<h3>Purpose &amp; Biblical Foundation</h3><p>At Chase Oaks Church, our paramount goal is to ensure a safe and secure environment for the physical and emotional well-being of all children involved in our ministries. This commitment is not merely a policy; it&apos;s a profound reflection of our biblical calling. As shepherds, we are entrusted with protecting the most vulnerable among us, a charge echoed in Scripture (Psalm 82:3; Matthew 18:6).</p><p>Furthermore, we are bound by Texas law, which explicitly requires all persons&mdash;and especially those in pastoral or leadership roles&mdash;to report any suspected instances of child abuse or neglect. This training will equip you with the knowledge and tools to uphold both our spiritual mandate and legal obligations, ensuring every child in our care is protected.</p>

Understanding Mandated Reporting: An Overview

<h3>Legal Definitions: Texas Family Code Requirements</h3><p>Texas law defines child abuse and neglect broadly, placing a clear responsibility on every individual to report suspected harm immediately. Understanding these definitions is crucial for identifying situations that necessitate a report. Abuse refers to intentional injury, failure to protect from physical harm, sexual indecency or assault, exposure to pornography, or human trafficking, where force/fraud/coercion is not even required for minors.</p><p>Neglect encompasses situations such as leaving a child in harmful circumstances, failing to provide basic necessities like food, clothing, shelter, or medical care, or requiring a child to exercise judgment beyond their maturity. Observable signs like malnutrition, poor hygiene, or untreated medical issues are also indicators. These broad definitions emphasize that &quot;harm&quot; can manifest in various ways, and our role is to recognize and report any reasonable suspicion.</p>

<h3>When MUST You Report?</h3><p>The core principle of mandated reporting is acting on <em>reasonable suspicion</em>, not certainty. Texas law is unequivocal: if you have a rational basis to suspect a child&apos;s welfare has been harmed or is at risk, you must report immediately. Delaying a report to gather more information or confirm suspicions is not permitted and can have severe legal consequences.</p><p>It is important to understand the legal protections and penalties associated with this duty. Failure to report suspected abuse or neglect is a Class B misdemeanor in Texas, potentially leading to fines or jail time. Conversely, reporters acting in good faith are granted civil and criminal immunity, meaning they cannot be held liable for making a report, even if the allegations are later unsubstantiated. Furthermore, you cannot be fired or punished by your employer for making a report. While DFPS generally handles reports confidentially, they may release your identity to law enforcement, by court order, or to another state agency when necessary. DFPS does not accept anonymous reports directly; anonymous reporters must contact law enforcement instead.</p>

When are you legally required to report suspected child abuse or neglect in Texas?

Explain the concept of 'reasonable suspicion' in the context of mandated reporting and why it's crucial not to wait for certainty.

Purpose & Legal Framework

This training module combines Texas state legal requirements with Chase Oaks Church policy on mandated reporting, offering practical guidance for pastoral staff and ministry leaders. It covers legal definitions, reporting procedures, signs of abuse/neglect, and protocols for high-risk behaviors, including interactive case studies and a quick reference guide.

Critical Guidance: What NOT To Do (DFPS Explicitly Advises)

<p>DFPS is unequivocal: <strong>mandated reporters should not conduct internal interviews or examine injuries.</strong> Your role is not to investigate or gather additional details beyond what initially led to your suspicion. Attempting to investigate can inadvertently compromise the official investigation, re-traumatize the child, or even put yourself at risk.</p><p>Your job is clear and singular: to report as soon as you have reasonable suspicion. Trust that the trained professionals at Child Protective Services (CPS) or law enforcement have the expertise and resources to conduct a thorough and sensitive investigation. Focus on collecting the basic information you have and then immediately notifying the appropriate church personnel to initiate the official reporting process.</p>

<h3>Chase Oaks Reporting Policy (Internal Procedure)</h3><p>To ensure consistency, support, and adherence to legal requirements, Chase Oaks Church has a clear internal reporting policy. When any staff member or volunteer suspects child abuse or neglect, the very first step is to <strong>notify your pastor or the Director of Security immediately.</strong> This ensures that a trained leader is aware and can guide the next steps while providing support to the reporter. Following this notification, you must complete an Incident Report detailing your observations and suspicions.</p><p>Once informed, the Pastor or Director of Security will then be responsible for officially reporting to the appropriate external agency. This includes contacting the Local Police Department, calling the Texas CPS Hotline at <strong>1-800-252-5400</strong>, or calling <strong>911</strong> if the child is in imminent danger. The Pastor or Director of Security will also notify the child's parents, unless the parent is the alleged perpetrator, and will consult legal counsel while informing the church's insurance provider. All information is handled with the strictest confidentiality; any breach of this confidentiality will result in immediate dismissal.</p>

Who should a Chase Oaks staff member or volunteer first notify if they suspect child abuse or neglect?

