In Maine, many adults, while acting in a professional capacity, are mandated by law to report suspected child abuse or neglect to the Department of Human Services. Teachers, doctors, nurses, police officers, code enforcement officers, emergency medical staff, child care workers, social workers, psychologists and counselors are some of the professions that are considered mandatory reporters of child abuse and neglect.

The Hancock County Children’s Council will hold training for mandated reporters at Downeast Health Services, 52 Christian Ridge Road, Ellsworth on Saturday, September 18, 2004 from 10am to noon. This training will provide you with a basic framework for recognizing child abuse and neglect and the various indicators of physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect and emotional maltreatment. You will learn when to report, how to make a report, what to do if it’s an urgent situation, what happens after you file a report, and how to protect children and support families.

This training is free, but space is limited to 15 participants, so please register early by calling 667-5304, ext. 261. CEUs (Continuing Education Units) are available with payment of $5.00 to the University of Maine at Machias on the day of the workshop.

For more than twenty years, the Hancock County Children’s Council have worked to PREVENT child abuse and neglect in all its forms. Physical abuse is a non-accidental injury or pattern of injuries to a child. These injuries may include, but are not limited to severe beatings, burns, human bites or strangulation. Emotional abuse is a pattern of behavior that attacks a child’s emotional development and sense of self-worth. Examples include constant criticizing, belittling and providing no love, support or guidance. Sexual abuse is the exploitation of a child for the sexual gratification of another as in rape, incest, fondling of the genitals, exhibitionism or pornography. Most child sexual abuse victims are abused by someone they know. We can help protect children by teaching them they have a right to privacy, not to keep secrets, and believe a child who confides in you. Neglect is not providing children with the care or protection they need. Lack of supervision, inadequate clothing or food, or lack of hugs and praise are all forms of neglect.

The Hancock County Children’s Council provides parent education and parent support groups, referrals and information on community resources, and training for providers and professionals. The Family Resource Center in Ellsworth is available for parents and professionals to research and to borrow books, magazines, videotapes and audiotapes on various family issues. Located in the Downeast Health Services building on Christian Ridge Road, this library is easily accessible to families accessing prevention oriented and positive parenting programs available in Hancock County. Please visit our website at www.downeasthealth.org for additional information on parenting classes, child safety and family educational resources available.

CONTACT: Candy Eaton, Program Director

Candy Eaton, Program Director
Hancock County Children's Council, a program of
Downeast Health Services Inc., and the
Ellsworth Area Communities for Children & Youth
52 Christian Ridge Road, PO Box 1087
Ellsworth, ME 04605-1087
207-667-5304 ext. 261
children@downeasthealth.org