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the citizens' information source on children's issues July 2002 Newsletter IN
THIS ISSUE:
From
The Editor
This issue will be my last as Editor of the Campaign for Children Newsletter, and Coordinator of the Campaign for Children. As of July 11th, I will be leaving MCC to move on to a new adventure. I wish to express my sincerest thanks to all of you for being a kind and dedicated audience, and hope that this publication has so far been worthy of your attention. It has given me pleasure and great pride to deliver news of importance to so many who care so deeply for the well-being of our state's children and families. The next issue is being planned for September to allow time to find a new editor and Campaign Coordinator. Please have patience, and have a wonderful summer. A fond farewell,
Multidisciplinary
Assessment: The Core of Effective Practice [Part II: Massachusetts
Teams: Introduction, and Sexual Abuse Investigative Network
Teams (SAIN)] Massachusetts Teams Currently in the state there are different multidisciplinary team approaches operating in response to cases of child abuse and neglect - Sexual Abuse Investigative Network Teams (SAIN Teams), Children's Advocacy Centers (CACs), hospital-based Child Protection Teams (CPTs), and Multidisciplinary Assessment Teams (MDATs). The quality and availability of the teams vary widely across the state. They also differ greatly with respect to their specific goals, functions, structures and membership. Overall, these teams do not make up a statewide, coordinated system with uniform standards and accountability to identify, assess, and treat child abuse victims as they enter the child protection agency. The existence of this basic infrastructure, however, makes it possible to envision the development of an effective, truly coordinated, statewide system. Some counties are working to develop better coordination among their local teams, and legislation is pending to address the need for statewide Children's Advocacy Centers and to expand hospital-based Child Protection Teams. These important efforts and the recommendations described below could significantly upgrade Massachusetts' child protection response and result in more effective investigation, evaluation and treatment planning for children and families. In describing the various teams operating in Massachusetts, there are a number of issues that are fundamental to the future functioning of all of them:
This issue of the Campaign for Children Newsletter discusses Sexual Abuse Investigative Network Teams (SAIN Teams) Future issues will address Children's Advocacy Centers (CACs), Child Protection Teams (CPTs), and Multidisciplinary Assessment Teams (MDATs)in Massachusetts. Sexual Abuse Investigative Network Teams [SAIN] The Sexual Abuse Investigation Network (SAIN) program was developed in the early 1980's by DSS, District Attorney's Offices, and law enforcement, in an attempt to create a multidisciplinary approach to the investigation and assessment of child sexual abuse cases. The complex nature of sexual abuse cases requires that various professionals be involved with the child and the family during investigations. In past years, the increased number of involved professionals often resulted in multiple interviews of children. To avoid the potential negative impact of multiple interviews, professionals developed the investigative process used by SAIN teams. It minimizes trauma for children and provides a more structured, systematic response. The first SAIN teams in Massachusetts began in Springfield in the early 1980s (DSS, Final Report 1996) By 1998, SAIN teams had been implemented in each of the 11 judicial districts of the state. Most SAIN teams do provide support to investigators and to families. However, the main focus of these teams is interviewing child victims of sexual, and, in some counties, physical abuse. Even though there is no standardized model for this process, the interview procedure has been found to be similar across sites. Each SAIN team has a team coordinator responsible for scheduling team meetings, managing the SAIN process, assisting in the sharing of information, and functioning as a resource for other team members. Most teams have a separate forensic interviewer. Teams consist of professionals from the District Attorney's Office, police, and child protective services. While professional disciplines within the team vary across counties, each team is typically comprised of a DSS investigator/supervisor, Assistant District Attorney, a Victim Witness Advocate, a professional from law enforcement, and a child interviewer. When needed, a physician is consulted regarding medical evidence, and some counties have mental health professionals that may consult with the team. In cases of alleged abuse, pre-interview meetings are held to orient the team, plan the interview, and, if appropriate, gather information from parents. The child interview usually lasts from thirty to sixty minutes. The interview is typically carried out in a small, comfortable room with a one-way mirror. It may also be videotaped depending on the needs of the team. The one-way mirror and videotaped interview are essential, for they decrease the likelihood of the child having to be interviewed more than once. Specialized interviewers with training and experience in child interviewing, forensics, and child safety conduct the majority of interviews. Other members of the team may occasionally conduct an interview if, for example, they have a better relationship with a