Child Abuse Resources in Wyoming

Child Abuse Resources in Wyoming

Prevent Child Abuse Wyoming:

http://pcawy.org

Prevent Child Abuse Wyoming is committed to community involvement & promotion of legislation, programs, & policies that relate to prevention of child maltreatment, neglect, & support of healthy family & child development & services. If you feel strongly about a particular issue, we encourage you to speak to your Wyoming legislators & others who can really help make a difference! A louder voice can often times bring bigger change!

Mike Enzi – U.S. Senator,Wyoming http://enzi.senate.gov/public/	John Barrasso – U.S. Senator,Wyoming http://barrasso.senate.gov/public/
Cynthia Lummis, U.S. Representative,Wyoming http://lummis.house.gov/	Matt Mead – Governor,Wyoming http://governor.wy.gov/

Child & Family Resources

 

State Partners:

 

Wyoming Citizen Review Panel

Wyoming Department of Family Services – Protective Services

Wyoming Department of Family Services – Early Childhood Division

Wyoming Department of Victim Services

Wyoming Department of Health

Child Advocacy Centers of Wyoming

Wyoming Coalition on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault

Safe Kids Wyoming

WY Outside

Wyoming 2-1-1

WY Quality Counts! Program

Wyoming Youth Services Association

Safe2Tell Wyoming

National Partners:

 

Prevent Child Abuse America

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Child Abuse and Neglect

National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome

National Institute of Child Health & Human Development – SIDS Information

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children

QuitDay.Org – Quitting Tobacco to be a Healthier Parent

 

Wyoming Child Abuse Laws

 

Child abuse laws criminalize physical, emotional, or sexual abuse of minors & also require certain third parties with knowledge of abuse to report it to authorities. In Wyoming, professionals with access to children (such as teachers & pediatricians) are required to report suspected cases of child abuse. Wyoming Child Protective Services, a division of Department of Family Services, investigates reports of child abuse (& neglect) in the state.

The following table touches on basics of Wyoming child abuse law.

Code Section	14-3-201, et seq.
What Constitutes Abuse	The inflicting or causing of physical or mental injury, harm or imminent danger to physical or mental health or welfare of a child other than by accidental means including abandonment, excessive/unreasonable corporal punishment, malnutrition, intentional or unintentional neglect or commission of a sexual offense
Mandatory Reporting Required By	Any person; member/staff of medical (public or private) institution, school, agency, or facility must also notify person in charge
Basis of Report of Abuse/neglect	Reasonable cause to believe or suspect that a child has been abused or neglected or who observes any child being subjected to conditions or circumstances which would reasonably result in abuse or neglect
To Whom Reported	Child protective agency or local law enforcement agency
Penalty for Failure to Report or False Reporting	Misdemeanor, fine up to $500 &/or up to 6 months in jail for disclosing confidential records of child abuse

Child abuse is broadly defined as when a parent or caretaker emotionally, physically, or sexually buses, neglects, or abandons of a child. Child abuse laws are intended to protect children from serious harm while still allowing parents to raise & discipline their children as they see fit. Cases of child abuse are more frequent in United States than most people realize: every year there more than 3 million reports of child abuse made, involving almost 6 million children. Four or 5 children are killed by child abuse or neglect every day.

If you suspect that someone is abusing a child, you can contact child abuse resources in your state or visit FindLaw’s Where to Get Help for Child Abuse section for more information on what to do. Of course, if it is an emergency, diall 911 & contact law enforcement first.

Wyoming Child Abuse Laws Related Resources:

Physical, psychological, & emotional effects of child abuse can be extreme. You should always report possible child abuse cases to the authorities as soon as possible. For more introductory information about this topic, visit FindLaw’s child abuse section.

Safe To Tell Wyoming:

http://safe2tellwy.org/index.php/parent/child-abuse-resources-parents

Child Abuse: Resources for Parents

 

1. Home
2. Parents
3. Child Abuse: Resources for Parents

Child abuse is defined as” doing something or failing to do something that results in harm to a child or puts a child at risk of harm.” Abuse can take many forms including physical, sexual, emotional, or neglect (not providing for a child's needs). Children suffering from abuse can experience greater emotional than physical damage. Effects of child abuse may include depression, substance abuse, thoughts of suicide, violence, or abuse of others.

