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Jacob Stapledon

The Frontline of Recognizing Abuse: Teachers

October 19, 2021 by Jacob Stapledon

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The Frontline of Recognizing Abuse: Teachers

Jacob Stapledon

October 19th, 2021

The role of teachers in the lives of our children cannot be understated. We entrust teachers with the wellbeing of our children’s growth and development, and their understanding of social norms and how the world works around us. There are many roles that teachers fill which go beyond their regular scope of work. One of the most important and often overlooked roles of teachers is that of a mandated reporter.

In Massachusetts, when mandated reporters, while working in their professional capacity, have a reasonable belief to suspect abuse or neglect to a child under the age of 18, they must immediately make an oral report to the state’s child protection agency, the Department of Children and Families (DCF), followed by a written report within 48 hours of making the oral report (this is called a 51A report.). DCF then screens the cases and determines if an investigation is warranted. Even if a case isn’t found to be in the scope of work for DCF, it is then forwarded on to the District Attorney’s Office, where it is again screened, and if it is determined that a crime has been committed, an investigation is opened by law enforcement. Most of our referrals come from DCF or law enforcement, and many of those come from a mandated report.

we have had a surge of referrals for cases involving commercial sexual exploitation of children by more than 86% over the previous fiscal year.”

In the early surge of COVID-19 we saw a massive drop off in referrals to Children’s Cove for investigative forensic interviews. It impacted our numbers for the entire year in a way we have never seen. Looking at the DCF Annual Report for 2020, the data shows the decrease was not specific to us. Between March and May of 2020, DCF had a reduction of reports by more than 47%. DCF also retained a lower case count than the previous two years, lowering the numbers by 12%. Additionally, per the report, with mandated reporters such as schoolteachers making up nearly 80% of all reports, “the data shows that the closure of schools accounted for much of the decline. Once school ended, the number of 51As were comparable to what the Department historically receives during the summer and school vacations.”

infographic-perpetrator-3-600x600

Following the summer of 2020, and the opening of schools in a hybrid fashion, DCF has seen the number of reports go back up. Children’s Cove has also had an increase in our referrals and a significantly higher number of cases than last year. Our referrals have increased by 44% and there has been a 54% increase in forensic interviews. Additionally, we have had a surge of referrals for cases involving commercial sexual exploitation of children by more than 86% over the previous fiscal year.

Teachers are the mandated reporters who children spend most of their time with. Teachers fill a critical role in the early recognition and reporting of suspected abuse. They are trusted confidants who children turn to for help, whether something is something is happening at home or elsewhere. With more than 60% of alleged offenders in cases last year being parents or caretakers, we know that a teacher or school staff member is often the trusted adult children will go to first.

infographic-Increase-in-all-referrals-2-600x600

Children’s Cove provides education, training, and professional development for any child-facing organization across the Cape and Islands at no-cost. Training for the recognition of signs and symptoms of abuse is something rarely provided for the staff at many of these organizations. With our evidence-based curriculum utilized statewide in collaboration with the Massachusetts Children’s Alliance, we can work together to stem the tide of child sexual abuse by equipping teachers with the tools they need to effectively recognize and respond to those signs of abuse and minimize the trauma to children which follows a disclosure.

Teachers are on the frontline of recognizing abuse, and Children’s Cove is here to provide support to one of their most critical roles.

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Filed Under: OUR TAKE

Community Partners – Eight Cousins Bookshop

October 19, 2021 by Jacob Stapledon

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Community Partners – Eight Cousins Bookshop

Jacob Stapledon

October 19th, 2021

Nationally 1 in 5 children in the United States will be a victim of sexual abuse, physical abuse, parental neglect, or witness to domestic violence. These are called adverse childhood experiences, which can lead to lifelong challenges socially, physically, and emotionally. It is our community’s responsibility to take an active role in preventing child abuse and neglect as well as promoting healthy and safe families.

Having the conversation with children about difficult topics can be daunting for parents and caregivers. How do you start? How should you talk? How do you answer tough questions? Jumping right into conversations about body safety can seem overwhelming, so we wanted to make this process a little easier for parents and caregivers by using a resource widely available to everyone: books.

