The Importance of Child and Elder Abuse Reporting and Our Role as Mandated Reporters

While working with vulnerable members of our communities it is extremely important to remember that each FRC staff is a mandated reporter. By reporting suspected child abuse and/or neglect or elder abuse you could save a life, prevent further neglect or abuse, or encourage families to more fully participate in the services offered at FaCT FRCs. Reporting child abuse plays an important role in realizing our vision that every child grow up in stable, nurturing environments and safe, supportive communities.

The last FaCT training, in partnership with the Raise Foundation, provided an overview regarding definitions of child and elder abuse, what allegations of child and elder abuse warrant a response from Children and Family Services or Adult Protective Services, and what our role as mandated reporters is in identifying suspected abuse.

Click Here for a printable desk guide to child and elder abuse reporting!
Click Here for more information on child abuse reporting and the protocols for Orange County
Click Here for more information on elder abuse reporting and Orange County Adult Protective Services
Click Here to view the presentation from Adult Protective Services

Mandated reporters are required by law to report suspected child or elder abuse as soon as practically possible. Mandated reporters who report suspected cases of abuse have absolute immunity, civilly and criminally, for making such reports. Anytime professionals that are mandated reporters are not working within their capacity as a professional they should take into consideration their ethical responsibility to make a report of suspected abuse.