According to DFPS guidance, what is a mandated reporter's primary responsibility once they have reasonable suspicion?

<h4>Confidentiality and Support</h4><p>The strict confidentiality outlined in our policy is designed to protect all parties involved, especially the child. It also safeguards the integrity of any subsequent investigation. By centralizing the official reporting through the Pastor or Director of Security, we ensure that external agencies receive accurate and consistent information, while also providing a supportive framework for staff and volunteers who are fulfilling their mandated reporting duties.</p><p>This structured approach helps minimize the emotional burden on individual reporters and ensures that all legal and ethical considerations are meticulously addressed. Remember, you are not alone in this process; the church leadership is here to provide guidance and support every step of the way, upholding both our legal responsibilities and our commitment to child safety.</p>

Reporting Protocols & Policy

<h3>Signs &amp; Indicators of Abuse</h3><p>Recognizing the signs and indicators of abuse and neglect is fundamental to fulfilling your role as a mandated reporter. These signs can manifest in various ways&mdash;physically, behaviorally, and emotionally. It&apos;s important to look for patterns or clusters of these indicators rather than relying on a single observation. The presence of one sign does not automatically confirm abuse, but it should trigger your reasonable suspicion and prompt a report.</p><p><strong>Physical Abuse Signs:</strong></p><ul><li>Frequent unexplained injuries (bruises, welts, burns, broken bones)</li><li>Patterned marks (from belts, cords, hands)</li><li>Extreme fear of going home or a particular adult</li><li>Wearing long sleeves or pants in hot weather to hide injuries</li></ul><p><strong>Sexual Abuse Signs:</strong></p><ul><li>STDs or pregnancy in a child</li><li>Age-inappropriate sexual knowledge or behavior</li><li>Fear of certain adults or avoidance of touch</li><li>Victimizing other children sexually</li></ul><p><strong>Emotional Abuse Signs:</strong></p><ul><li>Unusually low self-esteem or extreme overcompliance</li><li>Severe anxiety, depression, or sudden aggression</li><li>Caregiver consistently belittling or withholding love</li><li>Significant and unexplained behavioral or weight changes</li></ul><p><strong>Neglect Signs:</strong></p><ul><li>Observable malnutrition or consistent hunger</li><li>Severe lack of hygiene (unwashed clothes, body odor)</li><li>Child consistently left alone for prolonged periods</li><li>Lack of needed medical or dental care despite apparent need</li></ul><p>These indicators serve as crucial alerts. When you observe them, remember that your responsibility is not to confirm, but to report your suspicion so that professionals can intervene.</p>

Recognizing the Signs of Child Abuse & Neglect

High-Risk Situations Requiring IMMEDIATE Action

<p>Certain situations demand immediate reporting to the Texas Abuse Hotline or 911 due to imminent danger. These are not situations where you should wait, even for your internal church reporting process, if it delays the child&apos;s safety. Call immediately for:</p><ul><li>Serious injuries requiring medical attention</li><li>Abuse involving a child 5 years old or younger</li><li>Suicidal thoughts or threats requiring medical intervention</li><li>Sexual abuse where the alleged abuser has access to the child within 24 hours</li><li>A child 5 years old or younger left alone or unsupervised</li><li>Any situation where action is required in less than 24 hours to ensure the child&apos;s safety</li></ul><p>In these urgent cases, time is of the essence. Prioritize the child&apos;s immediate safety by contacting emergency services or the hotline directly, and then follow up with your internal church notification as quickly as possible.</p>

Which of the following are potential signs of neglect?

A child confides that their abuser has access to them and will be with them within the next 12 hours. What is the most appropriate initial action?

