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.

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?

Believe the child and be supportive
Be on the same eye level
Reassure the child it is okay to tell what happened
Listen to the child
Rephrase important thoughts
Tell the child help is available
Let the child know you can report it
Trust your "gut" feelings
Assure the child that they are not to blame

Don't

Promise confidentiality!
Panic or express shock!
Ask leading or suggestive questions!
Make negative comments about alleged perpetrator!
Disclose information indiscriminately!
Interrogate or interview the child!

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