child or are better "match" with a child, in terms of gender, culture, or style of interviewing. Cases that are eligible for SAIN services differ from team to team. Many teams have tried to create a written set of criteria to clarify what constitutes an appropriate referral. However, these criteria are not always written clearly and many are subject to interpretation. One frequent criterion is a required disclosure by the child or clear medical evidence that sexual abuse occurred. But it is very difficult to determine objectively what constitutes a disclosure, and even more taxing to understand the definition of "clear medical evidence." DSS is the primary referral source for SAIN cases and participation is voluntary, based on parental consent. At present, DSS is attempting to standardize the criteria and is conducting a statewide survey and developing a reporting protocol. Massachusetts SAIN teams clearly demonstrate many benefits. SAIN teams:
These specialized teams could logically evolve into full-scale multidisciplinary assessment teams whose role would extend beyond the forensic interview. Today, several former SAIN teams have, in fact, evolved into full-scale Children's Advocacy Centers (described more fully below). Within this model, children who have been referred because of allegations of serious physical abuse or neglect have the advantage of a forensic, clinical, and medical assessment, as well as follow-up clinical support and case management. The trend to evolve SAIN teams into a statewide system of Children's Advocacy Centers must be supported and encouraged. ***
FOR MORE INFORMATION about protecting our children, MCC’s recommendations for change, and source reference notes for the above spotlighted section, please see “A State Call To Action: Working to End Child Abuse and Neglect in Massachusetts,” Section III: Protecting Our Children [http://www.masskids.org/cta/cta_iii.html] The complete report is available online at http://www.masskids.org/cta/
News
From The MCC Children's Law And Policy Initiative (CLPI)
CLPI Plans Fall Leadership Summit to Address Court Responses to Child Victims of Intra-Familial Violence and Abuse As part of its Children's Law and Policy Initiative, MCC will be convening a multi-disciplinary leadership conference, "Summit on Children and the Courts; Improving Court Responses to Child Victims of Intra-familial Violence and Sexual Abuse" in October, 2002. Over the last two years, MCC has researched the reporting of child abuse cases in Massachusetts family courts, the state's current Guardian ad Litem system, legal representation of children in family court cases, and evaluations of children when reports of abuse are made in family courts. In an effort to address some of the issues that require broad systemic changes, the invitation-only Summit will bring together a number of internationally recognized experts to discuss new findings about the consequences of abuse/neglect trauma and family violence on children; best practices for evaluating and assessing children when allegations of abuse arise in family courts; evaluating expert testimony; and improving legal representation of children. With the support of the Annie E. Casey Foundation and the Flaschner Judicial Institute, the CLPI's Summit will convene 150 members of the Judiciary and other leaders in public policy, child protective practice, and law. -----------------------------------------------------------
Children's Law and Policy Internship Through the creation of the Children's Law and Policy Internship, area law schools and students now have a site available to learn more about policy and the legal interests of children. As legal interns assist with complex research projects, CLPI's work is enhanced by the student's idealism and commitment to meticulous research. The internship also provides the CLPI with an opportunity to mentor law students interested in children's issues, and expands MCC's contacts and relationships with area law schools. We welcome our two summer 2002 law students: Rachel Lipman, from Boston College Law School, and Hae yung Lee, from Boston University School of Law. Many thanks to Rachel and Hae yung for their invaluable assistance and their interest in children's issues. -----------------------------------------------------------
The CLPI Pro Bono Bench Book Project: Collaborating with the Private Bar In addition to the "Summit on Children and the Courts," the CLPI is creating a practice-oriented "Children's Bench Book" that would serve as a valuable reference for Judges who preside in cases involving children, and also for members of the bar representing children. Feedback
from judicial educators and the judiciary alike has confirmed
that training initiatives are most effective when presented
in a manner that easily translates to practical application.
The CLPI bench book will include materials provided by the Summit's
nationally recognized speakers. Relevant case law and statutes
and will be included, and structured to serve as a convenient
reference guide for judges dealing with cases of intra-familial
abuse. This bench book would allow judges and judicial personnel
to have at their fingertips critical information on child abuse
and trauma, the impact of intra-familial abuse, optimal treatment
protocols and guidelines for quality forensic investigations,
and more. The impact of such a resource on improving decision-making
would be significant. The CLPI
is dedicated to involving the private bar in children's issues,
and has been able to secure the pro bono services of several
