[Isabelle Lindquist]

What would you do if you suspected child abuse or neglect?

I would immediately write down everything I have observed and then go straight to my supervisor to report it. From there, I would do everything necessary to make sure that child is safe and healthy.

[Rosa]

I would talk to my supervisor about it first before reporting anything CPS.

[taylor harris]

I would talk to my supervisor/boss first thing. Get their opinion and then report my findings and what I am seeing. I don’t think it is fair to not report something, even if the suspicions are low or high, if i think something is going on with a child I am going to report it no matter what. If i am wrong, then great, but if I am right then I could be helping getting that child away from harm.

[weiwei liu]

Children are a vulnerable group. I will observe the changes in each child. If there are any abnormalities, I will discuss them with my colleagues and then with my leaders. If everyone feels that there is serious abuse, I will report it to the Child Protection Service Center.

[leslie carrasco]

I would make sure to observe the child while he’s in our care, and document anything I see. Id also let the lead know of anything I’m noticing so they are aware, and so I can get any input or additional information on what they have seen if they had. Once we have a good evidence or documentations that signal any signs of neglect/abuse I would make a report to CPS immediately.

[Lisbeth]

I would report it to Child protective services and talk to my supervisor.

[Komal]

If I suspected child abuse or neglect, I would follow these steps to ensure that I am adhering to the proper procedures:

1. Document the Signs: I would immediately make note of any signs of abuse or neglect I observed, including physical injuries, behavioral changes, or any concerns that could indicate emotional or sexual abuse. It’s important to document everything in an objective and factual manner without jumping to conclusions or making assumptions.

2. Do Not Interview the Child: I would avoid questioning the child directly about the suspected abuse. Children may feel pressured or confused, and it’s essential not to influence their responses. Interviewing the child should be left to trained professionals at CPS.

3. Contact CPS: I would contact Child Protective Services (CPS) immediately if I suspected abuse or neglect. This could be based on physical injuries, emotional or behavioral signs, or any indicators of neglect, such as failure to provide adequate food, shelter, or supervision.

   The phone number for CPS should be readily accessible, and I would report any concerns even if they seem minor or accidental. It’s better to report and let professionals determine the severity than to risk not acting.

4. Do Not Inform Parents Immediately: In most cases, I would not inform the parents that I am making a report to CPS. This could interfere with the investigation and potentially put the child at further risk. However, my program’s policies would ensure that parents are aware of my obligations as a mandated reporter.

5. Follow-Up with My Program’s Policies: I would ensure that my actions align with the program’s policies, such as informing the appropriate staff members, reporting to my supervisor, and ensuring the child’s safety while CPS investigates.

6. Confidentiality: I would maintain confidentiality regarding the report and avoid discussing it with others unless required by law or policy. Only those who are directly involved in handling the case (CPS, my supervisor, etc.) should be informed.

7. Support the Child: Finally, I would continue to provide a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment for the child, ensuring they feel secure and that their emotional needs are addressed, regardless of the investigation’s outcome.

By taking these steps, I would be fulfilling my role as a mandated reporter and ensuring that the child’s safety is prioritized without overstepping boundaries or interfering in the investigation.

[Meladee R.]

I would report to my supervisor or director and make the call that is needed if they feel it is necessary after I report to them.

[Aubrie Wall]

I want to do everything I can to protect my students, which is why this question is so challenging to answer. If I had any suspicions of abuse or neglect, I would first bring it to my supervisor to clarify the specific policy and ensure we’re aligned in addressing my concerns. After that, I would report my concerns to the appropriate state authorities.

[azhar]

If I suspected child abuse or neglect, I would document observations using factual, objective detail and report concerns to the proper child protective services or authorities immediately according to legal requirements. I will make sure that the child is kept safe but confidential, and the reporting procedure of my program will be followed.

[Ashley Johnson]

If I saw or noticed any abuse Id report it immediately to cps.

[aliciaxoa]

What I would do if I suspect child abuse is I will report it to CPS.

[lindsey]

I would ask the child further questions, then report it right away to the front office of my school. Then we would report it to the authorities right away.

[Breanna Kinstler-caropino]

Unfortunatly I have been in this situation. There were physical signs and I began to ask the child questions. Questions like what had happened and where the mark had come from. Luckily the childs older sibiling was also in my care and having overheard out conversation began telling me all about things that happen at home. I immediately got my director to show her and we had to file a report to CPS. Unfortunately CPS was unable to do anything after the wellness check and the parents pulled the child from our care immediately…definitely one of my worst days in childcare.

[Itzel]

I would start by trying to recognize any major signs. I would communicate my concerns to a director or lead teacher while also continuing to provide support to the child. Perhaps ask the child in a soft way if they like being at home with their parents