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Abuse and Neglect of Children with Disabilities: A Collaborative Response

Overview

The Abuse and Neglect of Children with Disabilities Training Project began in 1997 with federal funding to develop an interdisciplinary curriculum for educators, child protection workers, law enforcement officers, and parents of children with disabilities. From 2000 through 2005 the course was offered as a 2-day training throughout Virginia with the sponsorship of a collaborative group including:

• the Virginia Department of Education, and local school divisions
• the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services
• the Virginia Department of Social Services
• VISSTA (Virginia Institute for Social Services Training Activities)
• the Partnership for People with Disabilities

In 2006 the curriculum was revised as a one-day training based on the results of follow-up and needs assessment studies. The revised course will be offered approximately 10 times in 2006-2007. Each session is hosted by one or more local agencies, with the above sponsors.

Major Activities

This project offers interdisciplinary training on specific risk factors for, and indicators of, abuse and neglect of children with disabilities. It promotes collaboration by local professionals and parent advocates for children with disabilities to protect these highly vulnerable children. Teams of expert trainers from law enforcement, child protective services, education, and parent advocates model interdisciplinary collaboration and best practice. The target audience for the training includes law enforcement, child protective services and foster care, educators, and parent advocates, as well as other local professionals serving children with disabilities. This could include mental health and mental retardation services, CASA, victim witness, court services, and recreation services.

Contact

Peggy O'Neill
Abuse and Disabilities Coordinator
Partnership for People with Disabilities
PO Box 843020
Richmond, VA 23284-3020
Phone: 804-827-0194
FAX: 804-828-0042
poneill@vcu.edu