A county office–district attorney partnership to protect children

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In times of crisis and economic instability, risk factors for child abuse and neglect increase. However, reports of child abuse and neglect have declined dramatically across the state as schools have closed in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The ability to speak up for kids’ safety is crucial at this time. Students not being physically in school classrooms brings new challenges to reporting abuse, but our obligation as mandated reporters remains unchanged. While campuses are closed and schools have transitioned to distance learning, all school employees still have a duty to report child abuse, which can include physical abuse, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, emotional abuse or neglect of any person under the age of 18.

The San Diego County Office of Education partnered with San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan to send a letter to the region’s educators on reporting during this time. The letter included a request that educators make an extra effort to reach out to children who:

have a history of emotional, sexual or physical abuse; neglect; drug use; or discussed/attempted suicide
are responsible for the care of other children or live in a highly stressful family situation with limited support systems
require assistance due to physical, mental, behavioral, or medical disabilities or delays

Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-344-6000, 24 hours a day, seven days per week.

These children are especially vulnerable now and are counting on us.

If you have reasonable suspicion of abuse or neglect, report it immediately or as soon as practically possible by calling the Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-344-6000 or any police or sheriff’s department (excluding a school district police or security department). Within 36 hours, you must also send, fax or electronically submit a completed suspected child abuse report, also known as Form 8572, which can be found on the California Attorney General’s Office webpage: https://oag.ca.gov. Child Welfare Services continues to answer calls to the hotline 24 hours a day, seven days per week and is still conducting child abuse investigations. Law enforcement also continues to respond to calls for service, including child abuse calls.

“When you make a report in good faith, you are protected against civil/criminal penalty or adverse employment action,” said Stephan. “You do not need proof. You are not making an accusation. You are asking for help for a child and their family.”

San Diego County Superintendent Paul Gothold agreed, thanking educators for exercising their duty to report and for helping ensure that children are protected. “It takes all of us together to make sure our kids stay safe.”

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