Physical Neglect (Nikki)

Physical Abuse- Josh Martin

Household Substance Abuse - Tom Webster

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Symptoms of Physical Neglect

Resources Links

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Emotional

Parental Separation or Divorce - Yu Li (Mandy)

Household Mental Ilness - Samuel de Putron

Response strategies

Possible symptoms

Persistent sadness

Withdrawn/ Checking out

Anger/ outbursts / violent behaviour

Signs of physical abuse e.g. bruising

Low energy, falling asleep in class

Erratic or unusual parent/carer interactions with teachers.

self harm

Speaks about death or suicide

Signs of not being properly cared for at home. Eg. dirty clothes. unwashed. No lunch provided.

Significant weight loss/gain

Acting out in class

CBITS Therapy which provides children with coping strategies for traumatic experiences. (https://cbitsprogram.org/learn-more)

Poor social relationships with peers

anxiety

Unable to concentrate in class

Low self esteem/ negative self image

Make students feel comfortable around the teacher. Be kind and predictable. Teacher makes themselves available for students who need to talk and takes an interest in their feelings and lives at school and at home.

SEL Making Social emotional learning the core of your teaching practice will help to make your classroom a place where discussing emotions and finding solutions to problems is a norm. This would hopefully encourage students to reach out if they need help.
SEL

Don't ask, "What's wrong with you?" Instead ask, "What happened to you?"()

Links to mental health professionals. If possible refer students and families to appropriate mental health professionals. Maintain relationship with families and follow up. Respect confidentiality.

Emotional Abuse - Sam Martin

Possible Symptoms

Response Strategies

Resources

Low Self-Esteem

Hard time with relationships

Behavioral Outbursts

Inappropriate Behavior (not age appropriate; either too childlike or too adult like)

Anxiety

Little/No Friends/hips

Lack of social skills/awareness

Self-Harm/Self-disruptive behavior

Attachment Disorders

Manipulative

Definition:Emotional abuse involves nonphysical behavior that belittles another person and can include insults, put down, verbal threats or other tactics that make the victim feel threatened, inferior, ashamed or degraded.

5 signs of emotional abuse. (2020, January 28). Safe Horizon. https://www.safehorizon.org/programs/5-signs-emotional-abuse/

Judgement

Not understanding boundaries

Bed-wetting

Headaches, nausea, stomach pains

Delayed milestones

Copying negative behavior

Indicators of child abuse. (n.d.). Child Matters New Zealand | Educating to protect youth. https://www.childmatters.org.nz/insights/abuse-indicators/

Prioritize Self; make sure as a teacher, you are in a place that you are able to help the student

Establish Boundaries; making sure it is clear as to what appropriate behavior is

Build a support network; allowing the student to not feel isolated, individuals who can give encouragement

Speak to a certified mental health professional

How to identify and cope with emotional abuse. (n.d.). Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/identify-and-cope-with-emotional-abuse-4156673

Responses to Physical Neglect

Work with the school to create meal programs for breakfast or snacks

Providing consistency in their school life such as assigning them their own desk so that they feel like they have control over some aspects of their life.

Implementing SEL in the classroom so that the student is made aware of how to identify and process their emotions

A "support cabinet" can be made from donated items (such as deodorant, wipes, feminine hygiene products, etc.); of which students have anonymous access to.

Strengthen Relationship between student and teacher (allowing student to have a safe place, provide positivity and encouragement)

Six tips for teachers who see emotional abuse. (2020, April 29). OUPblog. https://blog.oup.com/2020/04/six-tips-for-teachers-who-see-emotional-abuse/

Betz, A. (n.d.). What it means that teachers are mandated reporters. Education Corner© Online Education, Colleges & K12 Education Guide. https://www.educationcorner.com/teachers-mandated-reporters.html

Isolation

Degredation

Rejection

Public Humiliation

Talk to members of the school's administraition; know the policy and who to approach

Follow the protocols set in place by both school and local government

Crosson-Tower, C. (2003). The Role of Educators in Preventing and Responding to Child Abuse and Neglect. Child Welfare Information Gateway. https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubpdfs/educator.pdf

What Emotional Abuse Does To Your Brain
()

PTSD

Creating Trauma-Informed Schools (see Youtube link: )

Positive Physical Space; having a warm and welcoming space where student are wanting to come to school and also where they feel safe

