Kristin Mitchell's Website

Notes on the video:

Making a C.P.S. Report

A Guide for Mandated Reporters

·        In 1874 there was a movement to protect children from neglect.

·        In the early 1960’s physicians are mandated to report battered child syndrome.

·        In 1974 the Child Abuse Prevention Act was enacted.

·        Mandated reporters include, physicians, dentists, psychiatrists, psychologists, mental health therapists, coroners, pathologists, child care providers, probation officers, law enforcement, social services and school personnel.

·        Mandated reporters are guilty of a gross misdemeanor is they do not report suspected abuse.

·        Reasonable suspicion is enough to make a report.

·        If you work in a school, your responsibility is not waived if the school protocol has a selected staff member to do the CPS reports.

·        Types of child abuse include: physical abuse (non-accidental injuries), sexual abuse (indecent liberties, sexual misconduct, etc.), and neglect (clear and present danger to a child’s health or safety).

·        When making a report, mandated reporters need to give the child’s name, parent’s names, child’s address, age of child, description of injury (be specific), and information about previous injuries.

·        After making a CPS report, document the report and include the CPS workers name that took the report.

·        The CPS worker will make a risk assessment.

·        The case may be assigned for further investigation.

·        Law enforcement may take the children into custody if there is clear and present danger.

·        A CPS worker can interview a child without parent permission.

·        Investigator evaluates the situation, child and parent(s). Decides appropriate action to protect the child.

·        In extreme cases the child may need out of home placement with relatives or foster care. Parental rights may be terminated and the child may be open for adoption.

·        You may be the first step to protect the child from future harm.