Leaders Guide - Child Maltreatment - Suspicion of Incident

Many Marines are reluctant to admit child maltreatment is occurring for a multitude of reasons. Most do not report primarily because of fear of negative career consequences, fear of losing their children, minimization and denial of abuse, belief that abuse is acceptable, or lack of confidence in helping agencies. This means leaders may have to rely on suspicions of child maltreatment in order to determine a course of action. Recognizing a sign of abuse is extremely important given leaders are required to report all reasonable suspicions of child maltreatment to the proper authorities.

What to Look For

Supervisors and peers may overhear, observe, or become aware that child maltreatment may be occurring.
Other sources, such as neighbors and childcare providers, may express concern to unit leaders indicating the child is not receiving routine medical/dental care or proper nutrition, is dressed inappropriately for the weather, is unsupervised at home, or seems to have frequent unexplained injuries or absences.
Parent may not be performing up to standard, seem preoccupied with childcare matters, or may come in late or ask for time off more frequently because of child related issues. When asked about problems, may give vague, defensive, angry, or embarrassed responses.
Marine may become isolated, avoid bringing the child to unit family functions, or talk about the child is in excessively derogatory or resentful terms.
Parent may give explanations for injuries that seem implausible or child seems to have frequent unexplained injuries.
Offending parent may boast about abusive behavior, make threatening remarks to anyone who attempts to intervene, or make comments indicating that using abuse against children is justified.

What to Do

Talk to the Marine in private about concerns but avoid becoming confrontational. When sharing concerns or observations, try to be specific about what you have observed or what has been reported to you.
If inquiry does not support that abuse is currently occurring or has occurred in the past but other issues are impacting performance, convey support for getting help and refer to resources.
If abuse has not occurred but there seems to be some risk in the future, options include strongly encouraging participation in prevention programs such as New Parent Support Program (NPSP) or prevention programs and classes that deal with the identified problem areas. Convey expectation that issues are to be dealt with appropriately and fairly. If not assigned to an installation, encourage the Marine to utilize services and programs in the civilian sector or access Military OneSource.
If abuse is identified, report the incident to the installation Family Advocacy Program (FAP) If the family is not assigned to an installation, notify the command or assigned FAP Officer (FAPO) and the local Child Protective Services (CPS). This is a command responsibility if the Marine involved is assigned to independent duty or a geographically separated unit.
Ensure the victim and any other children in the home are medically examined and a safety plan is in place. Consider issuing a Child Removal Order if warranted. If the child is in immediate danger, contact military or civilian law enforcement depending on where the child is located at the time of the abuse. If the incident is occurring on the military installation, contact the military law enforcement. If the incident is occurring off the installation, contact the local law enforcement by calling 911.
Follow the guidelines in Report of Incident

What to Avoid

Waiting to report maltreatment to proper authorities even when a reasonable suspicion exists. Delaying action may mean more serious abuse will occur.

Launching an investigation without collaborating with law enforcement, legal, and Family Advocacy Program (FAP) or without activating the coordinated community response. Although exploring a suspicion of maltreatment by talking to the Marine and supervisors is appropriate, conducting an investigation without other agency involvement can put the victim at risk for escalating violence and contamination of evidence.
Ignoring observations, letting problems continue or get worse.
Not taking the problem seriously, minimizing concerns, or avoiding getting involved.
Supporting perceptions that abusive behavior is justified or appropriate in some situations, especially if the child is a difficult to handle.
Forming conclusions about a particular situation before having enough information or believing the alleged offender just because of active duty status.
Not consulting with Family Advocacy Program (FAP), legal, or other authorities before deciding on a course of action.- Holding the belief that child maltreatment is a private affair and failing to ask if abuse is occurring.

What to Expect after Taking Action

If the suspicion is not supported, but concern still exists that the family is at risk, most Marines will follow through with recommendations to seek assistance, participate in prevention programs, or access services in the civilian sector if supported to do so without prejudice and as a matter of readiness.
If the suspicion is supported, and a FAP referral is made and authorities are notified, leaders can expect many of the same reactions noted in the section Report of Incident.
Marines may minimize, deny, and blame their child for suspicious injuries or behavior. It's important not to form a conclusion until information is obtained from all sources that have observed the parent-child relationship, in particular the Family Advocacy Program (FAP) and Child Protective Services (CPS)if these agencies are involved. Enlisting the assistance of the Provost Marshall's Officer (PMO) and the Staff Judge Advocate (SJA) might be useful in trying to determine if a more in-depth assessment or investigation is warranted.
Even when abuse is not occurring, many people are reluctant to discuss their personal lives with supervisors and may not disclose the full story or feel comfortable asking for help.

Troubleshooting

Some Marines may deny there is a problem, minimize issues, or refuse to participate in recommended services. This may be an indication that more serious problems are occurring and may require more active involvement from leaders.
Marine may not be showing any signs of improvement or problems may escalate after intervention. Leaders may want to consult with Staff Judge Advocate (SJA) or Family Advocacy to determine if another course of action might be appropriate.
In either circumstance noted above, leaders may consider disciplinary action.