As RFA caregivers, you are mandated reporter and must report suspected child abuse in your capacity as a caregiver. Yolo County also asks mandated reporters to complete and submit a Suspected Child Abuse Report form. Please complete the form before you call the hotline to expedite the process. After you have completed your verbal report, please note the Social Worker’s name who took your call on your completed Suspected Child Abuse Report form and email the completed form to ChildAbuseReport@yolocounty.org or FAX to 530-661-6012.
- Reports should be as detailed as possible, but please do not investigate.
- Provide information on the child and family’s support network.
- Include, if known, if the parent is taking any steps at ensuring the child’s safety or if the parent and child have any strengths that CWS can rely upon to help in safety planning with the family.
If I report suspected child abuse or neglect, will you tell the parents who reported it?
Yolo County makes every effort to keep confidential the mandated reporters name, however it may be disclosed as follows; between child protective agencies, to legal counsel representing a child in a court case, to the district attorney in a criminal prosecution, and by court order. However, the parents may guess, based on the information provided, who reported the abuse. It is common for parents to state that they know who reported, however this knowledge is really only their suspicion.
What is the purpose of the law?
To protect children and to provide help for the parents. The report of abuse may be a catalyst for bringing about change in the home, which in turn may help to lower the risk of further abuse in the home.
Do I have to make a report if I think a child is being abused?
Any person who suspects child abuse or neglect should report it. However, RFA caregivers (and others such as day care providers, school personnel, medical personnel, law enforcement, social workers, therapist, eligibility workers) are required by law to file such reports. They are all “Mandated Reporters” and are required to give their names when making a report.
What is Child Abuse?
Child abuse includes: physical abuse, severe neglect, general neglect, sexual abuse, and emotional maltreatment. Any act that endangers or impairs a child’s physical or emotional health should be suspected as child abuse, regardless of degree of severity.