If you suspect a child is being abused call you local law enforcement agency. You can also contact Wyoming Department of Family Services.

If you have concerns about someone you know being abused & wish to make a report, make a Safe2Tell report by calling 1-844-996-7233 or by using the Safe2Tell Wyoming tip line.

Additional resources to learn more about child abuse & neglect:

• Child Advocacy Centers of Wyoming
• Prevent Child Abuse Wyoming
• What is Child Abuse and Neglect? Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms Fact Sheet by the Child Welfare Information Gateway

·       Wyoming Attorney General's Office
Division of Victim Services

·       Safe2Tell Wyoming
320 West 25th Street, Room 200
Cheyenne, WY 82002
307-777-8787
safe2tellwyoming@wyo.gov

 

Child Abuse Resources

To report child abuse: 

Report child abuse to your local authorities, Wyoming Department of Family Services, Child Protective Services or contact following:

• Call for emergency help: 911
• Call your local enforcement agency (police)
• Child Protective Services (307-777-5479)
• Department of Family Services (307-777-3663)
• Childhelp/ National Child Abuse Hotline (1-800-4-A-CHILD (1800-422-4453)

Key Contacts:

• Child Advocacy Centers of Wyoming
• Prevent Child Abuse Wyoming
• Child Protective Services (Wyoming Department of Family Services)
• ChildHelp.org
• Child Welfare Information Gateway (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services)
• Mayo Clinic - Child Abuse

For information on child abuse & neglect proceedings, see our Juvenile Court page.

Child Protective Services (CPS)

To make a report concerning abuse or neglect, click following link:   CONTACT YOUR LOCAL DFS OFFICE     If it is an emergency, dial 911 & contact law enforcement first. Child Protective Services is work done in interests of children to preserve families whenever possible & prevent abuse & neglect. To make a report concerning abuse or neglect, click following link:   CONTACT YOUR LOCAL DFS OFFICE If it is an emergency, dial 911 & contact law enforcement first. Child Protection Agency Requests for CPS History Child Protection agency requests for child protection history should be made on agency letterhead to attention of Brandon Schimelpfenig & faxed to (307) 777-3693 or emailed to brandon.schimelpfenig1@wyo.gov. The request should include following: 1) Name, phone & email address of the individual requesting information; 2) Reason for the request; & 3) Names & dates of birth for the requested individuals. Questions can be directed to Brandon Schimelpfenig at (307) 777-6299.

Child Advocacy Centers of Wyoming

http://www.wyomingcac.org

Child Advocacy Centers of Wyoming (CACW) is a nonprofit, membership association dedicated to promoting a statewide comprehensive & multidisciplinary team response to allegations of child physical & sexual abuse. CACW is a Chapter of the National Children's Alliance & is a member of Western Regional Children's Advocacy Center.

How do Child Advocacy Centers work?

 

Using a multidisciplinary team approach, representatives from many disciplines work together to make team decisions about investigation, treatment, management & prosecution of child abuse cases. The team is composed of child protection workers, law enforcement officers, medical providers, prosecutors, victim advocates, mental health providers & advocacy center staff who together conduct one coordinated interview by trained professionals in a child-friendly environment. Through this model, trauma to children & families is lessened, needs identified & services provided.

Services

What services do child advocacy centers provide?

Services depend upon the center & may include forensic interviews, medical evaluations, therapeutic interventions, victims support & advocacy & case reviews. Our Child Advocacy Center provide assistance with forensic interviews & other services throughout the state. Check with individual centers to see what is available: Children's Advocacy Project in Casper, Hirschfield Center for Children in Jackson, & Safe Harbor in Cheyenne.

What services does CACW provide?

CACW is a membership association aimed at promoting a statewide comprehensive & multidisciplinary team response to allegations of child physical & sexual abuse, utilizing a child focused model that adheres to National Children’s Alliance philosophy.

• Provides support services to Wyoming communities & Child Advocacy Centers in order to bring together, in one location, child abuse professionals who can support needs of child victims & their families.

• Assists with development, continuation, & enhancement of Child Advocacy Center model throughout the state or tribal area.

• Provides & coordinates training dealing with the multidisciplinary team response to allegations of child physical & sexual abuse.

