July 8, 2009

Protecting the Abused & Neglected Child: A Guide for Mandated Reporters in Recognizing & Reporting Child Abuse & Neglect

In this brochure, the Department of Social and Health Services, Division of Children and Family Services, states that every child has the basic human right to be safe. Child abuse and neglect occur in all cultural, ethnic, occupational, and socioeconomic groups. While the true extent of child abuse and neglect is not completely known, The National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect estimates that, in 2005, 3.3 million reports were received by CPS agencies in the United States alleging that children were maltreated by their parents or guardians. Nationally, approximately 1,460 children die each year as a result of maltreatment. Parents have the fundamental right to raise their children, and our community presumes that parents will act in their children's best interest. When parents do not protect children from harm and put them at risk of abuse or neglect, the community has a responsibility to intervene to protect the health and welfare of children. While everyone should be concerned about child abuse and neglect, certain professionals and other individuals are required by law to report suspected child abuse or neglect. This brochure is designed to serve as a guide for understanding the child abuse reporting law.