The California Child Abuse Reporting Law is found in Penal Code Sections 11165 through 11174.5. The primary intent of the reporting law is to protect children and provide help for the parents. Under California Law child abuse is a crime. All children have the right to grow up in a safe environment. Child abuse, in all its forms, has a more long-lasting and negative effect on children, families and the whole community than most people realize.

In California certain professionals are required to report known or suspected child abuse. Other citizens not required by law to report may also do so. Any person, except a mandated reporter, who reports child abuse may remain anonymous. Mandated Reporters are required to give their name and are provided unqualified immunity from civil liability.

A Mandated Reporter is a person who, pursuant to the Child Abuse and Neglect Report Law, is required to report knowledge or reasonable suspicion of child abuse.

If you have reasonable suspicion a child has been abused or neglected, you need to call (530) 822-7227.

Following a verbal report the mandated reporter must prepare and send a written report, Suspected Child Abuse Report (SCAR) SS 8572, within 36 hours of receiving the information concerning the incident and fax it to (530) 822-7384. Hard proof is not needed to make a report. Reports must be made in good faith.

WHAT IS A MANDATED REPORTER?

Mandated Reporters include (but are not limited to):

  • Child Care Custodians.
  • Health Practitioners.
  • Employees of Child Protective Agencies.
  • Child Visitation Monitors.
  • Commercial Film and Photographic Print Processors.
  • Clergy (only exempt if knowledge or reasonable suspicion of child abuse was obtained during a “Penitential Communication”.)
  • Teachers, instructional aids, and teachers’ aides employed by private or public schools.
  • Classified employees of schools.
  • Administrators of public/private day camp.
  • Employees of public or private youth centers.
  • Youth recreation programs.
  • Day care facility.
  • Head Start teacher.
  • Employees of a child care institution.
  • Law enforcement officers.
  • Animal control officers.

Sutter County Child Welfare Services (CWS) appreciates the service of mandated reporters to the Sutter County community. Clink the link below to access an informational video for mandated reporters, created by the Sutter County CWS Emergency Response team of social workers.

 WHAT IS CHILD ABUSE?

Child abuse is legally defined as:

  • A physical injury, which is inflicted by other than accidental means on a child by another person.
  • Sexual abuse, including both sexual assault and sexual exploitation.
  • Willful cruelty or unjustifiable punishment of a child.
  • Cruel or inhuman corporal punishment or injury.
  • Neglect, including both severe and general neglect.
  • Abuse (all of the above) in out of home care.