law firms to assist in the development of the bench book. The
CLPI is committed to building and expanding such partnerships
as a way to leverage ongoing, high-quality legal research and
representation for children in the state. Boston law firms MINTZ,
LEVIN, COHN, FERRIS, GLOVSKY and POPEO, PC; FOLEY, HOAG; and
ROPES AND GRAY are currently working on this project. We extend
our ongoing thanks and appreciation to these firms for their
generosity and dedication to children's issues. ----------------------------------------------------------- For additional information on the Children's Law and Policy Initiative (CLPI), the Summit on Children and the Courts, or the Bench book, please contact Nora Sjoblom Sanchez, Esq., Director, MCC Children's Law and Policy Initiative, nora@masskids.org
Critical
Funding For Domestic Violence Specialists at DSS is at Risk
The CLPI seeks to alter the traditional tension between children's advocates and battered women's advocates by encouraging collaboration and advancing policy that recognizes both the child and protective parent as victims of intra-familial abuse. Yet few public policies nationwide have provided guidance on how child welfare and domestic violence organizations can best address these issues when they co-occur in families. The Massachusetts Department of Social Services was the first public child welfare agency in the country to initiate programs to address both child abuse and domestic violence. Its current DSS Domestic Violence Program now includes a continuum of care including services for battered women and their children, batterer intervention groups, emergency response, and prevention. One of the most effective components of the DSS Domestic Violence Program is the role of its Domestic Violence Specialists. Each specialist includes individual case consultation with direct line workers, sharing information on available services, and direct advocacy for women and children. Unfortunately, funding for the Domestic Violence Specialists is in jeopardy. In FY02, DSS received $551,408 - which is a compromise between what was in the House (higher) was in the Senate (lower). If the State House were to provide level funding in 2003, DSS could rebuild its capacity (14 Specialists statewide as opposed to the 9 Specialists). DSS recently experienced a shortage of specialists due to hiring freezes and layoffs. In a typical year these Specialists provide consultations in approximately 6,000 cases, covering 29 area offices and 6 regional offices; they participate in area office teams (MDAT, FBS, Clinical review, DV teams) and act as liaisons to the variety of community and state agencies working to prevent and end domestic violence. Without guidance from the DVU, domestic violence may go undetected and/or interventions by DSS may increase risk, placing children and their mothers at greater risk. Currently, an estimated 43,000 children in Massachusetts are exposed to domestic violence annually, and even greater numbers of cases are unreported. Independent of one another, child abuse and domestic violence can compound even further the negative effects children are likely to experience over their lifetime. Citizens are asked to support funding of the Domestic Violence Specialists by contacting State House Conference Committee members: Senators: Mark Montigny (D) New Bedford, Fred Berry (D) Peabody, and Michael Knapik (R) Westfield Representatives: John Rogers (D) Norwood, Nancy Flavin (D) Easthampton, and John Lepper (R) Attleboro. Ask them to restore funding to support level funding for line item 4800-1500. Let them know that the 14 Domestic Violence Specialists are a crucial component of the DSS Domestic Violence Unit in the Department of Social Services. For more information, please contact Nora Sjoblom Sanchez, Esq., at nora@masskids.org.
Governer's
Task Force on Sexual Assault and Abuse
Gov. Jane Swift's Task Force on Sexual Assault and Abuse is holding regional hearings throughout the state to hear testimonies from sexual abuse survivors, friends and family of survivors, rape crisis counselors, advocates, doctors, law enforcement, sexual assault experts, and concerned citizens. The goal is to help improve the state's services and responses to sexual assault and abuse survivors. Scheduled Hearings: July 9, 2002 @ Bridgewater State College Council Chambers, Rondileau Campus Center 3-6 pm July 11, 2002 @ State House, Boston Hearing Room A-1, 2-5pm July 16, 2002 @ North Shore Community College, Lynn - MBTA Conference Room 3-6pm Pre-registration is required. For more information, contact Stephanie Brown: stephanie.a.brown@state.ma.us, or 617-727-7600.
Prevent
Child Abuse Night at CMGI Field New England Revolution vs. Chicago
Discounted tickets for this special event are available through Massachusetts Citizens for Children. A portion each ticket sold through this special offer goes to Prevent Child Abuse Massachusetts, a program of MCC. Bring the kids, bring the soccer team, come and watch the Revs take on Chicago! Children are invited to the FREE Soccer Celebration interactive area prior to the game. Purchase 6+ tickets and you will be entered into a raffle to have your child participate in the pre-game Rally Tunnel on the field. Come by the MCC booth at the main entrance and say hello to Joseph and other MCC staff. We look forward to meeting you there! More information, and the special Prevent Child Abuse Night order form, are available on the web at www.masskids.org, or by contacting Joseph Tegan, Director of Development, at joseph@masskids.org or 617-742-8555, ext. 5.
