November 2022

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Preventative Measures

Offer support. Being a parent is not easy, especially with the added challenges of being a parent to a child with a disability. Be a friend, confidant and support system for parents in your community (Child Welfare Information Gateway, 2019).

Promote mental health care. Encourage parents in your circle to take care of themselves, to go for a date night, get some rest, have down time, attend a support group or seek therapy (Child Welfare Information Gateway, 2019).

Engage the community. Family-friendly workplaces, positive parenting culture, early intervention programs, parent training and education, and social programs to support lower-income or single income families and other at-risk populations are societal approaches that contribute to prevention efforts. (Child Welfare Information Gateway, 2018)

Avoid assumptions. Children of all abilities should be taught about body autonomy and body safety. They should be able to name their body parts with correct language and told the difference between appropriate and inappropriate touch. They should be told that they have a right to say “no”. (Ives, 2015; Mostafavi, 2020)

Responding to suspected or confirmed maltreatment

Be a safe place. Create an environment free of judgement so that a child may feel comfortable confiding in you if something has happened that made them uncomfortable. Do not offer advice and do not draw out more information or details. Be an empathetic listener. Try to remember as many details as possible, but do not interrupt the child to have them repeat themselves or to take notes. (Kezelman & Stavropolulos, 2017)

Share information with the proper channels. Do not promise children that you can keep their secrets if they disclose abuse or neglect to you. Reassure the child that your priority is to keep them safe. To report suspected abuse or neglect of a child, call Centralized Intake at 800-352-6513. When reporting, keep information as factual as possible.

Myth Busters

Nobody would abuse children or adolescents with disabilities because everyone feels sorry for them.

Research indicates that children and youth with disabilities are at increased risk of being abused than their non-disabled peers Additionally, most abuse happens at the hands of a caregiver or close adult, including paid support staff. (Child Welfare Information Gateway, 2018).

If children and adolescents do not know that they are being abused, they will not suffer any consequences. Research on the effects of trauma suggests that the opposite may be true, as an individual with intellectual impairment or an inability to communicate would not have the healing ability to process through the experience (Healing After Child Sexual Abuse, 2011).

Gain some insight – ReMoved

It is very difficult to put oneself in the shoes of a child in foster care, however, this video sheds light on the situation from a child’s perspective. Please watch with caution, as the video depicts child neglect and violence and can be upsetting to some viewers.

As a father of three, educator, and former foster parent, Kevin has positively impacted the lives of hundreds of children over the course of his career. Kevin currently works as the EdTech Leader at North Elementary in Morgantown, WV, but up until 2019 was a classroom teacher for fourth and fifth grade students.

Kevin was recognized as the Monongalia County Teacher of the Year in 2017 and received the Extra Yard for Teachers award from West Virginia University athletics, which allowed for the purchasing of 3D printers and supplies for his students. He has written and received many grants for North Elementary to promote STEAM programming and outdoor and garden-based learning opportunities.

"Seeing children grow every year in school has always been a marvel for me, and I have loved being a part of that growth.” Kevin’s love for children and love for the impact he can have on a child’s life led him to pursue his greatest accomplishment yet…fatherhood. Despite the challenges of fostering, Kevin reported that “without a doubt, my most recent biggest accomplishment has been becoming a father four years ago through Children’s Home Society of Morgantown and foster care, and doing so as a single parent. I have since adopted all three of my children from foster care, and am grateful for the village of support that has been built around my family."Kevin has served as a support and mentor to other foster parents by participating in trainings, panel discussions, and most recently certifying his home to provide respite services to other foster families. “If you have ever thought about becoming a foster parent, I would highly recommend it. It is truly a life changing experience, if you haven’t thought about becoming a foster parent, find a way to support the children in the system or those around you that are foster parents. Becoming a foster parent has its unique challenges, and oftentimes those who have become a foster parent just need someone to reach out to them to help or to let them know you are there to support them."

Kevin recently graduated with his Master’s in Education Leadership from Western Governors University and hopes to one day be a Principal or Vice Principal of an elementary school where he can continue to ensure the best for children. Check out Kevin's blog, Instant Dad, to read his personal testimony of his foster care and adoption journey. Thank you for all you do, Kevin! Today and every day.