Safe Environment Training
Mandated Reporting
This Questionnaire was created as a
companion to the KidSafety of America Mandated Reporting Video Training by
the Roman Catholic Diocese of
Its intended use is to confirm
participation and assess comprehension.
The questionnaire may be completed
during the viewing of the three volume video presentation or immediately
following and then handed in to the parish
Safe Environment Coordinator.
The Safe Environment Coordinator will report your completion of the Video Training by sending a copy of your completed Questionnaire and a copy of your signed Code of Conduct to:
Diocese of
Safe Environment Office
Trainee
Information – Please Print
Name ______________________________ Phone __________________
Address ______________________ City____________ Zip ___________
Parish ________________________ Location ______________________
Employee ____
Volunteer ____ Area of Ministry
_________________
2007
Safe Environment Training
Mandated Reporting
Volume I: Advocacy
Why do you
think it is important to report suspected child abuse?
Who are
mandated reporters?
Are you a
mandated reporter?
Is it
necessary to report a suspicion of abuse or must we be
certain that abuse has occurred?
How might
you be able to “show empathy” to a child who discloses abuse?
It is
important to be truthful with a child who discloses abuse regarding the need to
report. When might it be better not to
let the child know you are reporting?
The goal of
reporting is to primarily
a.
intervene
on behalf of the child
b.
make an accusation that someone is an abuser.
What are
some of the signs/behaviors that may indicate possible abuse?
Why is it
important to pay attention to our instincts (i.e. gut feelings)?
Is it okay
to ask a child how they received an injury, if something is bothering them,
etc.?
Whose role
is it to perform an investigation?
Volume II: Process
Has abuse
been connected to criminal behavior later in life?
Which of
the following would be a mandated reporter?
__ Doctors __ Nurses __ Teachers
__
Therapists __ Counselors __ Social Workers
__ Daycare
Provider __ Teacher’s Aide __ Home Visitor
__ Fireman __ Law Enforcement __ All of the Above
__
Professional Photo __ Anyone in a
Processor “position of trust”
How soon do
you make the phone report?
The video incorrectly states that
the written report must be postmarked within 72 hours of the phone report. THIS IS INCORRECT.
The written report must be
postmarked no more than 32 HOUR after the phone report is made. Please make note of this.
Give three
examples in each of the four categories that would be a reportable sign of abuse.
Physical Emotional Sexual Neglect
If you
think the child may be in immediate danger, who do you call?
Can you
remain anonymous when you make a report of suspected child abuse?
If you
consult with someone, does this release you of the responsibility to report?
Should a
suspected abuser’s reputation, profession or affiliations be taken into
consideration and influence your decision to report?
What is the
Child Welfare Agency’s overall goal?
Volume III: Aftermath
MYTH #1
Reporter
will face reprisals from angry parents if they report.
Is this fear founded?
Will parents be notified that you are
the one that filed the report?
MYTH #2
Reporters
will face lawsuits or lengthy legal battles if they report.
Are mandated reporters who report “in good faith” protected
from legal ramifications?
MYTH #3
Reporting
will not have a meaningful impact on the child.
The system is ineffective.
Reporters are not always informed of how the agency
responded. Why is this?
MYTH #4
Reporting
will have a harmful effect on children.
The system separates children from their families causing more harm than
the abuse or neglect inflicted by the caregiver.
What is the primary goal of Child Welfare Agencies in regards
to families?
MYTH #5
Factor in
the influences of religion, culture and lifestyle to determine abuse.
Are you to allow these factors to
influence your decision to report?
Should these factors be taken into consideration by the
agencies in regards to how they respond?
MYTH #6
Children
lie about abuse and reporters cannot be certain about what really happened.
Should a child who in known to make up stories be taken
seriously if they disclose abuse?
MYTH #7
Reporting
child abuse is sometimes experienced as a betrayal of children who believe they
made the disclosures in confidence.
Are you obliged to keep a disclosure
of abuse confidential?
MYTH #8
I’ll let
somebody else in the department handle this; I don’t have time, the authority
or training to make a report.
Will informing a supervisor release
you of the responsibility to report?
MYTH #9
It is not
necessary to report if parents agree to go to counseling.
Why is a report necessary even when the parent seems to want
to cooperate and seek counseling?