Positive Priming: Brain Breaks; allowing time for them to relax

Become certified with online CEUs "designed to help medical professionals and first responders identify AND report the first signs of child abuse and neglect" (See link:

Character Traits conversations; reminding students of loyalty, kindness, respect

Building Resilience Skills; setting goals with the student; practicing awareness; maintaining perspective; build self-confidence

Five ways to support students affected by trauma. (n.d.). Greater Good. https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/five_ways_to_support_students_affected_by_trauma

Make a child abuse report for the student suspected of physical neglect

Talk to their other teachers or form a PLC to discuss that student's situation and how to help

Show that child you care about them

Do not rush the child, give them time to open up at their own pace

Social

Academic

Behavioral

Physical

Possible Symptoms

Bruises

Broken Bones

Scalds or burns

Bite Marks

Scarring

breathing problems from possible drowning

Swelling

Having problems breathing

Seizures

Vomitting

Anxiety

Increase behavior Issues

Suicidal thoughts

Withdrawal from friends or usual activities

Injuries that don't match the given explanation

Depression

Resources

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2021, September 24). Child abuse. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved November 30, 2021, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/child-abuse/symptoms-causes/syc-20370864.

Response strategies

Responding to child abuse and neglect. kaplanco. (n.d.). Retrieved November 30, 2021, from https://www.kaplanco.com/ii/child-abuse-neglect.

Report suspected child abuse immediately. As long as you have a sufficient reason to make a report, you are legally protected and cannot be sued. Be sure to give the person or agency you make the report to as much information as possible.

Do not act shocked or disgusted if a child reveals something about his or her abuse to you. Children are inclined to think that you are responding that way because of them, which can have a major impact on their healing and recovery.

Be supportive in your response and let the child know it is not his or her fault. Also remember that you can't promise not to tell since you're legally required to report any suspicion. The Crisis Manual for Early Childhood Teachers suggests the following response: 'I'm glad you told me. You did the right thing. I'm sorry this happened to you.'

Make sure children who are abused have plenty of ways to express themselves. Drawing, painting, and writing are all excellent creative outlets for children to express their thoughts and feelings about what happened to them.

Having clear class expectations and norms: this will allow the student to feel more in control.

Educating students of different forms of neglect so that students can support each other

Sense of belonging. Abused children think they did something wrong and that they are bad. Because they have kept a secret from everyone, they assume there is a reason for them to be isolated from others. To facilitate a sense of belonging, the teacher may provide designated places for possessions, display work in the classroom, and make a conscious attempt to include these children in classroom activities.

Self-esteem. Abused children have little self-esteem. Teachers can help them learn that they are valued, accepted, and capable by fostering an environment that honors each child's uniqueness.

Social skills. Because abused children have not learned to listen to their inner selves, they may focus on pleasing and meeting the needs of others while neglecting their own needs. Having been introduced to the adult world through an abusive relationship, the child may have learned inappropriate behaviors and language. The child may feel unworthy to interact on an equal basis with others and may fear rejection. A classroom climate that fosters caring, appreciation for differences, consistent rules and boundaries, and recognition for small successes will nurture a child who has been discounted at home.

Consistency. Teachers can support a child's need for structure by maintaining a consistent daily schedule, by having clear expectations for performance in both behavioral and affective areas, and by allowing the child to provide structure in his or her own way. A child's need for structure can restrict the depth of his or her encounter with the world. Teachers may respond to this need by encouraging risk-taking in ways that will encourage success and personal worth.

Possible Symptoms

Report the suspected abuse to your Child protection officer

Nspcc. (n.d.). Physical abuse. NSPCC. Retrieved November 30, 2021, from https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-is-child-abuse/types-of-abuse/physical-abuse/.

Supporting victims of child abuse. ASCD. (n.d.). Retrieved November 30, 2021, from https://www.ascd.org/el/articles/supporting-victims-of-child-abuse.

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Social

Behavioral

Physical

Emotional

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Problem sleeping

Easily get sick

Loss of appetite

Excessive eating/emotional eating

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Distrust others

Fear of losing people close to them

Fear of losing people close to them

Distant from others

As a school staff member, you must act as soon as you witness an incident or form a reasonable belief that a child has been, or is at risk of being abused, including exposure to family violence.