Signs & High-Risk Situations

<h3>When Students Share Risky or Dangerous Behavior (Church Guidelines)</h3><p>It is crucial to distinguish between behaviors that require mandated reporting to CPS and those that necessitate parental notification. Not all risky behaviors by a student automatically equate to child abuse or neglect that triggers a CPS report. However, <strong>all risky behaviors warrant a conversation with the student&apos;s parent or guardian</strong>.</p><p>Examples of situations typically requiring guardian notification (but not a CPS report unless specific criteria for abuse/neglect are met, e.g., caregiver facilitation) include:</p><ul><li>Drug experimentation (e.g., trying marijuana or alcohol)</li><li>Dangerous sexual behavior (e.g., multiple partners, unprotected sex)</li><li>Self-harm behaviors that parents are already aware of but appear to be worsening or becoming more severe</li><li>Situations requiring immediate medical attention (e.g., an injury from an accident, not abuse)</li></ul><p>When a student shares such information, you may ask them, &quot;Would you like to be part of the conversation with your parents? Would you prefer to share it or have me share it with you present?&quot; This approach empowers the student while ensuring their guardians are informed and can provide appropriate support.</p>

Suicide &amp; Self-Harm Risk Protocol (Internal Requirement)

<p>When a student expresses thoughts of self-harm or suicide, staff members are required to ask specific clarifying questions to assess the level of risk. These questions are designed to quickly ascertain the immediacy and severity of the threat:</p><ol><li>&quot;Are you having thoughts of harming yourself?&quot;</li><li>&quot;Do you have a plan?&quot;</li><li>&quot;Do you have access to the means?&quot;</li><li>&quot;Have you attempted suicide before?&quot;</li></ol><p>If a student answers <strong>YES</strong> to <em>any</em> of these questions, you must immediately get Shanda or Sarah (or designated crisis personnel). If the danger appears imminent (e.g., they have a plan and means), call 911 immediately and remain with the student until help arrives. Do not leave them alone. Your swift and calm action can be life-saving.</p>

<h3>Harm to Others Risk Protocol</h3><p>Just as with self-harm, any indication that a student intends to harm others requires immediate, serious attention. When you hear alarming statements, such as &quot;I want to kill someone,&quot; &quot;I&apos;m thinking about bringing a gun to school,&quot; or any attempt to justify violence as righteous, you must ask clarifying questions to understand the intent and immediacy of the threat. These conversations can be uncomfortable, but they are critical for preventing harm.</p><p>Immediately involve Shanda and/or Sarah (or designated crisis personnel) as per internal procedure. If there is an imminent threat to others, call 911 immediately and notify the Director of Security. Again, do not delay. Prioritize the safety of all individuals involved and rely on trained personnel and emergency services to manage the situation.</p>

A student tells you they are having thoughts of harming themselves, have a plan, and access to the means. What is your immediate priority?

Describe the key difference between a situation requiring only parental notification (risky behavior) and a situation requiring a CPS report (abuse/neglect). Provide an example for each.

Risky Behaviors & Crisis Protocols

<h3>Reflection Questions for Staff Training</h3><p>These questions are designed to encourage deeper thought and discussion about the principles and policies covered in this training. Engaging with these reflections will help solidify your understanding and prepare you for real-world scenarios. Take a moment to consider each question thoughtfully, either through personal reflection or in group discussion settings.</p><ul><li>Why is it important that we report <em>suspicion</em> rather than wait for <em>certainty</em> when it comes to child abuse or neglect?</li><li>What emotions or fears come up for you personally when considering making a mandated report? How can you address these?</li><li>How does the duty of mandated reporting align with our pastoral calling at Chase Oaks Church to protect the vulnerable?</li><li>Can you clearly articulate the difference between &quot;parent conversation&quot; situations and those that are immediately CPS-reportable?</li><li>Why is it absolutely vital not to investigate or gather additional details yourself once you have reasonable suspicion?</li><li>In what ways might confidentiality concerns cause hesitation for a reporter, and how does Texas law address those concerns to protect the reporter?</li><li>How does Chase Oaks&apos; internal reporting structure (notifying Pastor/Director of Security) support staff emotionally and practically in these moments of crisis?</li><li>What boundaries should a ministry leader maintain when supporting a child in crisis, especially after a report has been made?</li></ul><p>These questions aim to provoke thought and prepare you for the real challenges and responsibilities that come with mandated reporting. Your ability to reflect on these aspects will enhance your confidence and effectiveness.</p>

<h3>Case Studies: Applying Your Knowledge (Staff Focus)</h3><p>Below are real-world scenarios designed to test your understanding and application of mandated reporting principles and church policy. Read each case carefully and determine the appropriate type of abuse/neglect, reporting requirements, and necessary actions.</p><h4>Case Study 1: Marcus &mdash; Physical Abuse</h4><p>Marcus, a 7-year-old in your children&apos;s ministry, quietly reports to you that his stepfather hit him repeatedly with a hairbrush, resulting in visible bruising on his arm and a small cut near his ear. He seems scared and asks you not to tell anyone.</p>

What type of abuse is this? What immediate actions should you take according to Chase Oaks policy and Texas law?

