By SAM FRIEDMAN

Mirror Writer

What should a health-care worker recommend for a child who needs care for bruises and respiratory problems but also comes from a household suspected of producing methamphetamine? How should a village public safety officer react when a child complains of molestation but is contradicted by a parent who claims the complaints are invented?

During the first day of the Kodiak Regional Child Abuse Conference held at the Sun’aq Bingo Hall Thursday, some 86 conference participants considered scenarios like these as part of an effort to learn the symptoms of child abuse.

A large number of conference participants were mandated reporters, professionals like teachers and social workers who are required to report suspected cases of child abuse because they hold positions of authority with children.

“Anyone who is responsible for reporting abuse should know what the symptoms are,” said guest speaker Diane Payne. “Unfortunately, a lot of people don’t get that training.”

Payne is the director of the nonprofit Trial Law and Policy Institute’s Alaska office. She normally gives daylong training sessions, but condensed the message to 90 minutes for the conference.

She explained that identifying child abuse requires careful judgment because key symptoms like avoiding home, withdrawal and nightmares can also be part of normal childhood and adolescence.

“Is it normal for kids to have nightmares sometimes? Sure,” she said. “But you should pay attention if someone is having nightmares about people who look a certain way or make a certain noise.”

In general, she warned about any rapid changes to behavior. She said sudden reversals usually have medical causes or can be symptoms of abuse.

As small groups of conference participants considered different scenarios, Payne circled the hall and reminded the groups to identify the danger to the child in each case. She also asked conference guests to think beyond the Office of Children’s Services, (OCS) the state apparatus that most directly deals with child abuse.

“I want to hear something besides ‘Call OCS,’” she said. “What would you do if you couldn’t call OCS? What community resources are there?”

The OCS was well represented at the conference with a keynote speech by state director Tammy Sandoval. Kodiak OCS field supervisor Mary Gray speaks today.

The conference featured presentations on additional resources in Kodiak including the Kodiak Baptist Mission, the Kodiak Job Services Work Services, recovery and wellness center Discovery Cove, KANA and the Providence Kodiak Island Counseling Center. Within village communities conference participants mentioned resources like public safety officers and Elders.

Thursday’s schedule also included a presentation by Judy Simeonoff who teaches children about facing abuse with a program using symbols called “Under the Umbrella of Safety.”

The Kodiak Regional Child Abuse Conference continues today with a program directed at the community. The schedule includes guest speakers Pam and Gordon James who will speak about creating healthy relationships.

The conference is organized by the Sun’aq Tribe, KANA and the Native Village of Afognak. It is sponsored by the Bureau of Indian Affairs with assistance from the Alaska Department of Health and Human Services.

Mirror Writer Sam Friedman can be reached via e-mail at sfriedman@kodidakdailymirror.com.