Mandated Reporter: Child Abuse and Neglect

Child sexual assault is limited to coaches in high school athletics departments. True False

False - Child sexual assault can happen to students in any grade, by an employee or volunteer in any role, and within any primary or extra curricular school activity.

The infliction of mental suffering is usually easier to detect than other forms of abuse. True False

False - the infliction of mental suffering can be difficult to detect. This emotional abuse usually involves words and interferes with a child's psychological and social growth and development.

Individuals boundary violating grooming behaviors are insignificant and do not need to be reported. True False

False- Individuals boundary violating grooming behaviors may not seem significant by themselves, but they may be part of a larger pattern of misconduct that will only become visible if reported.

A mandated reporter may choose to make a report verbally or in writing. True False

False- Mandated reporters must make an initial report by phone to the appropriate agencies and submit a written form to all agencies they called.

If a mandated reporter intercedes with a staff member giving a ride to a student in their personal vehicle, there is no need to report. True False

False- Mandated reporters should report isolating grooming behaviors even if they were able to intercede to protect the student at that moment. This provides visibility to the grooming behavior in case it is part of a larger pattern of misconduct and potentially protects students in the future.

Mandated reporters may report anonymously. True False

False- Mandated reports who make a report of suspected child abuse to an authorized agency must give their name and contact information. California law does not allow of anonymous reporting by mandated reporters.

Mandated reports must investigate any suspected cases of abuse. True False

False- Only a child protective agency, police or county designee can conduct the investigation of abuse.

Reporting suspected abuse to an anonymous tip line fulfills a mandated reporter's obligation to report. true false

False- reports of known or suspected child abuse must be made to a police or sheriff's department, not including a school district police or security department or child protective services.

Mandated reporters need proof to report child abuse. True False

False- the duty to report is triggered by reasonable suspicion including boundary violating grooming behaviors that have been observed and overheard.

A mandated reporter should make a report if they overhear others talking about a staff member dating a student. True False

True - Mandated reporters are required to report suspected sexual abuse, even if the information that causes them to suspect is received by hearsay or rumor.

Under California Law, mandated reporters are required to report general neglect. True False

True- By law, neglect, physical abuse, willful cruelty or unjustified punishment, unlawful corporal punishment or injury, and sexual abuse must be reported.

When a child discloses that they have been abused: a.) it's usually true b.) it's frequently to get out of trouble c.) it's often unclear if they're telling the truth d.) the physical evidence matches their claims in most cases.

a). it's usually true - Children don't easily disclose sexual abuse. When a child discloses that he or she has been abused, even though the information may be vague, its usually true.

Which of the following is Not a sign of possible neglect? a.) an unexplainable increase in energy b.) chronic tiredness c.) inadequate clothing d.) poor hygiene

a. an unexplainable increase in energy - you might suspect a child is suffering from neglect if you're aware of the chronic or repeated pattern of things like hunger, tiredness, poor hygiene, inadequate clothing or an apathetic appearance.

A staff member offering one-on-one training to a student after school is an example of what kind of grooming behavior? a.) isolating b.) building trust c.) identifying the vulnerable d.) desensitizing

a.) isolating - Abusers often seek to exploit the respect and authority of their position to gain isolated access to students outside of school activities , with or without parent approval.

A staff member offering students rides in their personal vehicle is an example of what kind of grooming behavior? a.) isolating b.) building trust c.) identifying the vulnerable d.) desensitizing

a.) isolating- abusers often seek to isolate students into one on one situations which is when most abuse happens.

When do mandated reporters have to report instances of sexual contact between children under the age of 18? a.) if it's disruptive to their peers b.) if the children are younger than 13 c.) if they suspect one of them has been exploited d.) in all instances

c.) if they suspect one of them has been exploited - mandated reporters must report instances of sexual contact between children under the age of 18, if they suspect that the child has been sexually abused or exploited.

California Assembly Bill 218, which went into effect on January 1, 2020, made what change to the process of childhood sexual assault cases? a.) it allows those falsely accused to recoup their losses once prevent innocent. b.) it reduces that amount of damages a victim may receive when the defendant is found to have covered up the sexual assault of a minor. c.) it extends the statute of limitations to age 40. d.) it gives due process rights to the accused.

c.) it extends the statute of limitation to the age of 40. - Among other changes, the bill also allows victims to recover three times the damages when the defendant is found to have covered up the sexual assault of a minor.

A child who appears fearful of normal physical contact may be suffering: a.) emotional abuse b.) general neglect c.) physical abuse d.) all of these

c.) physical abuse- appearing fearful of normal physical contact is an indicator of physical abuse.

Which of the following is Not a mandated reporter? a.) teacher's aide b.) board member c.) volunteer d.) administrative officer

c.) volunteers- although volunteers are not mandated reporters, the law encourages them to participate in mandated reporter training and to voluntarily follow all mandated reporter guidelines.

California Law designates that any mandated reporter who knowingly and willfully fails to report: a.) can't later testify in court if the case goes to trail b.) will be charged with a felony, which can affect all future job opportunities c.) is eligible for unemployment if they end up losing their job d.) is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail/or a fine of $1,000.

d.) California law designates that any mandated reporter who knowingly and willfully fails to report is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail, a fine of $1,000 or both .