Intervention is sometimes difficult
when psychological maltreatment is suspected. It may be difficult
to establish impairment to the child’s social, emotional, or
intellectual capacities. However, schools are in a unique position
to establish this impairment, as we have much information related to
cognitive ability, academic achievement, behavior problems, social
functioning, and range of affective expression. It is also
difficult sometimes to establish that the child’s impairment is a
result of specific acts or omissions by caregivers. Again, the
school may be the source of crucial information as a result of
student statements, parent participation or lack thereof, and the
nature of communication between parents and school.
Student support personnel, due to their
education and experience, are often able to help parents/caregivers
perceive the effects on children of their words and actions. Many
parents respond to the stressors present in their own lives, and
simply do not see how their interactions with their children are
harmful to development and functioning. Referral to the district’s
Family Counseling Program may be very helpful for these families.
Contact your nearest Family Counseling Program, e-mail Rosemary Russo
, or call (754) 322-3153.
Child Study Team is a good process for
addressing situations that may reflect psychological maltreatment.
The team might include the guidance counselor, teacher(s), school
social worker, school psychologist, family counselor, an
administrator, and other school staff or partnership staff who have
contact with the student and family. It is important to collect and
assess information from everyone in order to properly identify and
document problems. Report to the Florida abuse hotline at
1-800-96-ABUSE if there are indicators of impairment in
emotional, social or intellectual functioning. The maltreatment
should be chronic and intense. Be prepared to state specific
caregiver behaviors that are responsible for impairment, and
identify all interventions by the school.
In Broward County, there are agencies
that may assist in locating or providing outside services for
students and families:
-
First Call for Help 211
-
Broward Family Center
(Ungovernable Children) (954 486-4222
-
Lippman Family Center (Respite
Care): Sponsor of Safe Place Program (954) 568-2801
-
Covenant House (Shelter for
Adolescents) (954) 561-5559
