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Introduction:
Introduction to Seven Self-Guided Instructional Modules
Tragically, it is estimated that three children die each day in this nation
as a result of child abuse and neglect. Every day, thousands of children are
abused both physically and emotionally, often by members of their own family,
an unmarried parent’s partner or a caregiver. In California, it is estimated
that more than 706,000 incidents of child abuse and neglect occurred in 1996.
This number continues to rise steadily. Each incident of child abuse is a
tragedy. No civilized society can overlook the maltreatment of children without
losing some of its soul.
Identification of abuse is the first step to strengthening our efforts in
prevention and early intervention with youth and troubled families. Citizens
and professionals who deal with children play a critical role in protecting
an innocent child who may be suffering from abuse.
Under California state law, specific professional groups are mandated to
report suspected child abuse. Knowledge or reasonable suspicion of child abuse
is not privileged information, and must be reported. This information may be
the only means of escape for a defenseless child.
Making a report of suspected child abuse is difficult. There are always nagging
doubts about how the parents will react, what the outcome will be, and whether or
not the report will put the child at greater risk. The best way to minimize the
difficulty of reporting is to be fully prepared for the experience, and to feel
reasonably comfortable with the reporting requirements and the process that is
triggered by making a report.
As a mandated reporter, you are in a unique position to help abused children
escape pain, suffering, and even death. This self-guided in-service is designed
to assist you in identifying the symptoms of child abuse and understand your
reporting responsibilities. It also answers some commonly asked questions.
Together, we can stop the abuse and give our children a chance at a happy
productive life.
Notes to The User
The information provided in this self-guided in-service is based upon our
staff’s experience in conducting professional in-service programs with
hundreds of mandated reporters throughout the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles
County, California. Across all mandated reporter categories (educators, human
services providers, early childhood educators, youth workers, child care providers,
law enforcement, health care professionals and clergy) we continue to hear the
same basic questions and concerns expressed, namely:
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How common is child abuse and neglect?
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What are the laws regarding mandating reporting?
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What protections are afforded mandated reporters?
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How can I identify the signs of abuse and neglect?
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What is the procedure for reporting in this county,
and in my own agency?
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What happens to the child (and their family) if I report?
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This self-guided in-service has been created to respond to these
questions, and in response to the increasing need to reach greater
numbers of mandated reporters with this life-saving
information.
The program consists of seven self-guided instructional modules,
each covering a key aspect of the reporting process. At the end
of each module you will be asked to take a self-test, to check
your understanding of the key content in the module. In addition
to the contents covered in each module, at the end of this program
you will find a helpful list of web-based resources for parents,
professionals, family members, and the victims of child abuse or
neglect.
A unique feature of this self-guided program is that, upon completion
of all seven modules, you can print out a Certificate of Completion
which may be useful in your employment setting.
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