Title: Explain requirements for reporting suspected child abuse and neglect in an early care and learning environment setting.
Course: GRADS: Work Focus (19906) > Section: Training Professionals in Early Learning Environments

Explanation should include

- procedures for reporting suspected child abuse or neglect to the designated instructor or staff members
- ensuring confidentiality as required by state and federal regulations
- requirements of the law on mandated reporting Virginia Code § 63.2-1509.

Process/Skill Questions

Thinking

- What is child advocacy and how can caregivers engage in it?
- What are some ethical issues for childcare professionals regarding the determination and reporting of child abuse or neglect?
- What are some potential consequences of reporting or failing to report suspected cases?
- What criteria should be used to decide if symptoms displayed by a child might be the result of abuse or neglect?
- Why is confidentiality important? What type of information must be kept confidential?

Communication

- How can the policies and procedures regarding reporting of suspected child abuse and neglect be communicated to parents, children, and the community?
- How might social, cultural, or ethnic differences in the client population influence the communication?

Leadership

- What should be done to help prevent child abuse and neglect in the community?
- What skills and knowledge are needed to recognize possible cases of child abuse and neglect?

Management

- What strategies might be effective in preventing cases of child abuse and neglect?
- What are the local regulations and procedures for reporting suspected child abuse and neglect? Who are the designated authorities?
- What resources are available for adults and children involved in cases of child abuse and neglect?