange # Upstander #BullyingPrevention #TakeAction #SHIELDWV #StopBullying

A startling reality: 90% of child sexual abuse victims know their abuser. While this statistic may be surprising, it highlights a crucial issue we must confront. Consider the immense bravery it takes for a child to come forward. Let’s work together to create a world where every child feels safe, supported, and heard. Together, we can make lasting change. #ChildSafety #EndChildAbuse #BelieveChildren #ChildAbusePrevention #SHIELDTaskForce #Safeguarding #EmpoweringKids