General News
New child abuse reporting requirements
Nov 15, 2007 11:09 AM
There has been a recent change in state law that affects all mandated reporters of suspected child abuse or maltreatment, including teachers, guidance counselors, school nurses, school psychologists and school social workers.
All pedagogical and non-pedagogical staff in a school who have reasonable cause to suspect child abuse or maltreatment are now required to file a report with the State Central Register personally. Mandated reporters may no longer fulfil their reporting obligation by having the principal or the principal’s designee make the required report.
Call the SCR at 1-800-635-1522 or 311 to report suspicions of child abuse or neglect. All reports made to the SCR should include the name, title and contact information for every staff person in the school who is believed to have direct knowledge of the allegations contained in the report.
Afterward, the staff member must immediately notify the principal or the principal’s designee and provide the “Call I.D.” number provided by the SCR. The principal or designee is then responsible for all subsequent internal action.
No school may take retaliatory action against an employee who makes a report to the SCR. A principal or other school supervisor cannot demand that prior approval is necessary before a report of suspected child abuse or maltreatment is filed.
Contact your district representative if you have any questions or concerns about this change in state law and the Chancellor’s Regulations. The Integrated Service Center and Office of School and Youth Development can also answer questions about this regulation and provide training and educational materials on child abuse prevention.