You must act if you form a suspicion/ reasonable belief that abuse has occurred or is at risk of occurring, even if you are unsure and have not directly observed child abuse (e.g. if the victim or another person tells you about the abuse).

Physical aggression - flighting with peers

Emotional out burst - cry or yell in class

Tantrums - much more than before, harder to sooth

Misbehaving in class in general

  1. Responding to an Emergency

Frustration - especially when facing more complex tasks

  1. Reporting to authorities
  1. Contacting Parents or carers
  1. Providing ongoing support

Leave classrooms and wonder in the hallway

Distracted in class, cannot stay on tasks

Do not turn in assignment on time

Depression

Anxiety

Victorian State Government. (n.d.). Identifying and responding to all forms of abuse in Victorian schools. Retrieved November 30, 2021, from https://www.education.vic.gov.au/Documents/about/programs/health/protect/ChildSafeStandard5_SchoolsGuide.pdf.

Disinterest in school work

Disinterest in activities that they used to enjoy

Avoidance in class

Worry about caregivers’ safety and where about

Fear about being abandoned

Academic

Lower attendance

Grade drop

Lower comprehension skills

Responses Strategies

Resources

Instead of disciplining students right away, ask "What happened to you?". Use natural consequences instead of punishment.

Talk to students one-on-one more often, help students to form an attachment with teachers

Establish an emotional check-in system with students who have trouble answering "How are you?". It can be a weather system or a "cat emotion" picture choice."

Establish, maintain, and explicitly introduce a predictable routine in school. Students crave routines, if home life is already disruptive, stable school life is even more important.

If routines need to be changed, teachers should inform students before hands. It helps to ease anxiety.

For older students, deadlines and schedules of assignments and exams should be communicated to them early. This helps to give them agency, practice self-management skills, and lower stress levels.

Ask school counselor for suggestions.

Refer students to school counselors for extra emotional support, talk to the student about counselor support, and walk him/her to the counselor's office.

Teach students SEL - self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and decision making. Use these common languages and practice these skills in regular classroom settings.

Supportive body system - If the students are open to it, older students who went through the same family situations and gained resilience can pair up with younger students with the same issues and help them. Sometimes, it is easier to talk with peers who know how they feel. Teachers should check in with them regularly and supervise.

Teachers need to involve both parents in communication.

Set up a cozy corner for students to escape to, provide quick SEL activities they can do at the corner to get themselves ready to join the class again.

Work with students on finding strategies to lower their stress and anxiety, e.g. put a phone in front of the class, if students are very anxious about the safety and whereabouts of their caregiver, they have the options to call.

Work with students on strategies to manage anger - find a safer way to let out the anger - squeeze a stress ball for example.

"Name it to tame it." Acknowledge students' feelings first. "You feel so angry all the time." "You feel you have been betrayed." This is the first step in calming students down when they are in fight or flight mode and the beginning of establishing a relationship.

Teach mindfulness to students - yoga, breathing techniques, noticing how emotions manifest in your body, meditation, journaling, etc.

[Virtual class brain break]

Quick breathing technique to calm the mind and body

Work with students on self-management. i.e. Give students graphic organizers to help them break down the tasks and lower the cognitive load.

Assignment strategy - involving families in student homework contract: My homework contract for middle and high school students My homework contract for grade school students

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Sexual Abuse and Assault by Rachel Wright

Resources

Symptoms

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Self-Injury

Drug/alcohol abuse

Sexual promiscuity/exhibits adult-like sexual behaviors, language or knowledge

Depression/anxiety

Inadequate personal hygiene

Fear of closeness

Compulsive eating or dieting

Suicidal ideation

Sudden mood swings

Writes/draws/plays about sexual or frightening images

Develops fear of certain places or people

Negative body image

Suddenly has money/toys/gifts without reason

Refuses to talk about a 'secret' shared with an older friend or relative

Wetting/soiling accidents unrelated to toilet training

An older child behaving like a younger child

Have a de-escalation space such as a cool down corner for students to go to if they are having outbursts.

Have a system in place in case students are not being cared for properly. Providing school lunch, soap etc.

Have a system by which students can be referred to the school councilor. To talk about their feelings and what might be going on at home.

