Child Abuse Reporting: A Legal Mandate
Class Length: 90 minutes
Under state law, mandated reporters are required to report child abuse when they have reasonable suspicion. This training aims to provide mandated reporters with accurate descriptions of what constitutes child abuse and what does not. This training will include a brief history of child abuse reporting laws, current practices in Child Welfare, responsibilities of a mandated reporter, and how to make a report.
Abuse is not always physical, and this training will help you to identify the signs that are not visible on a surface level. During the presentation, valuable insights will be shared through life experiences, examples, and photos to help you identify what to look for. Additionally, we will include an interactive Q&A on identifying different types of child abuse, including signs of abuse in parents/caregivers. As a mandated reporter, it is important to know what actions do not qualify as abuse. Through this training, we aim to offer a new perspective and encourage you to consider cultural differences. By doing so, you will be better equipped to distinguish between abuse and instances of cultural differences or poverty.
In 2021, a significant 65% of child abuse reports were made by mandated reporters. This highlights the crucial role mandated reporters play in identifying and addressing instances of child abuse. Mandated reporters are obligated to report incidents in good faith and are protected by specific laws. This training educates them on these laws and the consequences of falsifying information or failing to report neglect and abuse.
Let us continue to prioritize the safety and protection of our children by remaining vigilant and responsive to any signs of abuse or neglect. By the end of this training, mandated reporters will acquire the skills and tools necessary to report child abuse and ensure the safety of the children in our communities. Note: Although this training does not meet the CA state requirements for mandated reporter training, attendees will come away with a greater understanding of their role as a mandated reporter.
Presenters
Jane Cisneros is a social worker who has spent three years in San Bernardino County. Her role is centered at the Child Abuse Hotline, where she plays a pivotal role in training new social workers on hotline operations. She actively engages with the community, conducting training sessions on mandatory reporting and providing information about available programs for foster youth. Jane's academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from California State, San Bernardino. Her overarching goal is to ensure that every family we encounter in the course of our work is treated with dignity and respect.
Jasmine Alvarado has dedicated over three years to social work. Her passion lies in positively impacting the lives of children and families in need. Jasmine's journey began as a social worker, now mentor, at the Child and Adult Abuse Hotline, where she honed her skills in taking reports, assessing reports for abuse, and deciphering effective response strategies. Alongside her dedicated colleague, Jane Cisneros, they have taken their commitment to the next level by actively engaging with our community. Together, they conduct essential mandated reporter training sessions for child abuse, striving to empower others with the knowledge and skills necessary to protect vulnerable individuals. Their combined efforts aim to create a safer and more compassionate world for those who need it most.