AG 2000 06 19 - Laserfiche WebLink

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IV. COMMUNITY CHILDREN'S PROTECTION TEAM SELF-EVALUATION The Cabarrus Community Child Protection Team (CCPT) has had a strong record of performance since it was . initially organized in 1991, serving continuously since that time. Some members have served faithfully, throughout the CCPT's entire history and additional members have been recruited as needed. Currently, in ad'Ii'ion to Department of Social Services social workers, supervisors, and program manager, the team has 25 community members drawn from human service agencies, the medical community, both public schools systems, law enforcement, the hospital, clergy and child advocates. In the last two years, the Community Child Protection Team has led or taken a very active role in four important community activities: [] In May 2000, selected members carried out a child fatality review, facilitated by Debra McHenry from the Division of Social Services, prepared the required report, and planned the meeting to discuss its recommendations. On April 15, 2000, the Child Protection Team carried out its second Children's Vigil. A total of 25 children were remembered, including two infants who had died in Cabarrus County in September and October 1999. A team &eight CCPT members worked for months to plan the vigil and the entire team supported the effort in some way. School students were involved with artwork and written work. Local newspapers provided much coverage prior to the event and Charlotte TV stations covered the vigil. To increase community awareness, two members arranged for a flyer about child protection to be sent out to 1700 members of the Regional Chamber of Commerce and to NorthEast Medical Center staff..Letters went out to all chumhes, followed by contacts from CCPT members, asking chumhes to include information about child protection in church bulletins on the Sundays before or after the vigil. Many churches cooperated. The Partnership for Children (Smart Start) published an 8-page tabloid in both local newspapers during the week prior to the vigil that included information about the vigil, mandatory reporting, and a complete list of community resoumes for families. The community resource information was translated into Spanish and made available at the Cabarms cares for Kids Health and Safety Fair, which was also held on April 15. In October 1998, the team organized and led its first Children's Vigil to honor the memories of 36 children in North Carolina who had died as a result &child abuse in 1997-1998. Over a period of 36 hours, candle lighters from all parts of the community lit candles and remembered these children. School children participated with artwork and written work, some of which was read at the vigil. Opening and closing ceremonies included music from student groups and comments from both school superintendents. Foster parents, Children's Protective Services, Child Protection Team, and the Children's Advocacy Center at NorthEast medical center staffed tables to give information to people who came. The entire event was covered extensively on all three local television channels and reached an audience often counties over the weekend. ri In February 1998, the Children's Advocacy Center at NorthEast Medical Center officially opened. The Community Child Protection Team played a critical role from the beginning in planning and developing the CAC. In 1995, key members of the CCPT met to discuss the need for an interdisciplinary center for child physical and sexual abuse evaluations and investigations. Several team leaders approached NorthEast Medical Center and requested their support and involvement, which they obtained. ~ In April 1996, NorthEast Medical Center hosted a meeting of all participating agencies, including Cabarrus Department of Social Services, Piedmont Mental Health, Concord and Kannapolis Police Depa~hnents, and Cabarrus County Sheriff's Depa~'tment. ~ In 1997, the social worker coordinator washired, with an agreement between NorthEast Medical Center and Cabarrus Social Services to share salary expenses. From June 1997, the CAC Task Force met £requently, sometimes as often as weekly, to develop the necessary protocols and operating policies and procedures. The Community Child Protection Team agreed to serve as the Advisory Board for the CAC.