Good afternoon,
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce The University of Toledo Child Advocacy Program to you and to
members of your organization. The statistics for child abuse and neglect are truly staggering. Every year 3.3
million reports of child abuse are made in the United States involving nearly 6 million children; five
children die every day due to abuse. In response to the societal need to protect our most vulnerable
children The University of Toledo has developed a Child Advocacy Certificate Program.
Schools and educational facilities are considered the most trusted of institutions. Our society expects schools
and other child care programs not only to educate but to protect and prevent violence against them. The
primary roles of schools and child care programs in dealing with abuse and neglect are:
•
Provide a safe environment
•
Prevent abuse and neglect
•
Educate about abuse and neglect
•
Report suspected abuse and neglect
Are members of your organization aware that most states, including Ohio, require school and child care
personnel, mental health workers, medical personnel, social workers to report possible suspected abuse and
neglect? In fact, there are penalties for failure to report that can include fines and even jail time for nonreporting.
Are members of your organization checking the children as they enter the classroom and performing a quick
visual body and health check to notice bruising, abrasions, or any new marks on the children; practicing writing
observations on the children and keeping notes on the child’s appearance and behavior and does your staff use
role play to question the children about bruises, scratches and other marks on their bodies?
The University of Toledo Child Advocacy Program will provide your members with the necessary tools to
recognize and assess when a child is abused and or neglected; their role in assessing and reporting abuse and
neglect; to whom, how and where to make a report; and what to say when you report abuse and neglect.
In two semesters, a certificate in Child Advocacy can be earned. The four course sequence is accessible “24/7”
through distance education over the internet. Social workers, lawyers, health-care professionals and educators
would benefit from the knowledge and skills gained through this certificate program.
We are currently accepting application for fall of 2013. Courses will start Monday, Aug. 19. Additional
information can also be found at the UT website at: http://www.utoledo.edu/dl/programs/certificates/cert_childadvocate.html.
Thanks again for your consideration.
Debra
Debra O'Connell, BA
Director of Patient Advocacy
Program Advisor for Child Advocacy and Elder Law
Judith Herb College of Education, Health Science and Human Service
The University of Toledo
2801 W. Bancroft Street
Gillham Hall, Room 3100A, MS 914
Toledo, OH 43606-3390
419-530-5421 direct office
419-530-7248 fax
Debra.Oconnell@utoledo.edu
www.utoledo.edu