Reporting Child Abuse
Certain professionals known as “mandated reporters” are required by law to report suspected child abuse / neglect. Mandate reporters include:
- Animal control officers
- Child visitation monitor
- Clergy members
- Day care providers
- Doctors / nurses
- Eligibility workers
- Emergency medical technicians / paramedics
- Film processors
- Firefighters
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- Foster parents
- Head Start employees
- Law enforcement officials
- Mental health providers
- Probation officers
- Public / private day camp employees
- Public / private school employees
- Social workers
- Youth recreation centers
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The CDSS Office of Child Abuse Prevention offers free online mandated reporter training for all social workers and and individuals identified as mandated reporters. The link to this training is accessible at the child abuse mandated reporter website.
Citizens can also make reports of suspected child abuse / neglect. Citizens may include:
- Anonymous reporters
- Concerned friends
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When Do I Report?
Anyone with proof or “reasonable suspicion” of child abuse and/or neglect should make a report immediately.
Reports can be made any time, day or night, seven days a week:
- Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., call 209-533-5717
- After hours, weekends, and holidays, call 209-533-HELP(209-533-4357)
If immediate danger is suspected, call 911.
Types of Child Abuse
Physical
Physical abuse includes any act on a child by a parent or caregiver that results in non-accidental injuries. Some indicators of physical abuse are:
Sexual
Sexual child abuse includes any sexual act performed on a child by a parent or caregiver. Some indicators of sexual abuse are:
- Disclosures by the child
- Inappropriate sexual knowledge and language
- Pregnancy
- Problems toileting (enuresis / encopresis)
- Sexual behaviors that are age inappropriate
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Emotional
Emotional child abuse includes emotional maltreatment of a child by a parent/caregiver that negatively affects the child. Some indicators of emotional abuse are:
- Aggressive behaviors
- Depression
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- Severe anxiety
- Withdrawal
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Neglect
Neglect child abuse includes the failure of the parent or caregiver to meet the child’s basic needs to the extent the child’s health and welfare is harmed or threatened. Some indicators of neglect are:
- Child appears undernourished and is often hungry
- Child appears dirty and/or unkempt
- Home conditions are unsafe and unsanitary
- Child lacks age appropriate medical, dental, mental health care