Try to reach out to parents and guardians/ Try to reach out to other family members e.g. uncles, aunts, grandparents who may be able to shed light on the situation at home and collaborate on building a support network.

Have a mental health support system in place at school.
school based mental health

Ill-fitting clothes with frequent visible stains/tears

Student is often suspected of theft /stealing

Overeats during mealtimes, often gets caught pocketing extra food

Gets sick easily, stays ill longer than other students, symptoms are more severe and long-lasting

Physically unhygienic (odor and/or appearance)

Untreated wounds on their body

Stunted growth/slow or no weight gain

Student is frequently late or absent for school

Episodes of extreme emotions: Withdrawn, quiet or lashes out

Has few close connections with classmates or the opposite can occur where they seem to cling on to many relationships

Symptoms

Response Strategies

Emotional/Behavioral

Developmental

Anxiety

Malnutrition

Speech Delays

Cognitive Functioning Issues

Depression

Angry Outbursts

Detachment

Inability to Trust

Guilt

Loneliness

Their own problems with substance abuse

References

Thatcher, Todd. (2020, February 12). Families In Crisis: How Parental Substance Abuse and Mental Health Impacts Kids. Valley Behavioral Health. https://valleycares.com/blog/families-in-crisis-how-parental-substance-abuse-and-mental-health-impacts-kids/

Murray, Emily. (n.d.). How Growing Up With Alcoholic Parents Affects Children. AddictionCenter. https://www.addictioncenter.com/alcohol/growing-up-alcoholic-parents-affects-children/

Murray, Krystina. (n.d.). How Addiction Affects the Family. AddictionCenter. https://www.addictioncenter.com/addiction/how-addiction-affects-the-family/

Resilient Educator Editorial Team. (n.d.). Trauma-Informed Strategies to Use in Your Classroom. Resilient Educator. Retrieved December 1, 2021, from https://resilienteducator.com/classroom-resources/trauma-informed-strategies/

Build Relationships - Try to get to know your students better and build trust by taking every opportunity to ask questions and have conversations with them.

Create a Safe Environment - Children whose parents struggle alcoholism or drug addiction often live in unsafe environments. It is extremely important that students who witness substance abuse at home feel safe and comfortable in school

Look Beyond the Behavior - Don't just write the student off as a "bad student" but look deeper and ask why is the student behaving a certain way.

Utilize Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) - Giving students individual responsibilities, teaching mindfulness activities and encouraging journaling are SEL examples that can help students develop skills such as self-worth, self-awareness and self-control.

Resilient Educator Editorial Team. (n.d.). Essential Trauma-Informed Teaching Strategies for Managing Stress in the Classroom (and Virtual Classrooms). Resilient Educator. Retrieved December 1, 2021, from https://resilienteducator.com/classroom-resources/trauma-informed-teaching-tips/

Emotional trauma: Accident- Craig Ravenscroft -

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Psychological, or emotional trauma, is damage or injury to the psyche after living through an extremely frightening or distressing event that may result in challenges in functioning or coping normally after the event. Each person who experiences a traumatic event may react differently, many do recover with a proper support system and do not experience long-term problems. Some people, however, after experiencing a traumatic event will go on to develop challenges directly following the event or within a few months of the event.
While traumatic experiences frequently involve life-threatening events, any situation that leaves one feeling alone and completely overwhelmed can be traumatic – even without physical harm. Often, the more terror and helplessness one feels, the more likely it is that an individual will be traumatized.
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accident

Symptoms of Trauma

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physical symptoms

Symptoms – Emotional symptoms

• Shock, denial, or disbelief. Confusion, difficulty concentrating.

• Anger, irritability, mood swings. Anxiety

• Guilt, shame, self-blame. Withdrawing from others.

• Feeling sad or hopeless. Feeling disconnected or numb.

• Forgetfulness, General disinterest in things, Deteriorating verbal skills

Physical Problems: a Difficulty falling or staying asleep, becoming easily started, hypervigilance and edginess,
Eating pattern changes, physical impairment or injury

• Eating pattern changes, physical impairment or injury

• Fatigue

• Fear of water or vehicles

Physical Symptoms

02 comforting child_DSC9346

Response strategies. -The first step is to acknowledge that the person has gone through trauma and accept that your emotions are affected and help the victim to do the same. Enlist the support of trusted parties such as parents and medical professionals. Offer reassurance that the student has our support and that sufficient time will be given to them to work through their emotions. Foster trustworthiness and transparency through connection and communication among students. Facilitate relationship building among your students by encouraging them to check up on each other if they are comfortable doing so.