<h4>Case Study 2: Roger &mdash; Neglect</h4><p>During a Sunday service, a 5-year-old named Roger tells a children&apos;s leader that he burned his hand while trying to cook breakfast alone. He says his mom was asleep and had left him unsupervised for several hours. You observe a significant burn on his hand that appears untreated.</p>

What type of abuse is this likely to be? What specific information would need to be provided to external authorities?

Discussion & Correct Actions for Staff Case Studies

<h4>Marcus &mdash; Physical Abuse:</h4><ul><li><strong>Type of abuse:</strong> Physical abuse. The visible injuries and the child's report confirm this.</li><li><strong>Action:</strong> You have reasonable suspicion of physical abuse. Immediately notify your pastor or the Director of Security. They will then make the official report to the Local Police Department or the Texas CPS Hotline (1-800-252-5400). Ensure an Incident Report is completed. Reassure Marcus that you believe him and are taking steps to keep him safe, but explain that you must share this information with people who can help.</li></ul><h4>Roger &mdash; Neglect:</h4><ul><li><strong>Type of abuse:</strong> Neglect, specifically failure to provide supervision and medical care. The child's age (5 or under) and being left alone makes this a high-risk situation.</li><li><strong>Reporting requirement:</strong> Yes &mdash; a child 5 or under left alone requires an urgent report.</li><li><strong>Action:</strong> Immediately notify your pastor or the Director of Security. If the burn looks severe or needs urgent medical attention, 911 may also be necessary. When reporting, you should provide: child&apos;s name and address, caregiver&apos;s name, description of the incident, age of the child, and observed injuries. The pastor/security will make the official report to the Texas CPS Hotline or local police.</li></ul>

Reflection & Staff Case Studies

<h3>Case Studies: Volunteer/Leader Focus</h3><p>These case studies are tailored to situations frequently encountered by volunteers and ministry leaders. They highlight the nuances between different types of concerns and guide you toward the correct response. Your ability to differentiate between various scenarios is critical for appropriate action and child protection.</p><h4>Case Study 1: Marcus (for Volunteer Training)</h4><p>Marcus, a 7-year-old, tells you that his stepfather hit him repeatedly with a hairbrush, causing visible bruising and a cut. He asks you to keep it a secret.</p>

As a volunteer/leader, what is your immediate action regarding Marcus?

<h4>Case Study 2: Amanda &mdash; Drug Use Facilitated by Parent</h4><p>Amanda, a 14-year-old, confides in you that her mother allowed her to try acid at a family gathering last weekend. Amanda says her mother thought it would be &quot;cool&quot; for her to experience it.</p>

What type of situation is this, and what is the appropriate reporting action?

<h4>Case Study 3: Jeremy &mdash; Utility Shutoff &amp; Hygiene Concerns</h4><p>Jeremy, an 8-year-old, has consistently shown up to church looking disheveled, and peers have mentioned a strong odor. He tells you his family has had no electricity or water for six days because the utilities were shut off. He also mentions he hasn&apos;t eaten much.</p>

What type of abuse or neglect might this indicate, and what is your immediate course of action?

<h4>Case Study 4: Loren &mdash; Emotional Abuse + Suicidality</h4><p>Loren, a 16-year-old, is visibly distressed and tells you her mother frequently tells her she wishes Loren was never born. Loren then asks, &quot;Sometimes I just wonder if I should end my life.&quot;</p>

What are the primary concerns in Loren's case, and what actions are required?

