[Thao Doan]

Remain calm. A child may retract information or stop talking if he/she senses a strong reaction.

Find a private place to talk without interruptions.

Put the child at ease by sitting near him/her.

Ask permission before touching the child. Touch may be associated with physical or emotional pain in children who have been physically or sexually abused.

Reassure the child that he/she is not in trouble.

Use the child’s vocabulary.

Support the child: “I am sorry that happened to you.”

Do what you can to make certain that the child is safe from further abuse.

[angela packer]

If i suspected child abuse or neglect i would start looking for more signs to be sure, then I would notify my director and ask her to make a call to CPS.

[Juana]

You need to always report suspected abuse, we are mandated reporters and are sole purpose is to keep these children safe. It is better to be safe than sorry.

[Donna Beaver]

I would call CPS and have called CPS

[Andrea]

<pre data-placeholder=”Translation” data-ved=”2ahUKEwixwuzZnJuKAxVsMtAFHTSxIHsQ3ewLegQIDBAU” aria-label=”Translated text: First I would try to investigate with the child if my suspicions are true, then I would communicate it with my co-teacher if I have one to see if she notices the same and at the same time with my supervisor. I would also take into account the culture of that child. If everything is very noticeable and there is no need to investigate further, I would go to CPS.”>First I would try to investigate with the child if my suspicions are true, then I would communicate it with my co-teacher if I have one to see if she notices the same and at the same time with my supervisor. I would also take into account the culture of that child. If everything is very noticeable and there is no need to investigate further, I would go to CPS.<pre data-placeholder=””><g-info-bubble jscontroller=”f3ruEc” jsaction=”rcuQ6b:npT2md”></g-info-bubble>

[Hillary]

Always report concerns to CPS if you suspect abuse or neglect, but you should have evidentiary support and not just suspicions

[vansiy]

I agree that reporting to CPS is essential if you suspect abuse or neglect, but I’d be cautious about waiting for concrete evidence.

[Sara Sam]

1. Mandated Reporting:

• As a caregiver, you are legally required to report suspected cases of child abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

• Failure to report can result in being charged with a gross misdemeanor.

• When you report, you are immune from civil or criminal liabilities for making the report.

2. Types of Abuse or Neglect to Report:

• Physical Abuse: Includes injuries or bruises, even if they appear accidental.

• Emotional Abuse: Mental cruelty, threats, or patterns of negative emotional treatment.

• Neglect: Failure to supervise, provide adequate care, or meet basic needs.

• Sexual Abuse: Any signs or suspicion of sexual exploitation or inappropriate contact.

3. Your Role:

• Do NOT investigate or interview the child yourself—this is the responsibility of CPS.

• You must report each new injury or incident, even if you have previously filed a report about the child.

4. Steps for Reporting:

• Immediately contact CPS if you suspect abuse or neglect.

• The CPS phone number should be easily accessible near phones in your program.

• Inform families through your parent handbook or posted health policies that you are a mandated reporter.

• In most cases, do not inform parents of your report to CPS.

Next Steps if You Suspect Abuse:

1. Recognize Signs: Familiarize yourself with indicators of abuse and neglect (e.g., physical injuries, unusual behavior, lack of supervision).

2. Contact CPS Immediately: Use the emergency contact number posted in your facility.

3. Record Observations: Keep detailed and objective notes about what you observed and what led to your suspicion.

4. Do Not Investigate: Let CPS handle interviews and investigations.

5. Notify Your Director: Depending on your program’s policies, inform your supervisor or director about the report.

6. Continue to Monitor: Watch for new signs or incidents and report them as required.

[OSeanna]

If I suspected child abuse or neglect I would document when I first started becoming concerned making sure I was thorough and descriptive in the events I had discovered along with informing my lead or supervisor making sure it is documented just in case but if it were not concerning I would be reassured I took the right steps. If it were to happen again I would start further documentation and keeping an eye on new observations being found having to do with the child and if it progressed to something more concerning I would take action into my own hands for the better well-being of the child as we are all first respondents and if you are directly work with a child day-to-day and feel something is off you should prioritize reporting such acts.

[Zanyah Briggs]

You immediately report your suspicion to your higher up like your lead and the head of the school and also make a report to child protective services

[Bry]

Talk to my location manager and see if they are on the same page about calling it in first, then make sure the call gets made.

[Alexandra]

I think keeping detailed notes of child’s behavior , look for any visible signs of abuse or neglect, and document incidents you’ve witnessed. If appropriate, speak with child asking open ended questions to get info while being mindful not to lead suspicious and inform your supervisor or center policy’s to discuss your concerns. And remember that mandatory reporting laws, so if you suspect child abuse , you are legally required to report

[vansiy]

If I suspected a child was being abused or neglected, I’d report it as soon as possible to child protective services or the appropriate authorities, since it’s the law and the right thing to do. I’d take time to write down exactly what I observed things like behaviors, physical signs, or anything the child said, making sure to stick to facts and avoid assuming anything. I’d also make sure to stay professional and handle the situation carefully, keeping the child’s safety as my main priority. Even though it can be hard, it’s important to act quickly and let the experts investigate and handle the situation from there.

[Thalia Ramos]

If I suspect child abuse or neglect I would report it right away. Better to be safe than sorry.

[Myrna]

If I am suspecting child abuse or neglect I will automatically report it once I have been given signs. I would talk to my director about it to hear what they may think of the situation.

[caitlyn stclair]

Report the suspected abuse immediately to the appropriate authorities and ensure the child’s safety while following mandated reporter protocols.