Mandated Reporting 101
Identifying What to Report
TCP Policies
What Happens After
100
What is mandated reporter?
A mandated reporter is one who is required by law to report reasonable suspicions of abuse/neglect.
100
What are some signs of neglect?
Steals hoards food, difficulty staying awake in school, consistently inappropriately dressed for the weather, exhibits poor hygiene.
100
Who at TCP is a mandated reporter?
Everyone
100
How do you respond to a child after they disclose?
Give support, speak calmly, ask only open ended questions – do not ask leading questions, tell the child I believe you.
200
What happens if you fail to report?
Up to 1 year in jail/$1000 Fine (Class A Misdemeanor)
200
What are some signs of Abuse?
Unexplained burns, bites, bruises, broken bones, black eyes. Extreme behaviors/dysregulation.
200
If direct service staff member has first hand information that a child client may have been abused/neglected, what should that staff member do?
They shall immediately discuss concerns/observations with supervisor and any other staff members involved in providing direct services to the child (therapist, teacher, CD worker etc). If your supervisor is not available you will need to inform the Vice President of Programs (Ann Thomas)
200
What Happens after a Hotline is made?
The investigation worker will contact you within 48 hours of reporting to begin investigation.
300
When should a report be made?
If there is reasonable cause to suspect that child has been subjected to abuse/neglect or if you have witnessed child subjected to conditions/circumstances reasonably resulting in abuse/neglect
300
What are some signs of Sexual abuse?
Difficulty walking or sitting, nightmares/bed wetting, Sexual knowledge, change in appetite.
300
What training if any do volunteers receive?
They are provided basic information regarding abuse and neglect and are responsible for informing staff member if they notice any indicators of abuse
300
How quickly should documentation of report be completed after a hotline is made?
That same day
400
Who is a mandated reporter?
Social workers, teachers, health care workers, child care providers, law enforcement, mental health professionals, among others
400
What is the definition of abuse?
Any physical injury, sexual abuse, emotional abuse inflicted on a child other than by accidental means
400
Once the decision is made to make a hot line, what does the staff member do?
If an open case already exists with a child, a call to the current worker to notify of the injuries, marks, disclosure is recommended. The call is a courtesy but does not remove the need to hotline the situation. **The staff person will attempt to contact the child's family or caretaker to discuss the call being made. The family will not be notified if there is evidence that will interfere with the investigation or could be detrimental to the child.
400
Investigations by CD worker should be completed within how many days from reporting
Within 45 days
500
What information will I need when making a report?
At a minimum, you will need to provide the name, address, and age of the child, the name(s) and address(es) of the parents or guardians, and the nature of the abuse.
500
What is the definition of neglect?
Failure to provide the proper or necessary support, education, nutrition, or medical by those responsible for care, custody and control of the child
500
What forms are used for documenting hot line calls at TCP?
Progress note, observation of child physical injury and Incident report
500
True or false: Reporters are entitled to the findings of the report by CD?
True
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