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Lesson Six:
Reporting Procedures
Contents:
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When to report a suspected case of child abuse and neglect
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How to make a verbal and written report of suspected abuse or neglect
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(For educators) School procedures, release-of-information and parent notification laws
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Objectives: Upon completion of this module, the mandated reporter will be able to…
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Define the circumstances under which a mandated reporter is required to report
a suspected case of child abuse or neglect
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Describe the procedures for filing a verbal and written report
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(For educators) Describe the legal authority for a school to release student
information to law enforcement when child abuse is suspected
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(For educators) Describe the legal authority for a school to withhold
information from a parent regarding the location of their child and the
disposition of a report of suspected abuse or neglect
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When Should You Report?
Child abuse must be reported when a legally mandated reporter “…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” (P.C. 11166[a]).
“Reasonable suspicion” occurs when “it is objectively reasonable
for a person to entertain such a suspicion, based upon facts that could cause a
reasonable person in a like position, drawing when appropriate on his or her
training and experience, to suspect child abuse.” (P.C. 1166[a]). Although
wordy, the intent of this definition is clear: if you suspect, report.
You must make a report immediately (or as soon as practically possible) by
phone. A written report must be forwarded within 36 hours of receiving the
information regarding the incident. (P.C. 11166[a]). Written reports must be
submitted on Department of Justice forms, which can be requested from your local
child protective agencies (police or sheriff’s department, a county probation
department, or a county welfare department). (P.C. 11168).
Hard proof is not needed to make a report. However, reports must be made in good
faith. Use common sense. A report of child abuse is serious and may have a lifelong
impact on the child and his or her family. Never make a false or malicious report.
If you are in doubt at all about whether to report a particular situation, telephone
the emergency response intake worker at your local child protective agency in the
county social services or probation department and discuss the situation.
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