1. REPORTING Child abuse If it’s not our responsibility, whose is it?
Alyssa Meyers
CAS 100A
November 11, 2009

2. Press Enterprise Article from local newspaper
Babysitter of three year old boy reports a father for questionable disciplinary strategies
Outcome
What if she hadn’t called?
Was it her place to call authorities?
YES.

3. Make it your responsibility
How many people see abuse happening and don’t report it?
Why?
What misconceptions make people believe it’s acceptable not to report?
How many innocent lives could be saved?
We, as a nation,
should start considering
child abuse a community issue
rather than a private matter.

4. Mandated reporters What are they? Who are they?
Professionals required by law to report any suspected child abuse and/or neglect they see, hear, or otherwise become aware of
Who are they?
Healthcare workers
Social services professionals
Law enforcement officials
Educators
Childcare workers, etc.
Who should they be?

5. Why not report Abuse?
I conducted a survey on the Penn State Hazleton Campus this semester
Results:
Fear they would make it worse
Fear of damaging relationships
“None of their business”
Figured someone else would speak up
Intervened themselves
Did not want the child taken from loved ones & placed in a strange home

6. No excuses… Can you make it worse by calling?
No. Trained professionals will deal with the situation
Does it have to damage relationships?
No. Calls CAN be made anonymously
Is it “your business”?
Yes. If you don’t get help for them, who will?
Should you “fix” it yourself?
No. Leave it to the professionals
Could put yourself AND the child at risk
If it’s an emergency, call 9-1-1
Will the child always be removed from the home?
No. Only in extreme & emergent situations

7. Not an easy task, But a necessary one
They aren’t all monsters
Family members or close friends
Crossed the line between discipline & abuse
Sometimes don’t realize the severity of their actions
May be inexperienced (neglect), grew up in a bad atmosphere themselves,
Sometimes a warning is like a “wake-up call”
What if you’re wrong?
Can be anonymous; if suspicions aren’t substantiated, the family is left alone
What if you aren’t wrong?

8. Wouldn’t you want someone to defend them?
Summary
Reasons why people don’t feel obligated to report child abuse
Why these should not be “excuses”
What if it were a child you know and love?
Wouldn’t you want someone to defend them?

9. If it’s not our responsibility, whose is it?
Feel free to contact me at:
For a copy of this presentation or more information on child abuse, visit:
Weebly.com/xlyssabell

10. Works cited
American Humane Association, Initials. (2009). Protecting children from abuse. Retrieved from < > on October 3, 2009.
Child Welfare, Initials. (2008, November 10). Mandated reporting. Retrieved from < m > on October 7, 2009.