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California Mandated Reporter Training. QUESTIONS. Objectives of Mandated Reporter Training. Defining Child Abuse and Neglect. Under the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA) any suspicion of the following must be reported in C alifornia Physical Abuse Sexual Abuse
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Defining Child Abuse and Neglect Under the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA) any suspicion of the following must be reported in California • Physical Abuse • Sexual Abuse • Emotional Abuse • Neglect When the victim is under the age of 18, and the perpetrator is any age
CHILD ABUSE CAN CROSS ALL BARRIERS Child abuse or neglect can occur in any family, regardless of socio-economic status, sexual orientation, religion, education, ethnic background, or any other factor. Important to know that our cultural beliefs or stereotypes can affect our perceptions.
Physical Abuse anyinjury, even a small bruise in a very young infant is concerning Young infants are not mobile Completely dependent on their caregivers Any injury in this age group should raise concern for the possibility of inflicted injury
Physical Abuse Indicators • Not as Concerning: • Bony areas – knees, shins, forehead (where kids fall)
Child Sexual Abuse Per CANRA, Child Sexual Abuse includes: Sexual Assault Sexual Exploitation
Emotional Abuse Defined by CANRA as willful cruelty or unjustified punishment Includes: Inflicting or permitting physical pain or mental suffering Or permitting the endangerment of the child’s person or health
Neglect Negligent treatment or maltreatment of a child by a person responsible for child’s welfare. Includes- Acts and Omissions The neglect may cause harm to the child or just threaten to harm the child’s health or welfare. It is very important to be aware of economic factors and cultural norms.
Neglect- Religious Considerations • Refusing medical care for religious reasons is a hotly debated topic when children are involved • Per CANRA, a child receiving treatment by spiritual means or not receiving specified medical treatment for religious reasons, shall not for that reason alone be considered a neglected child • An informed and appropriate medical decision made by a caregiver after consultation with a physician does not constitute neglect
Home Environment- Indicators • Medications, cleaners, toxins within reach of a child • Guns or other weapons that are not properly secured • Trash, rotted food, insects, or animal waste • Choking hazards within reach of an infant or toddler
Local Resources Enter in your own local resources
Local Resources Enter in your own local resources
Local Resources Enter in your own local resources
Child Behaviors concerningfor Physical and/or Emotional Abuse
Child Behaviors concerningfor Physical and/or Emotional Abuse
Who Are Mandated Reporters? Typically, people with regular contact with children • Teachers (public or private schools) • Teachers’ aides/assistants • Any employee of a public or private school • Employees of youth centers • Employees of day care centers • Foster parent • Coaches
Who Are Mandated Reporters? Health care personnel • Doctors, dentists, nurses and all medical personnel • Therapists, psychologists, social workers, mental health workers Public protection positions • Law enforcement • Probation • Firefighters • Child welfare
When Should a Report be Filed? • When one "has knowledge of or observes a child in his or her professional capacity, or within the scope of his or her employment whom he or she knows or reasonably suspects has been the victim of child abuse or neglect..." (P.C. 11166 a) • If you suspect, REPORT!!!! • Proof of abuse is notrequired; that will be determined through investigation by the child welfare professionals or law enforcement
Who Files the Report? • Responsibility rests solely with the Mandated Reporter • Reporting to an employer, supervisor, school principal, school counselor, coworker, or other person is NOT adequate • When two or more mandated reporters jointly have knowledge of suspected child abuse or neglect, a single report may be made • Any member of the reporting team who has knowledge that the designated person has failed to report must do so.
When Should a Report be Filed? • Immediately (or as soon as practically possible) by phone to your local CWS Hotline • A written report must be forwarded within 36 hours • Must be submitted on Department of Justice form, which can be requested from your local child protective agencies or downloaded online • May be faxed or submitted electronically, depending on what is available in your county
Who Receives the Report? • Child Protective Agency • “Child Welfare Services, Police/Sheriff or Probation Department • The only type of Law Enforcement Agency you may report to are the Sheriff’s or Police Department in your community • Other law enforcement persons, such as school security, are not authorized to receive reports
How is a Report Made? • Immediately by phone, providing: • Name of the reporter • Name of the child • Present location of the child • Nature and extent of the injury • Any other information requested by the child protective agency
How is a Report Made? • Then in writing • Within 36 hours a written report must be sent to the child protective or law enforcement agency to which the telephone report was made • Must be filed on Department of Justice Form 8572 known as the Suspected Child Abuse Report (SCAR) • This form is available through county welfare departments and local law enforcement agencies • Forms and instructions also available online at http://ag.ca.gov/childabuse/pdf/ss_8572.pdf
8572 Reporting Party’s information • Name • Date • Address • Phone
8572 • Information of person taking report • Name • Phone • Title • Address • Date
8572 • Victim’s Information • Name • DOB • Address • School • Present location • Language
8572 • Involved Parties • Siblings • Parents • Suspects
8572 • Incident Information • What happened? • What is the concern for abuse?