Mandated Reporter Training - Unit 1

Purpose:

To describe scope of the problem of child abuse from a national and a Maine perspective.

"Myths and Facts" Activity:

• Click for Activity
• At the end of this training, you will be given another opportunity to complete this activity and improve your score.

Who does CPS Serve?

The Department of Health and Human Services Child Protective Services program is a child-centered, family focused social service whose primary goal is to protect children who are reported to be abused or neglected. Another important goal is to support and assist parents so they may safely care for and protect their children. The Department works to meet these goals and keep children safe by providing services and support to children and families.

For more information on CPS, click on this link (page will open in a separate window - this content is located on another web page):

http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/ocfs/cw/protection.shtml

Abuse Trends

• Total Reports have increased each year.
• Inappropriate reports have increased by 100+ each of the last two years.
• In 2003, DHHS worked at reducing reports to the Alternative Response Program (ARP). For more information on ARP, click on this link (page will open in separate window - this content is located on another web page): http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/ocfs/cw/protection.shtml.
• Nationally, 64.3% of all cases of suspected child abuse and neglect are unsubstantiated and 22.18% are substantiated.

Summary of Reports Described by Decision

	2007	2008	2009	2010
Total Reports	<19,000	<19,000	17,256	17,457
Appropriate Assigned	6,593	6,178	6,141	5,984
Appropriate Referred to ARP	2,720	2,325	1,707	2,135
Not Appropriate	9,778	9,975	9,408	9,338

 

Any Surprises Activity:

As you review your responses to the "Myth and Facts" Activity, the statistics in the table, and the key points, consider the following questions :

	Were you surprised by any of these statistics? Why or why not?
	How does this information compare to what you have observed in your work?
	Print this page and use your responses as a guide to focus and direct your learning throughout this training. You may use paper if you run out of room or if you do not have access to a printer. If you do not find or obtain all the information or learning you established, be sure to talk with your Supervisor or contact Joyce Giguere at joyce.giguere@maine.gov

 

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