• Provides education & promotes awareness to prevent child abuse & crimes against children.

 

Casper Children's Advocacy Center
350 N. Ash
Casper, WY 82601
Phone: (307) 232-0159
Fax: 307-232-0163
Contact Email: info@childrensadvocacyproject.org
Website: http://www.childrensadvocacyproject.org/index.htm

Safe Harbor
2712 Tomes Ave.
Cheyenne, WY 82001
(307) 632-1708
Website: www.safeharborkids.org

Eastern Shoshone Child Advocacy Center
Box 386
Fort Washakie, WY 82515
Phone: (307) 349-3161
Forensic Interviewer & Coordinator: Tracy Romberg

Hirschfield Center for Children
PO Box 2631
Jackson, WY 83001
Phone: 307-733-7946
Website: http://tetonyouthandfamilyservices.org/hirschfield-center/

The Hirschfield Center works as part of a multi-disciplinary team to effectively investigate allegations of child abuse or neglect. This process begins with a forensic interview with child victim. The Hirschfield Center Staff is trained in several forensic interviewing protocols so that all members of the multi-disciplinary team get the information they need without submitting the child to additional interviews.

Wyoming Department of Family Services
http://dfsweb.state.wy.us
(307) 473-3900 in Casper, WY
Families will assume more responsibility for raising their own children. Communities will assume more responsibility for their own families. The Department of Family Services will facilitate both.

Wyoming Sex Offender Registration Page
http://wysors.dci.wyo.gov

Casper Police Department
http://www.casperwy.gov
All members of Casper Police Department are committed to providing progressive & professional police services that enhance quality of life in our community.

Natrona County
http://www.natrona.net

Wyoming State Government
http://wyoming.gov


NATIONAL RESOURCES:

National Children's Alliance
http://www.nca-online.org
National Children's Alliance is a nationwide not-for-profit membership organization whose mission is to promote & support communities in providing a coordinated investigation & comprehensive response to victims of severe child abuse. NCA accredited members are Children's Advocacy Centers.

ChildHelpUSA
http://www.ChildHelpUSA.org

National Child Abuse Hotline: 1.800.422.4453
Childhelp USA® is one of largest & oldest national non-profits dedicated to treatment & prevention of child abuse & neglect. The organization provides help & hope to millions of children & adults whose lives have been traumatized by child abuse.

Child Welfare League of America
http://www.cwla.org
The Child Welfare League is oldest & largest national nonprofit organization developing & promoting policies & programs to protect America's children & strengthen American families.

Child Welfare Information Gateway
http://www.childwelfare.gov
The Child Welfare Information Gateway provides statistics, information of State laws, publications, resources & technical assistance to professionals serving in the field of abuse & neglect.

National Children's Advocacy Center
http://www.nationalcac.org

To model & promote excellence in child abuse response & prevention.

Crimes against Children
http://www.fbi.gov/hq/cid/cac/innocent.htm

FBI's Child-Pornography information site, with links to related resources.

National Association of Children's Hospitals & Related Institutions (NACHRI)
http://www.childrenshospitals.net

National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
http://www.MissingKids.com

Live Hotline: 1.800.THE.LOST

NCMEC serves as a focal point in providing assistance to parents, children, law enforcement, schools, & the community in recovering missing children & raising public awareness about ways to help prevent child abduction, molestation, & sexual exploitation.

National Center for Victims of Crime
http://www.ncvc.org
NCVC provides direct services & resources, advocates laws & public policies that create resources & protection for victims, delivers training & technical assistance to victim service providers & allied professionals, & fosters cutting-edge thinking about impact of crime & ways individuals can help victims regain control of their lives.

Darkness to Light
http://www.darkness2light.org
A program aimed at raising awareness of issues surround child sexual abuse. CAP's Executive Director Amanda Moeller is currently only Darkness to Light facilitator in Wyoming teaching adults about child sexual abuse prevention

Prevent Child Abuse America
http://www.preventchildabuse.org
Since 1972, Prevent Child Abuse America has led way in building awareness, providing education & inspiring hope to everyone involved in effort to prevent abuse & neglect of our nation's children.

