In the unfortunate circumstance that a call is made involving a case of child abuse, first responders walk a fine line when they arrive on scene.
Emergency personnel, school administrators, social service and mental health personnel — basically any member of an organization from which a child receives assistance — must react with composure. They must take sides with the child who was allegedly abused. It is crucial for first responders to gather all the information and details all while managing the emotions of those involved.
It is called being a mandated reporter — a member of a public institution that provides educational, mental or emergency assistance to any child younger than 18. Mandated reporters are required to immediately report suspected child maltreatment when they have “reasonable cause to believe” that a child has been abused or neglected.
Morton paramedics, along with volunteer firefighters, gathered in the Morton Fire Department Adams Street headquarters Feb. 16 to review the procedures in the event of a potential case of child abuse or neglect.
“I know when I have a child death, I always want to talk to first responders,” said Noel Carr, an investigator with the Department of Children and Family Services. He, along with Barb Strand, director of the Tazewell County Child Advocacy Center, spoke during informational training that evening.
Carr considers first responders an important part of an intense investigation involving child abuse or neglect. He was very bold and straightforward with members of the audience.
“Unfortunately, domestic abuse happens a lot,” he said. “(First responders) are able to see what’s there.”
Carr explained the importance of gathering information in a timely manner and making a call to the child abuse or neglect hotline immediately. The information and first-hand observations of emergency personnel can be integral in a DCFS investigation. Firefighters should not hesitate to call the hotline for fear of worsening the situation, he said.
“Anytime a child is horribly injured — by calling DCFS, I cannot make the day any worse,” Carr said. “It is a lot better for me to (go) right after it happens.”
“When I come to their house to talk to them, then it becomes real important,” Carr said.
Carr is candid when he presents his advice. That seems to grab the audiences’ attention — at least that’s how Morton paramedic and lead instructor Missy Mallory sees it.
“We see a lot of it. We’d rather not see it,” she said, adding that the training keeps procedures fresh in personnel’s minds.