Discussion & Correct Actions for Volunteer/Leader Case Studies

<h4>Marcus (Volunteer Training):</h4><ul><li><strong>Type of abuse:</strong> Physical abuse.</li><li><strong>Action:</strong> Same as staff training: Immediately notify your pastor or the Director of Security. They will handle the official reporting. Your role is to report your suspicion internally.</li></ul><h4>Amanda &mdash; Drug Use Facilitated by Parent:</h4><ul><li><strong>Type:</strong> Neglect (failure to protect) + substance abuse facilitated by caregiver. This is a mandated report situation.</li><li><strong>Action:</strong> Immediately notify your pastor or the Director of Security. This situation meets the criteria for neglect as the caregiver is facilitating dangerous behavior.</li></ul><h4>Jeremy &mdash; Utility Shutoff &amp; Hygiene Concerns:</h4><ul><li><strong>Type:</strong> Possible neglect depending on pattern and unmet basic needs (food, shelter, hygiene).</li><li><strong>Action:</strong> Immediately consult your pastor or the Director of Security. This is highly likely to be a reportable situation if basic needs are consistently not met due to caregiver failure.</li></ul><h4>Loren &mdash; Emotional Abuse + Suicidality:</h4><ul><li><strong>Mandated reporting:</strong> Emotional abuse and potential neglect.</li><li><strong>Additionally:</strong> Suicide protocol. Immediately get Shanda or Sarah (or designated crisis personnel). Contact guardians immediately unless they are the perpetrators. If danger is imminent, call 911.</li></ul>

Volunteer/Leader & Risky Behavior Cases

<h3>Risky Behavior Case Studies</h3><p>These scenarios further illustrate the distinction between behaviors that require parental engagement and those that trigger a formal mandated report. It&apos;s crucial to handle these situations with care, focusing on student safety and appropriate intervention.</p><h4>Case Study 1: Sexual Promiscuity</h4><p>A 15-year-old student discusses having multiple sexual partners. You learn her parents are aware she is sexually active and have given her information about safe sex, though they may not fully approve.</p><ul><li><strong>Assessment:</strong> This is generally not a CPS reportable situation unless there are indicators of sexual abuse (e.g., non-consensual activity, age difference, coercion).</li><li><strong>Action:</strong> This is a situation for parent conversation. You should assess the student&apos;s emotional and physical safety, encourage safe practices, and ensure she has resources, but it does not meet mandated reporting criteria.</li></ul><h4>Case Study 2: Drug Escalation</h4><p>A 16-year-old student, previously known for marijuana use, confides they recently tried acid with friends and plans to try other substances soon. The student&apos;s parents are aware of past marijuana use and have attempted interventions.</p><ul><li><strong>Assessment:</strong> This is not a CPS report unless a caregiver provided or endorsed the drugs, or if there is severe neglect leading to this behavior.</li><li><strong>Action:</strong> This is a situation for parent conversation. Notify the parents of the escalation in drug use and assess the student&apos;s safety and need for professional intervention (e.g., counseling).</li></ul><h4>Case Study 3: Amy &mdash; Self-Harm With Deep Cut</h4><p>Amy, a 13-year-old, has a known history of self-harm, and her parents are aware. However, today you notice a new, deep cut on her arm that appears medically concerning and might require stitches. She dismisses it as &quot;just a scratch.&quot;</p><ul><li><strong>Assessment:</strong> This is not a CPS report unless caregivers refuse medical care for a serious injury or directly contributed to the self-harm.</li><li><strong>Action:</strong> This requires immediate medical referral. Notify her parents of the medically concerning wound and ensure they seek immediate medical attention. Follow up to confirm care is received.</li></ul>

Supporting Children Who Disclose Abuse

<h3>Additional Case Studies for Training Completeness</h3><p>These scenarios cover a broader range of situations, including those involving non-parental figures and boundary violations, which are critical for ministry leaders to understand.</p><h4>Case Study 4: Coach-Involved Abuse Allegation</h4><p>A student reports that their club coach, who is not a parent, touches them inappropriately during practice, making them feel uncomfortable and scared. The coach is an adult in a supervisory role.</p><ul><li><strong>Action:</strong> This is a clear CPS report, even though the perpetrator is not a parent, as they are in a supervisory role. Immediately notify your pastor or the Director of Security, who will make the official report to CPS or law enforcement.</li></ul><h4>Case Study 5: Youth Leader Boundary Violation</h4><p>You observe a volunteer youth leader messaging a minor privately late at night, asking personal and somewhat intimate questions that seem inappropriate for a leader-student relationship. The messages do not overtly contain sexual content but raise significant red flags.</p><ul><li><strong>Action:</strong> Immediately report to your pastor or the Director of Security. This warrants an internal investigation into potential boundary violations, grooming behaviors, or inappropriate conduct. It may escalate to a CPS report if grooming or abuse is suspected.</li></ul><h4>Case Study 6: Child Left At Church After Pickup Time</h4><p>Over several weeks, you notice a recurring pattern where a 6-year-old child is consistently left at church for prolonged periods (e.g., 30-60 minutes) after programs end, despite repeated calls to parents. The child often appears anxious during these times.</p><ul><li><strong>Action:</strong> This indicates potential neglect if the pattern is systemic and compromises the child&apos;s safety or well-being. Document each incident, continue to notify parents, but escalate your concerns to your pastor or the Director of Security if the pattern persists. They will assess if it meets the threshold for a mandated report.</li></ul>

