Child Welfare Education Organization Offers Online Course for Teachers

By Scott Manning
Posted April 20, 2011 04:41 PM

The Pennsylvania Family Support Alliance (PFSA) provides training on recognizing and reporting suspected child abuse and neglect through schools, early childhood education centers, religious institutions and social service agencies, according to a press release. Last year, the organization trained more than 8,000 professionals who work with children in how to recognize and report suspected child abuse.

In order to give more teachers an opportunity to earn these skills, PFSA recently announced a collaboration with Capital Area Intermediate Unit (CAIU). Through the partnership, the organizations will offer an online course on recognizing and reporting child abuse that is specifically designed for education professionals.

Child Abuse Recognition Training for Teachers Offered

"Online teaching and training programs are an easy and convenient way for teachers to acquire the training they need to be prepared to recognize and deal with the problem of child abuse, which is widespread and occurs all too frequently," said Christina E. Phillips, PFSA training director. "The online training is especially convenient because the course doesn't have to be completed all in one sitting. It can be broken up into segments that can fit a teacher's demanding schedule."

Graduating from this program can benefit teachers, as they are mandated reporters of child abuse. FULL STORY

"Since most referrals come from professionals, the fact that three-quarters were eventually judged unsubstantiated or otherwise disposed of is troubling. The public is very distrustful of anything that appears to be a witch-hunt when it come to child abuse; therefore, over reporting damages the system's credibility and also wastes resources; at the same time under reporting leaves the victims at risk. This figure appears to indicate the need for better means of identification and some additional professional training." - Marty Richman 4-5-2011

Something tells me this online Child Abuse Recognition Training for Teachers is the sort of thing that is the PROBLEM.