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RESPONSE STRATEGIES

• Create an accessible learning environment for physically impaired students

• Offer a system of assistance with motor and mobility challenges

• Provide structure and consistency

• Provide choices in times and types of activities you do with them.

• Offer practical support and Promote collaboration

• Provide a safe space to be and Offer encouragement and patience

• Communicate with counselors or social workers to get the most balanced support

Resources

Understanding Psychological Trauma (2021) Retrieved on November 28. 2021 from https://www.cascadebh.com/behavioral/trauma/signs-symptoms-effects/

Lake Behavioral Hospital, (RECOGNIZING THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF EMOTIONAL & PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMA( 2021) Retrieved on November 28. 2021 from https://www.lakebehavioralhospital.com/recognizing-the-signs-and-symptoms-of-emotional-psychological-trauma/

Which Type of Childhood Traumas Did You Experience?

Imad, Mays, seven ways professors can help students thrive in class in times of trauma (2020) ) Retrieved on November 28. 2021 from https://www.insidehighered.com/advice/2020/06/03/seven-recommendations-helping-students-thrive-times-trauma

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Goodwin, Lisa ( 2020) How teachers can help students navigate trauma. Retrieved on November 28. 2021 from

Witnessing Violence Outside the Home- Ethan Kopiecki

Socio-Economic/live in bad area/theft/poverty/bad environment- Brian

Emotional Neglect-
Susan Lee

Response Strategies

ZCD

Response Strategies

Symptoms

Internalizing Problems, becoming depressed and withdrawn

Behavioral, psychological, and physical problems

Academic failure

Alcohol and substance use

Delinquent acts

Adult criminality

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Experiencing "flashbacks" relieving dramatic events

Parental Under acknowledgement "We often pay attention to kids with obvious symptoms of exposure to violence, like aggression," says study author Ariana Shahinfar, PhD. "This highlights the importance of paying attention to children who are witnesses and who may not show on the outside that they are being affected by violence, but are certainly showing symptoms on the inside." Shahinfar is a psychologist at La Salle University in Philadelphia..."On almost all measures, the children reported higher levels of exposure than the parents reported. For example, 37% of the children said they had witnessed severe violence, but only 7.7% of the parents reported this. Similarly, 31% of the children said they were victims of severe violence, but only 0.8% of parents said their children were victims(1)

Speak with parents. Encourage a Reduction in Incidental Exposure to Violent acts where possible. Example: Entertainment Media "Television programs, video and computer games, Internet content, and movies frequently show graphic acts of violence. When children view this content, it can affect them just as much as if a "real life" experience.(2)

Teachers who, after speaking with a student can, where appropriate intervene and encourage students to seek counseling from a qualified Mental Health Professional. Likewise if they notice any of the symptoms in the student or the student has told them about a violent act outside the home parents can be notified to seek therapy for their child. "Research has found that early identification, intervention and continued follow up are valuable strategies to prevent or decrease the impact of exposure to violence." (4)

Restore a sense of "normal". If a teacher hears of a violent act a student has witnessed it's important to make sure they feel secure and that normality returns to their life.
3 Ways to Accomplish:

  1. Make yourself as available as possible and make sure the student is adequately supervised throughout the day.

2.Start a discussion about any potentially dangerous situations that might exist and how to avoid them in the future.


  1. Encourage them to express their fears. Reassure them they are safe by communicating the steps that have been taken to ensure their protection. (1)

Possible impairment of a child's capacity for partnering and parenting later in life.(4)

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(2)WebMd. (2000, March). Cache://.www.webmd.com/parenting/news/20000308/seeing-violence-can-affect-kids-more-than-adults-realize - Google search. Retrieved from .https://www.webmd.com/parenting/news/20000308/seeing-violence-can-affect-kids-more-than-adults-realize#1

(4) U.S. Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. (2009, October). National Survey of Children’s Exposure to Violence. Retrieved from https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles1/ojjdp/227744.pdf