Jumping right into conversations about body safety can seem overwhelming, so we wanted to make this process a little easier for parents and caregivers by using a resource widely available to everyone: books.”

Over the last few years Children’s Cove and Eight Cousins Bookshop developed a list of books carrying the themes of challenges many children may face to assist parents in having difficult discussions. Using beautifully written and illustrated books can make these discussions a little easier.

Below are just a couple of examples, and if you would like more suggestions for books and themes, click here. If you are looking for a certain theme or book to read with your child, you can always reach out to our community partners at Eight Cousins.

The Rabbit Listened

By: Cori Doerrfeld

Sometimes we just need someone to listen. Taylor is sad and frustrated. One by one his animal friends try to help him, by talking, shouting, cleaning up, or laughing. Rabbit understands just what Taylor really needs. A good reminder lesson for everyone big and small.

What to focus on, questions and conversation:

  • Themes: Strong emotions such as anger, loss, pain, sadness; compassion; fortitude and, trying again
  • The crows destroy Taylor’s block building. Look at Taylor’s expressions on two pages (when the crows arrive and the page after). Can you imagine what Taylor is feeling? Can you show me what Taylor is feeling? Have you ever felt that way? Would you like to share a time when you felt like Taylor? (Note: there are two discussions for this question. The first is when Taylor expresses surprise, shock, distress. The next page Taylor expresses sadness and loss.)
  • “Taylor was alone.” Have you ever felt alone? Do you sometimes like being alone? When does it feel good to be alone? When does it feel bad to be alone? Is there a grown-up who helps you when you feel bad? Who listens to you? Conversations about three trusted grown-ups.
  • Taylor decides to build again. Look at Taylor’s expression. Can you imagine what Taylor is feeling? Can you show me what Taylor is feeling? Have you ever felt that way? Would you like to share a time when you felt like Taylor?
Say Something

By: Peter Reynolds

Everyone has a voice, and it is more than OK to use it! This brightly colored and exciting book teachers its readers that everyone can make a difference with their words, actions and their voices.

What to focus on, questions and conversation:

  • Themes: Speaking up and using your voice.
  • “If you see someone being hurt” section: What color is this page? Why do you think the page is red? Let’s practice saying, “Hey! Stop!” Put out your hand. “Stop!” If someone is being hurt, you can say, “Stop!” If you are being hurt, you can say, “Stop!”
  • “Sometimes you’ll say something and no one will be listening.” Discuss how it is important that everyone has at least three trusted adults they could talk to about anything if they needed help. Who are three specific adults inside and outside of your family you could talk to? Continue telling people until someone listens.

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Filed Under: COMMUNITY

Safety, Security, Privacy, and the Victimization of Children Lost in it All

September 1, 2021 by Jacob Stapledon

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Safety, Security, Privacy, and the Victimization of Children Lost in it All

Jacob Stapledon

September 1, 2021

In 2018 The New York Times reported that more than 45 million images and videos of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), federally known as child pornography, existed on the internet. This number has been growing exponentially since the beginning and subsequent boom of the internet age. With nearly 48% of the global population now having smart phones, and even more with the access and ability to carry a device in their pockets, perpetrators of sexual abuse of children are more easily able to photograph or film their assaults. Furthermore, children who are being manipulated or threatened are more often able to generate their own sexual exploitation and abuse images. As access to these devices and the internet increases, the sexual abuse and exploitation of children being published online continues to grow.

Warnings and reports from the FBI and National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) assert that the impacts of COVID-19 and the increased push of children into online spaces has increased the risk of online sexual exploitation of children. At Children’s Cove we saw firsthand an increase in these online cases, as did the other regional Child Advocacy Center’s in Massachusetts. And indeed, amongst our community of professionals we saw not only that children are increasing their time online, but perpetrators of abuse and exploitation are also online more.

