Purpose

Recovery Works employs individuals who are mandated reporters of child abuse and neglect. This policy provides guidance on how such abuse should be reported.

Policy

Recovery Works requires it's mandated reported to comply with all state and federal laws which require any reasonable suspicion of child abuse has occurred or may occur be reported to the local child protectives service agency.

Procedure

  1. Any staff member of Recovery Works who has "reasonable cause to suspect" that a child has been or may be subjected to abuse or neglect or observes a child being subjected to conditions or circumstances which would reasonably result in abuse or neglect shall immediately notify their supervisor and the Executive Director.

  2. The Executive Director or designee shall be responsible for making an immediate report to the Division of Family Services.

  3. The staff member suspecting or detecting abuse shall also be responsible for ensuring that said report is made.

  4. The report shall be made orally by telephone to the child abuse/neglect hotline, 1 855-422-4453. The Executive Director or designated staff member making the report will record the name of the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) staff member taking the report, the time, and the date.

  5. Staff members will not discuss a child abuse report or a child abuse investigation with other personnel or authorized DFCS personnel unless authorized. Staff members will respond to inquiries about a child abuse report or investigation by referring inquiries to the Division of Family Services.