(3)Shakira Franco Suglia,corresponding author Louise Ryan, David C. Bellinger, Michelle Bosquet Enlow, and Rosalind J. Wright. (2010). Children's exposure to violence and distress symptoms: Influence of caretakers' psychological functioning. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2916934/

(1)American Academy of Pediatrics. (n.d.). Childhood exposure to violence. Retrieved from https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-home/Pages/Crime-Violence-and-Your-Child.aspx

References

Natural Disasters/War


Symptoms

Depression

Anxiety

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Difficulty Sleeping

Not eating

Grief

Fear

Inability to Attend to Simple Tasks or School Work

Distraction

Disassociation from Reality

Response Strategies

Bedwetting, Crying, inability to cope with small setbacks, tantrums

Screening

Individual Therapy

Group Therapy

Relaxation/Mindfullness Techniques

Medication

Parental/Family Involvement/Counseling

Resources

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“Department of Health and Human Services Substance ... - Samhsa.” Behavioral Health Conditions in Children and Youth Exposed to Natural Disasters, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Sept. 2018, https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/grants/pdf/sm-16-008.pdf.

Natural Disasters: Helping Young People Cope - Youtube. .

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Children and Teens - Youtube. .

Sharing My Feelings: Life after a Natural ... - Youtube.com. .

Possible Symptoms

Emotional

Physical

Apathy/ Withdrawal/ Numbing Out

Low Self Esteem
Hyper Sensitivity to rejection

Anxiety

Hyper activity Aggression

Perfectionism

Poor self-discipline
Easily overwhelmed

Depression

Low expectation of self

Eating Disorders
Low weight Failure to thrive

Eating disorders Obesity

Substance Abuse

Indiscriminate Attachment

Soothing behaviors (sometimes violent)

Provide enriched learning activities that have a lot of interaction between student and teacher and student and peers.

Provide positive emotional feedback
"Serve and Return"

Begin class or morning
with discussion of how students feel.

Response Strategies

If you observe symptoms, report to your head of safeguarding using the school's established methods.

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If student shares something concerning to you, listen and support but do not ask leading questions. Do not promise that you will keep a secret. Share concerns with safeguarding lead.

When students have difficulty making decisions, teach problem solving techniques.
Provide examples of good and poor choices.

Report suspected abuse immediately. Teachers in the US are mandatory reporters.

Utilize Socio-Emotional Learning strategies and other therapeutic approaches, like trauma-informed learning, to redress potential delayed development that results from trauma.

Use cooperative learning activities as much as possible.
Minimize use of competitive activities.

Teach conflict resolution.

References

Neglect. Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University. (2017, February 2). Retrieved December 4, 2021, from https://developingchild.harvard.edu/science/deep-dives/neglect/.

InBrief: The Science of Neglect
by The Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University

Serve and return. Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University. (2020, January 27). Retrieved December 4, 2021, from https://developingchild.harvard.edu/science/key-concepts/serve-and-return/.

Adverse Childhood Experiences: Assessing The Impact On Health And School Engagement And The Mitigating Role Of Resilience(https://www.researchgate.net/publication/269413453_Adverse_Childhood_Experiences_Assessing_The_Impact_On_Health_And_School_Engagement_And_The_Mitigating_Role_Of_Resilience)

Academic

Low IQ

Poor reading skills

Poor retention

Overall low school achievement

Inbrief: The Science of Neglect. Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University. (2020, October 30). Retrieved December 4, 2021, from https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/inbrief-the-science-of-neglect/.

US Dept. of Health and Human Services,& Crosson-Tower, C., The Role of Educators in Preventing and Responding to Child Abuse and Neglect (2003). Retrieved December 4, 2021, from https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubpdfs/educator.pdf.

Be consistent with rewards and discipline

Show care and interest.

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INCARCERATION

Response Strategies

Resources

Overview

The children of people who are incarcerated are an extremely vulnerable group. As students, they are more likely to have behavioral difficulties and physical and mental health problems.


The United States has the world's highest incarceration rate, with roughly 700 per every 100,000 residents behind bars. According to research by sociologists Bryan Sykes of the University of California-Irvine and Becky Pettit of the University of Texas-Austin, the number of children with a parent in prison or jail grew five times between 1980 and 2012, meaning at any given time, 1 in every 25 students in American classrooms has a parent behind bars.


This is an issue of major concern for teachers, who must provide necessary, informed support to these students.

