Duty to Report
Every person, including educators, has this legal obligation if they suspect abuse or neglect.
What is the duty to report?
Frequent unexplained bruises or burns in unusual places may indicate this.
What is physical abuse?
The first step when you suspect abuse or neglect.
What is call the Children’s Aid Society (CAS) immediately?
A preschooler says, “Mom hit me with a belt.” What must you do?
What is call CAS immediately and report the disclosure?
After reporting, you notice more concerning behavior. What do you do?
What is call CAS again with the new information?
The agency you must call when you suspect a child is in need of protection.
What is a Children’s Aid Society (CAS)?
A child frequently comes to the program hungry, tired, or in dirty clothes.
What is neglect?
You should document this type of information when making a report.
What is factual observations, not opinions?
An educator yells “Sit down now or you won’t eat lunch!” This is an example of what prohibited practice?
What is harsh, threatening language and withholding food?
CAS decides no action is needed, but your concerns continue.
What is make another report with updated details?
If you report in good faith, you are protected by this.
What is legal protection from liability?
Extreme withdrawal, fearfulness, or sudden aggression may be a sign of this.
What is emotional abuse?
If CAS says they will “screen out” the concern, your responsibility is this.
What is monitor and report new concerns if they arise?
A preschooler makes a mistake, and the educator says, “You’re acting like a baby.” This is an example of what prohibited practice?
What is belittling treatment?
Parents confront you and ask if you called CAS.
What is calmly explain you have a legal duty and cannot discuss details?
Failing to report suspicion of abuse can result in this.
What are legal consequences, including fines?
A child demonstrates sexual knowledge or behavior that is inappropriate for their age.
What is possible sexual abuse?
After a disclosure, you must listen and respond in this manner.
What is calmly, supportively, and without leading questions?
A teacher steps out of the classroom, leaving children with no adult. This is an example of what prohibited practice?
What is unsupervised children/neglect?
You’ve made a report, and other staff start speculating about the child’s family.
What is maintain confidentiality and do not share report details with staff who are not involved?
Educators must make the report themselves and cannot rely on this person to do it for them.
What is a supervisor or colleague?
Leaving a child alone without supervision in a classroom would fall under this category.
What is neglect?
Every educator has this personal obligation under the law.
hat is the duty to report, which cannot be delegated?
A child requests you keep a disclosure secret, saying, “Don’t tell anyone.”
What is reassure the child but report to CAS anyway?
You’re worried that failing to report additional concerns could be considered this.
What is a breach of the legal duty to report?