DCF Flashcards
Mandated Reporters
Are required to report or cause a report to be made when, in the ordinary course of their employment or profession, they have reasonable cause to suspect or believe that a child under the age of 18 has been abused, neglected or is placed in imminent risk of serious harm.
Reasonable cause to suspect
- Observed
- What is told or said
- Knowledge from professional training and experience
- A suspicion is enough to file a report based on what you observe or are told
Whom does DCF investigate?
The Department will investigate cases where the abuse or neglect has been inflicted by caused by a person responsible or entrusted for a child’s care, health, welfare, or care.
Or by a person given access to a child by a person responsible
Who must report
Professionals who, because their work involves regular contact with children, are mandated by law to report suspected child abuse and neglect.