Imagine the very worst thing that has ever happened to you was recorded and then it was shared repeatedly for other peoples’ pleasure

The New York Times article also stated that in 2008 the issue of CSAM was already an epidemic (a term which holds a more household understanding now) and in 2018 it was a crisis at the breaking point. So where are we in 2021? Much like the discussion related to the climate crisis, the opioid epidemic, and the COVID-19 pandemic: we are at a point where urgent and decisive actions need to take place. One such action was recently taken in a controversial move by technology giant Apple.

Apple recently announced it will be completing an update to its iOS operating system which will contain a tool capable of scanning and identifying child sexual abuse materials on its platforms. Working in partnership with NCMEC, which functions as the national partner to investigators working on cases involving internet crimes against children, Apple will have an automated system scan individual devices to recognize what are known as hashes of images on their phone. Each image and video created and circulating on the internet is assigned a “hash.” When CSAM images/videos are identified, their hash is stored in the NCMEC database and flagged. The Apple system will work in tandem with the NCMEC system to trigger an alert for review if it detects 30 or more known hashes on an Apple device.

Seems straightforward, so where’s the controversy?

The controversy, as raised by privacy advocates and former NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden, is this: “Where is the limit of what is monitored on individuals’ devices?” The action taken by Apple is effectively installing a system to monitor what you do on a private device. And while the scope of the monitoring is for random numbers and letters, the concern isn’t the process as designed and intended, but what could be done with the same implementation process. Even as Apple has steadfastly stated it will not allow this process to be abused, the discussion of privacy in our society with the increased push of technology to monitor our devices, is very worthwhile. But what are the costs we are willing to pay?

On one hand, we are talking about individual property, liberty and privacy. It is, in a certain manner of thought, a violation of constitutional privacy without due process; a potential violation of the 4th Amendment of the Constitution, even if it is simply looking for a series of hashes. And while the allowances of digital surveillance under the Patriot Act cleared the path for this type of autonomous screening, the challenges to these types of programs have matched the pace at which this technology grows and expands.

On the other hand, as described by the mother of one victim of CSAM, “Imagine the very worst thing that has ever happened to you was recorded and then shared repeatedly for other peoples’ pleasure.” And, that this repetitious sharing continues in perpetuity- the act is relived and reshared for days, months, years and decades by those who consume the content of exploitation; the survivor continues to be revictimized. There are more than 45 million of these images and videos in existence, and the agencies that hold the perpetrators of these crimes and those who share them responsible, are outmatched and underfunded.

We are far into an epic journey wrought with the challenges of the digital age, and rapidly expanding our use of technologies with inherent dangers akin to the wild west. What actions are we willing to take? What sacrifices should be considered to protect children from exploitation and victimization?

Consider this: we are aware that private companies follow our movements online and advertise to us based on that history. We know social media companies suggest new connections based on our current connections and interests. We know that cars, phones, and GPS systems monitor our travel and upload traffic data in real-time. We know all this information is stored, sold, shared, and used for private businesses already. And, for the most part, everyone accepts this as a part of the agreement to use these devices. Why then, shouldn’t the work to protect and prevent the exploitation of children be part of the agreement too?

 

UPDATE:

Shortly after the writing of this piece, on September 3rd Apple made the decision to delay the rollout of its iOS update after the backlash from privacy and cybersecurity advocates claiming there were inherent safety risks. While Apple indicated the primary reason for the backlash is the handling of information and how the process works rather than the functionality, it still made the decision to delay. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children offered a statement in reply, “Apple’s decision to delay their proactive measures to detect, report and remove child sexual exploitation material is disheartening. At the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, we will continue to be a voice for children and support decisions that prioritize child safety. We hope that Apple’s conviction to implement meaningful child protection features does not waver in the months to come.