Stop It Now
http://www.stopitnow.com
Stop It Now! believes that all adults must accept responsibility to recognize, acknowledge & confront behaviors that lead to sexual abuse of children. We offer adults tools they can use to prevent sexual abuse - before there’s a victim to heal or an offender to punish. In collaboration with our network of community-based Stop It Now! programs, we reach out to adults who are concerned about their own or others’ sexualized behavior toward children.

FOR PROFESSIONALS:

Chadwick Center
http://www.chadwickcenter.org
The Chadwick Center, one of largest centers of its kind, is staffed with more than 120 professionals & para-professionals in field of medicine, social work, psychology, psychiatry, child development, nursing & education technology. The staff is committed to family-centered care & a multidisciplinary approach to child abuse & family violence.

APRI American Prosecutors Research Institute
http://www.ndaa.org
The mission of American Prosecutors Research Institute is to provide state & local prosecutors knowledge, skills & support to ensure that justice is done & public safety rights of all persons are safeguarded. To accomplish this mission, APRI serves as a nationwide, interdisciplinary resource center for research & development, technical assistance, training & publications reflecting highest standards & cutting-edge practices of the prosecutorial profession.

APSAC American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children
http://www.apsac.org
APSAC’s mission is to enhance ability of professionals to respond to children & families affected by abuse & violence. APSAC tries to fulfill this mission in a number of ways, most notably through providing education & other sources of information to professionals who work in child maltreatment & related fields.

ISPCAN International Society for Prevention of Child Abuse & Neglect
http://www.ispcan.org
Founded in 1977, is only multidisciplinary international organization that brings together a worldwide cross-section of committed professionals to work towards prevention & treatment of child abuse, neglect & exploitation globally.

National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN)
http://www.nctsnet.org
To raise standard of care & improve access to services for traumatized children, their families & communities throughout United States.

US Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP)
http://ojjdp.ncjrs.org
Provides national leadership, coordination, & resources to prevent & respond to juvenile delinquency & victimization. OJJDP supports states & communities in their efforts to develop & implement effective & coordinated prevention & intervention programs & to improve the juvenile justice system so that it protects public safety, holds offenders accountable, & provides treatment & rehabilitative services tailored to needs of juveniles & their families.

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
http://www.aap.org
Dedicated to health of all children. Committed to attainment of optimal, physical, mental, & social health & well-being for all infants, children, adolescents, & young adults.

Kempe Center
http://www.kempe.org
Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, The Kempe Center for the Prevention & Treatment of Child Abuse & Neglect has been recognized as world leader in child abuse treatment programs, & for over 40 years, has been at forefront in fight against child abuse.

Children’s Advocacy Project (CAP)

https://www.childrensadvocacyproject.org/index.htm

Protecting Children from Sexual Abuse

KNOW THE STATISTICS

WHAT IS SEXUAL ABUSE?

When an adult involves a child in ANY sexual act, including:

- Fondling
- Exhibitionism
- Voyeurism
- Exposure to pornography
- Internet “chatting” around sexual topics

THE STATISTICS ARE SHOCKING

- 1 in 4 girls sexually abused before age 18
- 1 in 6 boys sexually abused before age 18
- 1 in 5 children receive a sexual solicitation while on Internet
- Most never tell
- 39 million survivors of childhood sexual abuse in U.S.

CHILDREN ARE AT HIGHER RISK THAN ADULTS FOR SEXUAL VICTIMIZATION

- More than 67% of all sexual assault victims are under 18
- Median age is 9 years old
- 1 of 7 victims of sexual assault reported to law enforcement agencies is under age 6

Typical Child Victimizers are like many people you know…

Approximately:
- 90% are male
- 90% are religious
- 75% are Caucasian
- 80% are/have been married
- 65% are middle income or above
- 50% are college educated

CHILD VICTIMIZERS TARGET CHILDREN THEY KNOW…

Family member 40%
- Biological Child 20%
- Stepchild, Adopted, Foster child 30%
- Siblings 10%
- Nieces and Nephews 20%
- Grandchild 5%

Acquaintance 50%
- Child of Friend, Neighbor 40%
- Student, Sports Participant, Mentee, etc. 50%
- Babysitter 5%

*Only 10% ARE STRANGERS
*More than 80% of sexual abuse cases happen in one Adult/one Child situations

CONSEQUENCES TO VICTIMS & SOCIETY

- Drug & Alcohol Dependence
- Depression, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, & Anxiety
- Eating Disorders
- Debilitating Fear, Nightmares
- Delinquency
- Teen Pregnancy
- Sexual Disorders, Prostitution
- Increased Illness, Hospitalizations

What can responsible organizations & corporations who cater to children & their families do to reduce risk of child sexual abuse?

