Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect
All citizens have a
responsibility to protect those who cannot protect themselves. Members of
the general pubic may report suspected abuse and neglect if they choose.
California state law, however, mandates that workers in certain professions
must make reports if they have reasonable cause to suspect abuse or neglect.
These people are called mandated reporters and they are crucial link in the
system to protect California's most vulnerable citizens.
1. Who
must report? (See Mandated Reporters)
2.
Who do I contact if I suspect Child Abuse?
3.
How do I respond to a child who reports abuse to me?
4.
What information do I need to report?
5.
Will My report be confidential?
6.
Can I be sued if I report?
7.
What happens after I report?
8.
When is a child taken into protective custody?
9. When are juvenile court hearings
necessary?
10. What about criminal
prosecution?
11. What is the DOJ Child Abuse
Central Index?
12. Who do I contact for
more information on child abuse and neglect?
13. Can I spank my kids?
14. How old can a child be before they
can be left unsupervised at home?
1. Who must report?
(See Mandated
Reporters)
2.
Who do I
contact if I suspect child abuse?
Call 24-hour Intake line
Tel: (530) 749-6288.
3. How do I respond to a child who reports abuse to me?
Tell the child that you
are going to contact people who can help.
4. What information do I need to report?
If possible report names
and addresses of the child and parent; the child's age; the type and extent
of abuse; the date and time.
5. Will my report be confidential?
Your identity will
remain confidential to the full extent allowable by law. If court action is
initiated you may be called as a witness or the court may order that your
name to be disclosed.
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6. Can I be sued if I report?
California law provides
that anyone participating in good faith in the making of a report of a child
abuse and who has reasonable grounds for making the report, shall have
immunity.
7. What happens after I report?
Children's Services
follows the same process for every child abuse referral. Every referral is
evaluated.
8. When is a child taken into protective
custody?
When a child is at
imminent risk or harm, Children's Services must work to develop a plan which
will assure a child's safety.
9. When are juvenile court hearings
necessary?
When children are removed
from their parent's custody.
10. What about criminal prosecution?
Suspected Child Abuse
Report (SCAR) is submitted to Law Enforcement agencies and to District
Attorney's Office. Criminal prosecution is at the sole discretion of the
District Attorney's Office.
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11. What is the DOJ Child Abuse Central
Index?
The index reflects
reports of investigations completed by the child protection agencies, and is
used to aid with investigations and prosecutions. This information from the
index is only provided to:
-
Designated social welfare agencies
who license for daycare, foster care or to be an employee in a licensed
daycare facility.
-
Designated social welfare agencies
who are responsible for the placement of children in an
out-of-home setting.
-
Designated social welfare agencies
who are responsible for adoptions.
12. Who do I contact for more information on
child abuse and neglect?
Contact Children's
Services at the 24-hour Intake
Line (530) 749-6288.
13. Can I spank my kids?
The CDSS Manual of Policy & Procedures notes that the child is not defined as in need of service, or to be
a person described by WIC 300(a) through (j) based solely on the existence
of the following condition:
Div. 31-125.111 -- ".....
reasonable and age-appropriate spanking to the buttocks where there is no
evidence of serious physical injury."
In other words, you
may spank your child as long as it is reasonable, age appropriate and does
not leave any physical evidence such as a bruise, red mark, welt, etc.
While it is legally allowable to spank your child as a
form of discipline, many studies over the years have shown
it is a very ineffective form of discipline.
Raising our children is the single most responsible
task which we will ever be given in our lives. All parents have the same
fundamental wish
for their children: that they become healthy, happy, productive,
and responsible members of the society.
In today's fast paced environment, families are faced
with enormous challenges to remain intact in addition to providing a safe
home environment. Children's Services partners with local parents, Family
Resource Centers, and community services partners to empower our children to
explore their potential, fully utilize their special gifts, and contribute to society.
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14. How old can a child be before he/she can
be left unsupervised at home?
In California, there is
not a legal age at which a minor can be left unsupervised. Age in and
of itself is not a reliable guide. There are several additional factors
that influence whether it is appropriate to leave a child alone, even for
short periods of time.
Parents should use good
judgment in deciding if their child(ren) is mature enough to be left
without adult supervision. It is important to realize that children left in
self-care could be at a higher risk for injuries.
Below are a few questions that may assist
you in making the decision if your child is ready and able to stay home
safely without supervision:
-
Does your child know what to do when a
stranger is at the front door asking them to open the door?
-
Does your child know in what
situations should they call 911 and what information to have ready (name,
address, nature of emergency, etc.)
-
Does your child know how to address a
person calling on the phone requesting to speak with you?
-
Does your child know whom to contact
if he/she have questions, but are not in crisis at that moment such as
another adult family member, trusted friend, or neighbor?
-
Does your child know how to take
immediate care of serious wound until professional help arrives?
-
Does your child know how to prepare a
simple meal? Does it involve using the stove? Does your child know what to
do if an oil fire started on the stovetop?
-
Do you regularly practice acting out the above
situations with your child so that your child and you gain confidence in
their ability to consistently react safety and appropriately to the
situations?
Safety
tips:
-
Keep a list of all
emergency numbers (doctor, hospitals, police, fire department, poison
control center, EMS) and the phone number of a trusted friend or
neighbor posted on each phone.
-
Show the child where the first aid kit is
located and how to use the items in it.
-
Tell your child where you will be,
when you plan to return home and how you can be reached. Leaving a
beeper or cell phone on when you are away may help put you and your
child more at ease.
Congratulations for taking the time to read these
questions and answers on our website. It is evidence of your interest and
value you place in on being/becoming the best parent that you can be.
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