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Filed Under: OUR TAKE

Welcome to the Team

September 1, 2021 by Jacob Stapledon

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Welcome to the Team

Jacob Stapledon

September 1, 2021

The team at Children’s Cove was joined this month by two outstanding professionals to support the mission of the organization. Over the last several years, Children’s Cove has seen a steady increase of referrals from our multidisciplinary partners across Cape Cod, Nantucket, and Martha’s Vineyard. In the organizations 24-year history Children’s Cove has grown in its ability to provide and coordinate best practice services to child victims of sexual abuse and crime, as well as their non-offending caregivers. Included in this growth, in 2016 Children’s Cove became the hub for coordinating the best-practice response to human trafficking and sexual exploitation of children cases in the area, which are also on the rise. While the number of referrals to Children’s Cove were down due to the impact of COVID-19 in 2020, since January of 2021 referrals agencies are on pace for the highest amount in the organization’s history.

To meet this rising need Children’s Cove has increased staffing, restructured some positions internally and have hired Alexandra Foley as the CSEC Case Manager / Forensic Interviewer, and Kathy Fayerberg as the Family Services Coordinator. Both are joining the Victims Services team and will working directly with child victims and their non-offending caregivers to support their healthiest outcomes.

Alexandra Foley, MA • CSEC Case Manager / Forensic Interviewer

Alexandra Foley joins Children’s Cove after working for the Justice Resource Institute (JRI) as a Family Networks Service Coordinator and Intensive Care Coordinator. Alexandra holds a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Lesley University and will be coordinating with multi-disciplinary team members the response to concerns and reports of human trafficking of children on Cape Cod and the Islands. Alexandra will also conduct forensic interviews as a matter of special investigations for high-risk youth and victims of CSEC.

Kathy Fahyerberg, LICSW • Family Services Coordinator

Kathy Fayerberg joins Children’s Cove as the Family Services Coordinator after providing individual and family therapy at Gosnold Inc.’s school-based programs. Kathy received a master’s degree in clinical social work from Boston University and will support the mission of Children’s Cove by providing support for children and families served through psychological first aid and psychoeducation relating to the impact of traumatic experiences. Kathy will also connect children and families with needed resources and supports in the community, as well as information regarding the investigative and justice process.

Stacy Gallagher, Director of Children’s Cove, is excited for the new additions and ways in which the team is moving forward to support the community. “While it is concerning that we are seeing such an increase in cases across the region, our community can rest assured that Children’s Cove will have a greater ability to respond to children and families who have been victims of crime.”

To learn more about Children’s Cove, our history, current staff members and how to contact them please click here.

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Filed Under: COMMUNITY

Saying “No” is About More Than One Idea of Consent

August 20, 2021 by Jacob Stapledon

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Saying “No” is About More Than One Idea of Consent

Jacob Stapledon

August 19, 2021

There is seemingly no end to the debate about personal choices in our nation: for or against vaccinations, standing or kneeling for the pledge, abortion, naturalization vs. pathways to citizenship, changes to the second amendment, etc. All of these carry an inherent personal choice for or against something, but they may also lead to a secondary impact or carry a greater meaning. Whether that meaning is symbolic, or manifests change is up for debate until the test of time decides an outcome.

As the Tokyo Olympics came to an end and the United States emerged victorious it was not the medal count that struck as the monument of importance. It was the courage on display from Simone Biles in her ability to say “no” which resonated so much. Regardless of her athletic ability and whether or not she felt she had anything to prove, the lesson to take away from Ms. Biles is that bravery and self-worth isn’t pushing through challenges despite how you feel but acknowledging that sometimes a task may be too great and it’s ok to take a step back.

Ms. Biles’ leadership in promoting the choice to take care of herself on the world’s largest stage is as inspirational as her athletic performance.

Recently, several articles have been published about the use of “sick time” in the United States and how prior to the COVID-19 pandemic Americans would regularly go to work sick. Nearly 25 percent of respondents in a poll stated they would go to work if they felt sick. As our country does not have a requirement for paid sick time there are many who work while sick because not doing so may mean a day of lost wages. There is a perception that if you take a sick day, that you are weak, expendable, or that you just don’t care about your job. There is a very large value system based on “work” or the responsibility you bear in your profession in our nation. The shame, guilt, and anxiety of being out sick often forces many to go into work when they feel awful, which can also impact those around them. With 1 in 5 Americans impacted in some way by a diagnosis of mental illness (depression, anxiety, PTSD, Post-Partum, etc.) how many people are forcing themselves to perform when the struggle was simply getting out of bed?