Symptoms

Academic

Physical Health

Behavioral

impulsivity

violence

aggression

acting out

failing grades

limited progress

missed assignments

withdrawal in the classroom

untreated injuries/illnesses

poor nutrition

poor hygiene

weight gain/loss

Mental Health

anxiety

lack of focus

depression

mood swings

Teachers can collaborate with the student's other parent, family members or caregiver to create a positive, supportive learning environment.

share relevant information regarding the student's successes and struggles, as well as any social-emotional and behavioral concerns

share information about community resources and other services to address specific needs

Teachers can support the student to create a positive, supportive learning environment.

prioritize stability and predictability in the classroom

encourage active skill building and give ample opportunities for the student to practice self-regulating their behavior

establish an appropriately open and trust-based relationship in which the student feels they can express their feelings, frustrations and other issues

Teachers can advocate for students with incarcerated parents.

communicate with other teachers and school administration

challenge the stigma associated with having a parent behind bars

Supporting Youth with Incarcerated Parents

References

Tip Sheet for Teachers (Pre-K through 12): Supporting Children Who Have an Incarcerated Parent. Youth.gov. (n.d.). Retrieved December 5, 2021, from https://youth.gov/youth-topics/children-of-incarcerated-parents/federal-tools-resources/tip-sheet-teachers.

Scammegna, P. (2014, December 3). Parents' imprisonment linked to children's health, Behavioral Problems. PRB.com. Retrieved December 5, 2021, from https://www.prb.org/resources/parents-imprisonment-linked-to-childrens-health-behavioral-problems/.

Supporting Youth with Incarcerated Parents: For School Staff. Youth.gov. (n.d.). Retrieved December 5, 2021, from https://youth.gov/youth-topics/children-of-incarcerated-parents/federal-tools-resources/tools-school-staff.

Martoma, R. (2020, July 1). Tips to Support Children When a Parent is in Prison. HealthyChildren.Org. Retrieved December 5, 2021, from https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/emotional-wellness/Building-Resilience/Pages/Tips-to-Support-Children-When-a-Parent-is-in-Prison.aspx.

Creating Inclusive Schools: How to Support Students with Incarcerated Parents. Teach.com. (n.d.). Retrieved December 5, 2021, from https://teach.com/resources/counseling-students-incarcerated-parents/.

Racism (Devon Smith)

Possible Symptoms

No interest in participating in school events.

Often gets into fights with other students.

Is often absent or late to class, or shows clear disinterest in being in the classroom.

Is very confrontational with students and/or teachers.

Doesn't seem to have many interactions with people outside of their own race.

Is usually alone.

Response Strategies

Educate yourself on the different ways racism can be expressed

Acknowledge and affirm the students experiences

Cross the line activity in class

Model inclusive behavior

Class Discussions

Provide context and historical basis for why something might be considered racist.

Explain racism is not just done by ‘bad people’

Show the impacts of unintended harm

Resources

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Educators must challenge racist language & actions (Opinion). (2021, July 13). Education Week. https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/opinion-educators-must-challenge-racist-language-actions/2020/09

Responding to racist incidents – CTE resources. (n.d.). CTE Resources – Resources for BC Instructors. https://cteresources.bc.edu/documentation/responding-to-racist-incidents/

Townsend-Cross, M. (2020, June 16). 9 tips teachers can use when talking about racism. The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/9-tips-teachers-can-use-when-talking-about-racism-140837

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Symptoms

Reponses/Strategies

Resources

Depression

Sociopathic behavior/loneliness

Financial insecurity/anxiety driven stress

Anxiety

Felling of 'less than" aka feeling constantly inadiquate

Fear

Stress

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government assisted programs within schools: Having more government assisted programs to help out with books/supplies/therapy school lunches and grants to help the school who provide support for all these things is beneficial to everyone

Free school lunch program

Therapy for depression/anxiety- hopefully if outpatient it can be subsidized for citizens/parents/kids under a certain economic threshold

Free tutor sessions for those economically affected and cant provide otherwise

School provided counseling, free weekly group or solo counseling for those in bad areas or economically stressed in which it is affecting their social and emotional health and well being

Food stamps, provided from government programs

METCO program to help students in impovershed areas go to better schools

After school programs aka boys and girls clubs to provide a good learning and safe environment for students with late working parents