We were required to completed an online Mandated Reporter Training, and I chose to use the website that is available for California residents. This training summarized in a short sentence is: if I suspect abuse, report it. While I can definitely check in with a supervisor, it is my responsibility to make sure what I witness or what is disclosed to me is reported in a timely manner. The training helped me recognize various types of abuse, who to contact, and what my next steps of reporting are.
I knew going into this training, that most of it would be common sense. There was one topic’s definition that surprised me, which was cruelty. When I saw the word cruelty, I knew it was “common sense” and that it was wrong; but then I read the definition: “including inflicting or permitting physical pain or mental suffering, or the endangerment of the child's person or health (P.C. 11165.3). Mandated reporters may report suspected emotional abuse. Suspected cases of severe emotional abuse that constitute willful cruelty or unjustifiable punishment of a child must be
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I hadn’t realized this was a “side effect” of potential sexual abuse. The training also laid out useful interpretations on the different levels of neglect. While all forms unacceptable, I found it valuable to differentiate between neglect, general neglect, and severe neglect.
Understanding who to report suspected abuse to, and the time frame in which it needs to be completed was a bit overwhelming. I recognize why, as a mandated reporter, we must be diligent in reporting via a report within 36 hours (in California) of calling into CPS. Failing to call in and report can result in a misdemeanor and/or up to $1000 in fines and revocation of license or credentials if you are an educator. (Mandated Reporter Training,