The Identification and Reporting of Child Abuse and Maltreatment Course For Mandated Reporters

What is Reasonable Cause to Report

A person who has reasonable cause to suspect that a child has been abused or maltreated based upon what has been disclosed, any physical evidence and one's own training and experience should make a report. It is POSSIBLE that the injury or condition was caused by neglect or by non-accidental means.

The reporter need not be absolutely certain that the injury or condition was caused by neglect or by non-accidental means; the reporter should only BE ABLE TO ENTERTAIN THE POSSIBLITY THAT IT COULD HAVE BEEN NEGLECT OR NONACCIDENTAL in order to assume reasonable cause. Certainty is not required. To be suspicious, where one doubts what is told, and looks at the physical and behavioral indicators forms a reasonable basis for suspicion and a reasonable cause to make a report.

Examples of Reportable Situations

• Social Workers who work directly or indirectly with children are found in a variety of settings like schools, hospitals, community organizations and mental health agencies. Due to the nature of our profession, our colleagues and parents often ask us whether or not a particular situation constitutes abuse or maltreatment. Listed below are common types of reportable examples that may be presented to a social worker.
• A school principal reports that a 10-year old pupil, Ed, has told him repeatedly for several weeks that he does not get enough to eat at home. The child appears pale and eats excessively at the school lunch program
• A mother informs you that she brought her four-year-old daughter, Joan, to the emergency room because of a vaginal discharge. The child was diagnosed as having gonorrhea.
• The school nurse tells you that a five-year-old boy, Jason, is continually brought to her for an advanced case of head lice.
• Nancy, a 12-year-old, comes to therapy with two bruises. One is on her upper left arm and one is on the lower area of her neck. Nancy states that her mother was upset yesterday and threw her against the refrigerator.
• The school attendance officer informs you that Teddy has missed 34 out of a possible 95 days of school. Teddy has submitted an excuse for 10 of his absences. The school has attempted to contact the parents. The parents have not responded to the contacts.
• During a home visit, a parent tells you that the children living upstairs, Kim and Megan Smith, a three-year-old and four-year-old, sit on the windowsill every day during warm weather. The Smith's live in a fourth floor apartment without any screens.
• A mother on your caseload, reports that she is afraid her husband is going to harm her six-month-old baby. He has on more than one occasion violently shaken the baby when the baby does not stop crying.
• A grandmother who sees you for therapy, states that her daughter-in-law treats her eight-year old grandson, Mark, terribly. She verbally abuses Mark by calling him filthy names and makes him cry.
• A neighbor wants to call the State Central Register because three young children, who live two trailers down, roam the trailer park all night long vandalizing neighbors' property.
• You are made aware that 16-year-old Boy, Roger, is repeatedly drinking (two-three times a week) to the point of intoxication. He drinks in front of his mother.