Teachers can play a critical role in recognizing the signs of child abuse and getting help for victims and their families. It's not only the right thing to do, it's the law.
Teachers and other school employees are required to report child abuse and neglect to a child protective agency immediately if they have a "reasonable suspicion" that a child is being victimized. As mandated reporters, they have immunity from criminal or civil liability unless they knowingly make a false report.
Free training for mandated reporters of child abuse is available online from the California Institute on Human Services at Sonoma State University.
The training includes an overview of California child abuse reporting laws, indicators of child abuse and neglect, and reporting procedures. In addition to general training in English and Spanish, there are profession-specific training modules for special education teachers and teachers of the developmentally disabled, counselors, social workers, child care providers and classroom teachers, among others.
For more information, contact Jillian Strawn at (707) 284-9537.
Another website www.cattacenter.org offers extensive links to resources on child abuse prevention, intervention and treatment programs, as well as legislative updates. To view Penal Code Section 11165.7 in its entirety, visit www.leginfo.ca.gov.