However, with the impacts of COVID-19, there has been a renewed discussion about sick time, and a much larger (though not universal) expectation that if someone is sick, feeling sick, or having any symptom of illness they should not go to work or school. This has led to impacts in the workforce, education, and numerous other sectors in our nation, but those impacts are not as devastating as believed. The discussions about being proactive in support of sick colleagues and coverage for work have accelerated and, in many cases, have positive outcomes and solutions. Are we getting closer to the discussion of the need for time off for mental health wellness as well?

Ms. Biles is a role model for us all showing immense bravery in openly discussing her struggles and her fear of not being able to perform at the level she expects of herself – which is no doubt higher than the expectations from us as spectators of the sport. Ms. Biles made a greater statement to us that sometimes, no matter how important the “job,” everyone has the choice to prioritize their own self-care and self-worth, and to say that even if others cannot see that something is wrong, there may actually be a burden being carried that is too heavy to lift at that moment.

For survivors of sexual abuse, whether it has been disclosed, undisclosed, prosecuted, dismissed, publicly known or private: the burdens deep inside can be a substantial weight to carry day to day. The adversity that Ms. Biles has endured and overcome so publicly cannot be understated. Her performance as an international athlete past and present cannot be minimized. Her true merit as a champion is her willingness to say, “I just felt it would be a little bit better to take a back seat, work on my mindfulness.” Ms. Biles’ leadership in promoting the choice to take care of herself on the world stage is as inspirational as her athletic performance.

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Filed Under: OUR TAKE

The Little Things Add up

August 20, 2021 by Jacob Stapledon

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The Little Things Add up

Jacob Stapledon

August 20, 2021

As families prepare for the fall and back to school, the to-do list begins to add up faster than items can be checked off. And for those with children, the cost of those to do lists can really add up. Fortunately, we live in communities across Cape Cod & the Islands which can provide some support with a variety of needs. Whether it is backpacks and school supplies, coats, food, rental assistance, or more we live in a community which cares. Each of the following organizations are just some offering support for families in need across Cape Cod and the Islands, feel free to reach out to learn more.

Cape Cod Family Resource Center, Hyannis   Back to school supplies and back packs, coats, access to other supportive services. Greater Cape Cod area.

Family Resource Center, Nantucket   Back to school supplies and back packs, coats, access to other supportive services. All of Nantucket

Island Wide Youth Collaborative, Martha’s Vineyard   Back to school supplies and back packs, coats, access to other supportive services. All of Martha’s Vineyard

A Baby Center, Hyannis, Nantucket   Providing clothing, formula, diapers, toys or other needs for children 0-5. Support for greater Cape Cod and Nantucket.

Cape Cod Children’s Place, Eastham (lower and outer Cape)   Providing numerous supports and services for children 0+: childcare, early learning, clothing, shoes, back to school supplies, books, and more. Services provided to the lower and Outer Cape, and some services beyond those areas Cape wide.

Homeless Prevention Council, Orleans   Back to school supplies and back packs, food access, housing support and outreach support and more. Services to the lower Cape and beyond.

Housing Assistance Corporation, Yarmouth   Housing support and assistance.

Family Pantry of Cape Cod, Harwich   Food resources for families and pets in need of healthy food options across the lower cape. Also providing some support for school supplies and clothing.

Falmouth Service Center, Falmouth   Providing food, clothing, financial assistance, and pet food to community members and homebound individuals in the greater Falmouth area.

Cape Cod Brite Lights, Inc, Yarmouth   Providing confidential food support, backpacks and school supplies to families of Yarmouth.

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Filed Under: COMMUNITY

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Individuals pictured are models and are used for illustrative purposes only. Children’s Cove is partially supported by the Massachusetts Office of Victims of Assistance through a Victim of Crime Act of 1984 (VOCA) grant from the Office of Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender or gender identity, disability, ancestry, age, marital status, public assistance status, sexual orientation, veteran history/military status or genetic information. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider employer, and lender.

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