Introduction
In 2015, approximately 1,600 children died from abuse or neglect, reflecting a 5.7% increase in such deaths since 2011. (Child Abuse and Neglect Fatalities 2015: Statistics and Interventions, www.childwelfare.gov.)
Each incident of child abuse is a tragedy. Identification of abuse is the first step in strengthening prevention and early intervention with youth and troubled families. Citizens and professionals who interact with children play a critical role in protecting innocent children from abuse.
The first child abuse reporting law in California was enacted in 1963. That early law mandated only physicians to report physical abuse.
Since then, numerous amendments have expanded the definition of child abuse and the people required to report it. Today, the law has been dramatically expanded to include a broad range of individuals and a more expansive definition of child abuse and neglect.
The intent of the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act is to protect children from abuse and neglect. (Penal Code, § 11164(b).)
This training discusses mandated reporters, including when and what they must report; indicators of child abuse; and a number of definitions.
This course was revised on June 29, 2018, to include information on Assembly Bill 1227, Human Trafficking Prevention and Education and Training Act.