Shaken
Baby Syndrome Support Group An online support group has been established for families and friends of Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) victims and survivors. The SBS Support and Discussion Group was created as a place where those affected by Shaken Baby Syndrome can find safe and supportive environment for the discussion of SBS issues. Participants are invited to share their thoughts and questions with others who have had similar experiences. All information or ideas relevant to SBS are welcome. "We all need a place where we can discuss, vent, get/receive advice, share accomplishments or just talk about our day to day struggles Shaken Baby Syndrome has caused in our lives," explains Mary Calderone, the founder of the online support group. The mother of an SBS survivor, Ms Calderone is a longtime activist for SBS education and prevention. Ms Calderone is also the author of "The Children of Shaken Baby Syndrome Web Site," (www.children-of-sbs.com) a site dedicated to the many children who are victims of SBS and their families. This site features several personal stories of individual victims of SBS. Persons interested in the SBS Support and Discussion Group may join the group by going to the following page and signing in: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SBSsupportandDiscussion/ or by visiting the www.children-of-sbs.com web site. *** For more information about SBS and its prevention: Prevent Child Abuse Massachusetts A program of Mass. Citizens for Children http://www.masskids.org/pcama/ 14 Beacon Street, Suite 706, Boston, MA 02108 Prevent Child Abuse America http://www.preventchildabuse.org 200 South Michigan Ave - 17th floor Chicago, IL 60604-2404 Phone: 312-663-3520 National Information, Support and Referral Service on Shaken Baby Syndrome http://www.capcenter.org Toll Free Phone: 888-273-0071 Email: capcente@ix.netcom.com Shaken Baby Alliance http://www.shakenbaby.com PO Box 150734 Fort Worth, TX 76108-0734 The Matty Eappen Foundation http://www.mattyeappen.org/ PO Box 14597, Chicago, IL 60614-0597 Phone:(312)409-5645
Fourth
National SBS Conference
The Fourth National Conference on Shaken Baby Syndrome will be held this fall in Salt Lake City, Utah from September 12-15. The Conference aims to educate participants on the latest research of SBS injuries, effects, and prevention techniques. Hosted by the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome, the Conference features many distinguished speakers, including MCC's Executive Director, Jetta Bernier. Jetta will be leading a workshop detailing the comprehensive Central Massachusetts SBS Prevention Campaign. For more information or to register, please visit http://www.dontshake.com.
The Child Trends DataBank is designed for anyone who ever spends time searching multiple Web sites looking for reliable, current data on child and youth well-being. It is a user-friendly one-stop shop for continuously updated trend data with the latest national estimates for child, youth and family indicators. The DataBank currently provides about 70 indicators on health, social and emotional development, income and work, education, demographics, and family and community, with new indicators added each month. Visit the Child Trends DataBank at http://www.childtrendsdatabank.org
Emerging
Practices in Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Project Announced The Children's Bureau, Office on Child Abuse and Neglect of the Department of Health and Human Services is pleased to announce a new project entitled "Emerging Practices in Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention." This project is designed to elevate the understanding of the kinds of programs operating across the country and discover the best available information on emerging and promising practices. To find out more information on how to nominate a program please click on the following link: http://www.calib.com/nccanch/prevmnth/nominate/
Responding
To Crisis In The Catholic Church A Boston-based group formed in response to the crisis in the Catholic Church in Boston and throughout the world, Voice of the Faithful is hosting a Summer Conference at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston on July 20, 2002. The goals are to 1. support those who have been abused; 2. support priests of integrite; and 3. shape structural change within the Church. MCC's Executive Director, Jetta Bernier will be leading a workshop on sexual abuse prevention. For more information, visit http://www.votf.org ----------------------------------------------------------- MANY THANKS TO MCC INTERNS & VOLUNTEERS MCC would like to thank our interns and volunteers for their valuable assistance. Betsy Lowe, a nurse at Boston Medical Center, has been volunteering her time as Prevent Child Abuse Massachusetts Coordinator for almost three years. It is thanks to Betsy that information about child abuse prevention is disseminated throughout the state. Ms. Lowe is also deeply involved with the Central Massachusetts SBS Prevention Campaign in Worcester. Anya Sherman of Newton, a student at Ithaca College, is with us for the summer, providing assistance with all programs. Her help has been invaluable, and it is a pleasure having Anya with us here in the office. Rachel Lipman, from Boston College Law School, and Hae yung Lee, from Boston University School of Law, are interns with the Children's Law and Policy Initiative, providing extensive research assistance. ----------------------------------------------------------- The Massachusetts Campaign for Children is a program of Massachusetts Citizens for Children. Its mission is to build and maintain a statewide, grassroots membership organization, which can then become a powerful voice for the children of our state. The Campaign's goal is to engage in non-partisan electoral and legislative actions at the local and state levels that promote the well-being of all Massachusetts children, youth, and their families, and help us move children's issues to the center of every political arena. We believe that all our children have the right: to be free from poverty; to get the medical and preventive care they need; to learn in quality child care and school settings; to be safe from abuse, neglect, and violence; and to live in caring families and healthy communities. Please share this newsletter with your friends and colleagues, and urge them to join with us to become a powerful voice for the children of our state. We urge you, too, to join with us, or renew your membership if you are already a member. The Campaign for Children is a non-profit independent advocacy organization, and we receive no state or federal funding. We rely entirely on the generosity of our members and donors. Please visit www.masskids.org to join online; or call 800-CHILDREN for a free information packet. * * * *
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Massachusetts
Citizens for Children
14 Beacon Street, Suite 706 ~ Boston, MA 02108
phone: 617-742-8555 ~ fax: 617-742-7808 ~ www.masskids.org