Mandated Reporting
Many professionals and caregivers in San Diego County are mandated reporters for suspected abuse and neglect. Mandated reporting is an important responsibility.
Did you know?
- Reporting can help the individual or family get the help they need.
- Mandated reporters cannot be held civilly or criminally liable for making a report.
- If you are a mandated reporter, you are legally required to report if you know or reasonably suspect abuse of a child, elder and/or dependent adult.
Reasonable Suspicion
- It is objectively reasonable for a person to entertain a suspicion, based upon facts that could cause a reasonable person in a like position, drawing, when appropriate on his or her training and experience to suspect abuse or neglect.
- Does not require certainty that the abuse or neglect has occurred.
- Any reasonable suspicion is sufficient.
Child Abuse & Neglect
This includes physical, sexual or emotional abuse, sexual exploitation, or commercial sexual exploitation, or neglect.
Who is a Mandated Reporter? Click Here to Learn More.
It's the Law to Report:
- Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act: Penal Code sections 11164-11174.31
Reporting Steps:
- Immediately, or as soon as practically possible, call the Child Abuse Hotline at (800) 344-6000 / 858-560-2191 and local law enforcement.
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Submit Form 8572 within 36 hours:
Form 8572
County of San Diego, Child Welfare Services, HHSA
Child Abuse Hotline (24 Hours)
Fax to: 858-467-0412
Or, Mail to: Child Welfare Services/Hotline, 8911 Balboa Ave, San Diego CA 92123
Or, you can receive a web-based system link through the MRA (Mandated Reporter Application) after making your phone report to the Child Abuse Hotline.
Want to Learn More?
- Tri-fold on Mandated Reporting
- County of San Diego Child Welfare Services, HHSA
- Child Abuse Reporting Guide
- Mandated Reporter Online Training
- Chadwick Center for Children and Families
- California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare
- National Child Traumatic Stress Network
- National Center for Trauma-Informed Care – SAMHSA
Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse & Neglect
According to Penal Code section 368, persons 65 and older are considered “elders.” Persons 18-64 years old who have physical and/or mental limitations that restrict their ability to carry out normal activities or to protect their rights are considered “dependent adults.”
Who is a Mandated Reporter? Click Here to Learn More.
It's the Law to Report:
- Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act: Welfare and Institutions Code sections 15630-15632
Reporting Steps:
- Immediately, or as soon as practically possible, call the Adult Protective Services Hotline at (800) 339-4661 and local law enforcement.
-
Submit
Form SOC 341
within 2 working days. For financial institutions, use
Form SOC 342
County of San Diego, Aging and Independence Services, HHSA
Adult Protective Services Reporting Hotline (24 Hours)
(800) 339-4661
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Web Referral tool for submitting APS reports: https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/hhsa/programs/ais/ais-online-referrals.html
(The online reporting option is available for mandated reporters. It is available 24 hours/7 days a week and allows you to bypass making a hotline call and submission of the reporting form).
Want to Learn More?
- Tri-fold on Mandated Reporting
- County of San Diego Adult Protective Services, HHSA (link fixed to point to APS. For some reason it was pointing to CWS.)
- Elder Abuse Resource Guide – English
- Elder Abuse Resource Guide – Spanish
- Elder Justice Coalition
- National Adult Protective Services Association
- National Center on Elder Abuse
- National Clearinghouse on Abuse in Later Life
- Financial Abuse: Suspect it, Report it - Brochure
- Financial Abuse: Suspect it, Report it - Tip Card
Suspicious Injury Reporting Requirements for Healthcare Workers
Health care providers are required to make a report if they provide medical services for a physical condition to a patient whom they reasonably suspect is suffering from a physical injury due to a firearm, or from assaultive or abusive conduct inflicted upon the person.
It's the Law to Report:
- Cal. Penal code §§ 11160-11163.2
Reporting Steps:
- Inform the patient that you are making the report.
- Immediately, or as soon as practically possible, call the local enforcement agency where the incident occurred to make the report by telephone.
- Fax form OES 2-920 to the law enforcement agency within two working days.
Want to Learn More?
- Tri-fold on Suspicious Injury Reporting for Healthcare Workers
- Cal OES Reporting Form 2-920
- Cal OES 2-920 Instructions
- National Consensus Guidelines on Identifying and Responding to Domestic Violence in Healthcare Settings
- California’s Domestic Violence & Mandatory Reporting Law: Requirements for Health Care Practitioners