Final Script for Staff to Use When a Child Discloses

<p>When a child bravely discloses abuse or neglect to you, your response is critical. It must be empathetic, reassuring, and clear about your role as a mandated reporter. Use the following script:</p><blockquote><p>“Thank you for trusting me with this. I’m so sorry that happened to you. Because I care about your safety, and because I’m a mandated reporter, I do need to share this with people who can help keep you safe. You’re not in trouble. I’m here with you, and we’ll walk through this together.”</p></blockquote><p>Maintain a calm demeanor, listen attentively, and avoid making promises of secrecy you cannot keep. Your honesty, compassion, and commitment to their safety are paramount.</p>

I have reviewed all case studies and understand the appropriate actions.

Risky Behavior & Additional Cases

<h3>Mandated Reporting Quick Reference Guide</h3><p>This page provides a concise summary of the key information from the training module. Keep this handy for quick consultation. Remember, when in doubt, report to your internal church leadership.</p><h4>When MUST You Report?</h4><ul><li>When you have <strong>reasonable suspicion</strong> that a child&apos;s welfare has been harmed or is at risk &mdash; not certainty.</li><li><strong>Immediately</strong> report; delaying is a Class B misdemeanor.</li><li>Reporters acting in good faith have civil and criminal immunity.</li><li>DFPS does not accept anonymous reports; anonymous reporters must contact law enforcement.</li></ul><h4>What NOT To Do (DFPS Guidance):</h4><ul><li><strong>Do NOT investigate.</strong></li><li><strong>Do NOT conduct internal interviews or examine injuries.</strong></li><li>Your job is solely to report your suspicion to appropriate authorities via church policy.</li></ul>

Chase Oaks Internal Reporting Policy (Procedure)

<ul><li><strong>STEP 1: Notify your Pastor or the Director of Security IMMEDIATELY.</strong></li><li><strong>STEP 2: Complete an Incident Report.</strong></li><li><strong>STEP 3 (Pastor/Security will then report to):</strong><ul><li>Local Police Department</li><li>OR Texas CPS Hotline: <strong>1-800-252-5400</strong></li><li>OR call <strong>911</strong> if the child is in imminent danger.</li></ul></li><li>Pastor/Security notifies parents unless the parent is the alleged perpetrator.</li><li>All information handled with <strong>strict confidentiality.</strong> Breach results in dismissal.</li></ul>

<h4>High-Risk Situations Requiring IMMEDIATE External Action:</h4><p>Call the Texas Abuse Hotline or 911 immediately for situations including:</p><ul><li>Serious injuries.</li><li>Abuse involving a child 5 or younger.</li><li>Suicidal thoughts requiring medical attention.</li><li>Sexual abuse when abuser has access within 24 hours.</li><li>Child 5 or under left alone.</li><li>Any situation requiring action in less than 24 hours.</li></ul><h4>Risky Behavior vs. Mandated Reporting:</h4><ul><li><strong>Not all risky behavior = mandated reporting (to CPS).</strong></li><li><strong>All risky behavior = parent/guardian conversation.</strong></li></ul><p><em>Examples for Parent Conversation (not CPS report, unless caregiver contributed):</em> Drug experimentation, dangerous sexual behavior, self-harm behaviors (if parents aware but worsening), situations needing medical attention.</p>

<h4>Suicide &amp; Self-Harm Risk Protocol (Internal)</h4><p><strong>Ask clarifying questions:</strong></p><ul><li>Are you having thoughts of harming yourself?</li><li>Do you have a plan?</li><li>Do you have access to the means?</li><li>Have you attempted suicide before?</li></ul><p><strong>If YES to any → Get Shanda or Sarah IMMEDIATELY.</strong></p><p><strong>If imminent danger → Call 911 and stay with the student.</strong></p><h4>Harm to Others Risk Protocol</h4><p><strong>Ask clarifying questions</strong> if alarming statements are made (e.g., &quot;I want to kill someone,&quot; justifying violence).</p><p><strong>Immediately involve Shanda and/or Sarah.</strong></p><p><strong>If imminent threat → Call 911 and notify Security.</strong></p><p>Thank you for your commitment to protecting the children in our ministry!</p>

Mandated Reporting Training: Chase Oaks Staff & Leaders