CA Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting
Act
When should a mandated reporter make a report? - ANSWhen the mandated reporter *in
their professional capacity* or *within the scope of their employment* has knowledge of or
observes a child whom the mandated reporter knows or reasonably suspects has been a
victim of child abuse or neglect.
The mandated reporter shall make an initial report *by email / phone / fax / mail * to the
agency *within what time frame* - ANSby telephone
immediately or as soon as practically possible
The mandated reporter shall send a written followup report by fax or email within _____
hours of receiving the information concerning the incident - ANS36
Is a mandated reporter legally allowed to include any additional information along with a
written child abuse report? - ANSYes.
The mandated reporter may include with the report any nonprivileged documentary evidence
the mandated reporter possesses relating to the incident.
What does "reasonable suspicion" mean? - ANSThis term means it is objectively reasonable
for a person to entertain a suspicion, based upon facts that could cause a reasonable person
in a like position, drawing, when appropriate, on his or her training and experience, to
suspect child abuse or neglect.
Does not require certainty that child abuse or neglect has occurred nor does it require a
specific medical indication of child abuse or neglect.
Does the pregnancy of a minor constitute a basis for a reasonable suspicion of sexual
abuse? - ANSNo
A mandated reporter suspects child abuse and later learns that the minor has died. Is a
report still mandated? - ANSYes, following the proper protocol. Regardless of whether or not
the possible abuse was a factor contributing to the death, or if suspected abuse was found
during an autopsy.
What can a mandated reporter do if they are unable (despite reasonable efforts) to submit
an initial report by telephone? - ANSThe mandated reporter should immediately or as soon
as is practicably possible, by fax or electronic transmission, make a one-time automated
written report on the form prescribed by the Department of Justice, and shall also be
available to respond to a telephone followup call by the agency with which they filed the
report
Act
When should a mandated reporter make a report? - ANSWhen the mandated reporter *in
their professional capacity* or *within the scope of their employment* has knowledge of or
observes a child whom the mandated reporter knows or reasonably suspects has been a
victim of child abuse or neglect.
The mandated reporter shall make an initial report *by email / phone / fax / mail * to the
agency *within what time frame* - ANSby telephone
immediately or as soon as practically possible
The mandated reporter shall send a written followup report by fax or email within _____
hours of receiving the information concerning the incident - ANS36
Is a mandated reporter legally allowed to include any additional information along with a
written child abuse report? - ANSYes.
The mandated reporter may include with the report any nonprivileged documentary evidence
the mandated reporter possesses relating to the incident.
What does "reasonable suspicion" mean? - ANSThis term means it is objectively reasonable
for a person to entertain a suspicion, based upon facts that could cause a reasonable person
in a like position, drawing, when appropriate, on his or her training and experience, to
suspect child abuse or neglect.
Does not require certainty that child abuse or neglect has occurred nor does it require a
specific medical indication of child abuse or neglect.
Does the pregnancy of a minor constitute a basis for a reasonable suspicion of sexual
abuse? - ANSNo
A mandated reporter suspects child abuse and later learns that the minor has died. Is a
report still mandated? - ANSYes, following the proper protocol. Regardless of whether or not
the possible abuse was a factor contributing to the death, or if suspected abuse was found
during an autopsy.
What can a mandated reporter do if they are unable (despite reasonable efforts) to submit
an initial report by telephone? - ANSThe mandated reporter should immediately or as soon
as is practicably possible, by fax or electronic transmission, make a one-time automated
written report on the form prescribed by the Department of Justice, and shall also be
available to respond to a telephone followup call by the agency with which they filed the
report
