University of California
Creating a safe place for youth
Respond to Child Abuse
All 4-H YDP Staff are considered childcare custodians and are required by law to report suspected child abuse.
Volunteers are not considered childcare custodians, and are not required by law to make reports. However, the penal code states that volunteers who supervise children or have direct contract with them are encouraged to obtain training on how to identify and report child abuse.
Volunteers are not considered childcare custodians, and are not required by law to make reports. However, the penal code states that volunteers who supervise children or have direct contract with them are encouraged to obtain training on how to identify and report child abuse.
Why Should I Respond?
- The primary intent is to protect a child from further abuse.
- You may be protecting other children.
- May provide help for the suspected abuser.
- Lower the risk of abuse in the future.
How Should I Respond?
| ||
|
![]() | Please read Teen Abuse Reporting in California.pdf |
I'm a Volunteer. How Should I Respond?
- 4-H volunteers are not mandated by law to report suspected child abuse.
- If a volunteer suspects child abuse they may report to Child Protective Services or local law enforcement agencies.
- If a report is filed the Cooperative Extension (4-H) office should be notified to ensure the safety of other youth involved in 4-H YDP activities.
What Information Will I Need?
- Name of the minor
- Address of minor
- Reason for suspecting abuse
- Your relationship to the child
- Name and address of perpetrator (If known)
- Is there immediate danger to the youth?
Will I Be Immune From Liability?
- Mandated reporters are immune from civil or criminal liability as a result of making a required report.
- Volunteers shall not incur civil or criminal liability, unless it can be proven that the report was made with reckless disregard of the truth.
What if I Make a Mistake?
Please report. It is for the safety of our youth.
Quiz
![]() | Complete the "Respond to Child Abuse" Quiz |