Whitehall Ohio Division of Fire SOP: Incidents Involving Suspected Child Abuse (PDF)

Standard Operating Procedure Title: Incidents Involving Suspected Child Abuse S.O.P. - 300.8 Section: 300 – General Emergency Operations Pages: 3 Issue Date: 10/26/2022 Approved: Revised Date: Chief Preston Moore Effective Date: 10/26/2022 1.0 Purpose: This standard operating procedure provide...

Standard Operating Procedure Title: Incidents Involving Suspected Child Abuse S.O.P. - 300.8 Section: 300 – General Emergency Operations Pages: 3 Issue Date: 10/26/2022 Approved: Revised Date: Chief Preston Moore Effective Date: 10/26/2022 1.0 Purpose: This standard operating procedure provides direction for all Whitehall Division of Fire personnel pertaining to incidents involving suspected child abuse. 2.0 Responsibility: This Standard Operating Procedure shall pertain to all personnel in this organization. It shall be the responsibility of the department officers to implement this operating procedure. It shall be the responsibility of the department officers to train members in the application of this procedure. It shall be the responsibility of each member to know, understand and use this procedure as it applies to the situation at hand. Each member will use good judgment in the use of this procedure. 3.0 Procedures and Information: 3.1 Definition A) Child abuse is the physical and/or mental injury, sexual abuse, negligent treatment, or maltreatment of a child under the age of 18 by a person who is responsible for the child’s welfare. The recognition and reporting of abuse is a critical step to improving the safety of children. 1 3.2 Information A) FD personnel will report all cases of suspected child abuse directly to Franklin County Children’s Services 24-hour hotline at 614.229.7000 as well as local law enforcement. B) Assessment of child abuse is based upon the following principles: 1) PROTECT the life of the child from harm, as well as that of FD personnel from liability. 2) SUSPECT that the child may be a victim of abuse, especially if the injury/illness is not consistent with the reported history. 3) RESPECT the privacy of the child and family. 4) COLLECT and document as much evidence as possible, especially information. 5) REPORT suspected abuse to appropriate authorities. C) In such situations, FD personnel should maintain a heightened awareness for the presence of any weapons. 3.3 Procedure A) Stabilize and treat all injuries according to EMS protocol. B) Immediately request law enforcement for assistance. If the patient’s parent or guardian declines patient transportation to a hospital, and abuse is suspected, FD personnel should not leave the scene until law enforcement arrives onscene. C) With all children, assess for and document psychological characteristics of abuse, including excessive passivity, compliant or fearful behavior, excessive aggression, violent tendencies, excessive crying, fussy behavior, hyperactivity, or other behavior issues. D) With all children, assess for and document physical signs of abuse, including any injuries that are inconsistent with the reported mechanism of injury. The back, buttocks, genitals, and face are common sites for abusive behavior. 2 E) With all children, assess for and document signs and symptoms of neglect, including inappropriate level of clothing for the weather, inadequate hygiene, absence of attentive caregiver(s), or physical signs of malnutrition. F) With all children, assess and document for signs of sexual abuse, including torn, stained, or bloody underclothing, unexplained injuries, pregnancy, or STD’s. G) Report any suspicious findings to both the receiving hospital (if transported) and to the Franklin County Children’s Services or law enforcement personnel. Law enforcement or Children’s Services must also be notified of suspected abuse. FD personnel shall not accuse or challenge the abuser. This is a legal requirement to report, not to accuse. In the event of a child fatality, law enforcement and Franklin County Children’s Services must be notified. H) If episode of domestic violence and children present involved, notify the Franklin County Children’s Services. 3 This page intentionally left blank. 4