Mandated Reporting
530-225-5144 or 1-888-385-5201 (24 hours)
530-225-5144 or 1-888-385-5201 (24 hours)
Reporting suspected child abuse is difficult. There are always nagging doubts about how the parents will react, what the outcome will be, and whether the report will put the child at greater risk.
The best way to minimize the difficulty of reporting is to be fully prepared for the experience and to understand the reporting requirements and the process that is triggered by making a report.
Children’s Services only investigates allegations of child abuse or neglect perpetrated or allowed by the child’s parent, caretaker or guardian. Allegations involving other perpetrators are referred to law enforcement.
If you are a mandated reporter, you are required to report if you suspect abuse.
What is the standard for reporting child abuse? “Reasonable suspicion” is the standard for reporting child abuse and neglect. This means that, based on your training and experience, you have reason to suspect that a child is being abused or neglected. Ask yourself, “Do I have serious concern for the child’s safety and wellbeing?” Use the following information as a guideline for recognizing indicators of abuse and neglect:
Physical Abuse: Any act that results in non-accidental injury.
Neglect: Neglectful treatment or maltreatment of a child by parents or caregiver under circumstances indicating harm or threatening harm to the child’s health or welfare.
Severe Neglect: Failure of parent or caregiver to protect a child from severe malnutrition or a medically diagnosed failure to thrive. Failure to provide adequate food, clothing or medical care.
Sexual Abuse: Any activity between an adult, or older child, and a child that results in sexual arousal or satisfaction of the adult or older child.
Emotional Abuse: Emotional maltreatment consists of emotional abuse and deprivation or neglect.
Mandated Reporters
How to make a report
Many schools and agencies have developed special procedures for reporting suspected child abuse. Whatever your organization’s internal procedure, suspected child abuse must be reported immediately by calling the Children’s Services 24-hour hotline (530)225-5144, or local law enforcement.
This must be followed by a written report within 36 hours of receiving the information concerning the incident (Suspected Child Abuse Report PC 11166) and submitted to the same agency.
Other things to know
The Child Abuse Central Index website has more forms and information for mandated reporters.
Where to make a report
Crime in progress:
Contact your local law enforcement agency immediately or call 9-1-1.
All other incidents:
Contact Children’s Services or the law enforcement agency in your community.
Children’s Services Hotline: (530)225-5144
If you suspect, protect!
Click here for Child Abuse online Mandated Reporter Training
If your organization or business would like a presentation/training on this subject, please call the Shasta County Child Abuse Prevention Coordinating Council 530-241-5816.