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CHILD ABUSE REPORTING SIMPLIFIED
-WHO-
Who must report suspicions of child abuse?
Everyone in the State of Florida is a mandated reporter. Mandated reporters are required by law to report suspicions of child abuse to the Florida Abuse Hotline. This legal obligation supersedes any internal school/organization policy. -WHAT-
What is child abuse?
There are five types of child abuse: - * Neglect - chronic failure to provide basic needs.
- * Physical - non-accidental injury.
- * Sexual - sexual exploitation, may or may not involve physical contact.
- * Emotional - attacks on a child's self image.
- * Abandonment - willful withholding of support and communication by a custodial parent.
-WHEN-
What constitutes suspicion of child abuse?
Child abuse should be suspected when a child exhibits physical or behavioral indicators and there are no other reasonable explanations for the presence of those indicators. A child's disclosure of abuse is also reasonable cause for suspicion.
When should a report be made?
When anyone has reasonable cause to suspect child abuse, a report must be made to the abuse hotline. Hotline counselors are available to receive calls 7 days a week, 24 hours a day -WHY-
Why should suspicions of child abuse be reported? Everyone has a legal and moral obligation to report. Anyone who fails to report suspicion of child abuse to the child abuse hotline are guilty of a first degree misdemeanor, Preventing someone from making a report is also a first degree misdemeanor. -HOW-
How is an abuse report made?
Reporters have two methods in which to report child abuse: - Telephone - speak with a hotline counselor: 1-800-962-2873
- Fax - fax an abuse report form to the hotline: 1-800-914-0004
What information is needed? Child's name, birth date, race, gender, home address and phone number, custodial parent's name. - Child's name, birth date, race, gender, home address and phone number, custodial parent's name.
- Nature and extent of abuse; identity of abuser if known.
- Reporters name and telephone number.
Report Suspicions of Child Abuse to the Florida Abuse Hotline
1-800-962-2873
1-800-96-ABUSE
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