In this program, we will discuss the signs of several types of abuse and what to be on the lookout for, what to do when you suspect abuse, disclosures, supporting the child, as well as mandated reporting in Maryland. We will also speak about foster care and the long-term effects of child abuse and neglect. It should be noted the second half of this program discusses investigations and patterns of injury and is graphic in nature.
Please note this presentation is in person and can only accomodate 15 CASA volunteers/ CASA Staff. This presentation also shows the true realities of child abuse and there are graphic images that are included with the presentation.
About The Presenter
Taylor Pyles is a Detective with Annapolis Police Department and is assigned to the Criminal Investigations Section. He primarily investigates child abuse, child sex offenses, and other crimes against children. He has been working for Annapolis Police since 2003 and has been a Detective since 2010. Taylor serves as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) in Anne Arundel County. As a CASA, Taylor works to be a voice for children who are in foster care and ensures their needs are being met by the court system as well as parties involved in the child's life.
Personally, Taylor is an adult survivor of abuse who was removed from his home as a child by Department of Social Services and placed into the foster care system. Taylor remained in foster care until "aging out" at the age of 18. As an adult, Taylor was troubled by seeing the negative outcomes of those in which he was in foster care with. This included multiple drug overdoses, suicides, as well as incarceration. Based on these outcomes, Taylor launched The Blue Ribbon Project as a resource for adult survivors. Over time, Taylor recognized additional needs of abused and neglected children in our community and implemented multiple programs to serve abused and neglected children in our community, youth in foster care, as well as provide training resources for professionals who regularly work with children.