- Pay Attention
- Understand the Impact
- Create Hiring Policy
- Create One-on-One Policy
- Create Reporting Policy
- Train Employees/Volunteers

Advocacy & Resource Center of Sheridan

http://arcsheridan.org

The center assists victims of all violent crimes, including domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, elder abuse & child abuse. Center advocates walk victims through the justice system & inform them of their right to: information, protection, input & restitution.

| Phone: (307) 672-7471 | Crisis Line: (307) 672-3222

24 Hour Crisis Line:

(307) 672-3222

136 Coffeen Avenue, Sheridan, Wyoming 82801

http://www.safeproject.org/children

Albany County, Wyoming

319 S. Lincoln Street

Laramie, WY

24 Hour Crisis Line:

1-307-745-3556

 

Resources for Children

 

This page discusses child abuse & resources to help children who are currently being abused or witnessing abuse.

http://www.safeproject.org/children

Resources for Children

 

This page discusses child abuse & resources to help children who are currently being abused or witnessing abuse.

Signs of Child Abuse

There are certain characteristics a child may show when being abused

Physical:

·       Has unexplained burns, bites, bruises, broken bones, or black eyes

·       Has fading bruises or other marks noticeable after an absence from school

·       Changes story multiple times when asked

·       Recent Problems at school

Emotional

·       Shows extremes in behavior, such as overly compliant or demanding behavior, extreme passivity, or aggression

·       s either inappropriately adult (parenting other children, for example) or inappropriately infantile (frequently rocking or head-banging, for example)

·       Is delayed in physical or emotional development.

Sexual

·       Has difficulty walking or sitting

·       Suddenly refuses to change for gym or to participate in physical activities

·       Reports nightmares or bedwetting

·       Experiences a sudden change in appetite

·       Demonstrates bizarre, sophisticated, or unusual sexual knowledge or behavior

What Should I do if I Suspect Child Abuse?

EVERY person, private citizen or professional, in Wyoming who has reason to believe that a child under 18 has been abused is mandated by law to report suspected abuse. Failure to do so is a crime. No person, regardless of his or her relationship with child or family, is immune from reporting suspected abuse. A person making a report in good faith is immune from both civil & criminal liability.

Albany County Department of Family Services 307.745.7324

Laramie Police/Sheriff Dispatch 307.721.2526

For more information on WY State statutes regarding child abuse, click here.

http://www.safeproject.org/volunteer-opportunities

Wyoming Cities with Domestic Violence Programs

• Basin
• Buffalo
• Casper
• Cheyenne
• Cody
• Douglas
• Evanston
• Gillette
• Jackson
• Kemmerer
• Laramie
• Lovell
• Lusk
• Newcastle
• Pinedale
• Rawlins
• Riverton
• Rock Springs
• Sheridan
• Sundance
• Thermopolis
• Torrington
• Wheatland
• Worland

Wyoming Citizen Review Panel (WYCRP)

http://www.wycrp.org/about.html

Prevent Child Abuse Wyoming is a chapter of Prevent Child Abuse America. Their mission is: Coordinating prevention efforts in Wyoming to reduce incidents of child neglect, physical, emotional, & sexual abuse.

Parents as Teachers is a home visiting program that helps young children become better learners well before they get to school. It helps parents & family members link to other community resources & learn from other families, & become involved in their child's development.

Wyoming Child Death Review & Prevention Team seeks to improve Wyoming's prevention of & responses to major injuries & fatalities of children. They make recommendations for change through prevention, intervention, training, education, legislation & public policy.

Individual state child abuse hotlines

 

If you can’t reach your local agency, call the 24/7 national hotline 1-800-4-A-CHILD or other National Hotlines.

Wyoming

For individual county hotlines visit Wyoming Department of Family Services:

http://dfsweb.state.wy.us/dfs/contact.html

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2Vbn7ML7_OdbFhGZEhKMng0M28/view

Child Abuse & Neglect: Consequences

https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/childmaltreatment/consequences.html