It is estimated that five children die each day in this country as a result of child abuse and neglect.
In California, certain professionals are required to report known or suspected child abuse. Other citizens, though not required by law to report, may also do so.
The first mandated reporting law pertained only to physicians, however over the years it became evident that other professionals might also be in a position to report suspected abuse and help save a child. Physicians, nurses, teachers, volunteers, law enforcement, and other mandated reporters have the opportunity to spot child abuse and neglect and stop it in its tracks.
Training for Mandated Reporters
The Child Abuse Mandated Reporter Training Project is a free training for professionals who are required by law to report suspected or known child abuse and neglect. Mandated Reporter Training provides the knowledge and skills to help these professionals carry out their responsibilities.
Being a mandated reporter isn't easy. For some, identifying signs of abuse can be troublesome. Others worry about a negative experience resulting from the reporting process.
The prevention of child abuse and neglect is critical to protect our youth. Mandated Reporter Training helps these professionals understand the Child Abuse Reporting Law and their reporting responsibilities, and to identify and address issues of neglect, abuse, and maltreatment.
The Mandated Reporter Training Program can help minimize the difficulty of reporting and prepare reporters with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed for the process.
How it Works
The Child Abuse Mandated Reporter Training consists of self-guided, profession-specific training modules designed to address the specific concerns of these professionals with regard to identifying and reporting suspected neglect and abuse.
The Child Abuse Mandated Reporter Training Project is funded by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) and Office of Child abuse Prevention (OCAP). OCAP is a bureau within the CDSS - the administrative structure that monitors the California Child Welfare System and is focused on ensuring child safety, permanence and wellbeing for children engaged or served by the child welfare system.