Child care providers play a vital role in the identification and prevention of child abuse and neglect. As professionals who see the same children day in and day out, providers are in a perfect position to know when a child is in trouble and needs help. And while the decision to report a case to the Department of Children and Families is not an easy one, child care professionals do what they have to do as mandated reporters in the best interest of the child.
What might be even more difficult to handle is an accusation of abuse in your day care program. Having comprehensive and well-communicated policies can help reduce the possibility of child abuse in your program and the incidence of false reports. Your policy will also provide a well-thought-out plan for responding to an accusation against an employee.
The state Department of Public Health (DPH) requires every child care center and group day care provider to develop and implement a policy about the reporting of suspected child abuse and neglect. According to DPH, your policy should include at least the following:
*A policy statement.
*Definitions of child abuse and neglect.
*Reporting requirements.
*Administrative responsibilities including immediate notification to the owner/operator of any suspected abuse or neglect.
*Internal procedures in response to an allegation that a staff member is the alleged perpetrator.
*How the child/ren will be protected during an investigation.
*Abuse and neglect prevention activities, including staff training.
In addition, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services suggests that a policy on child abuse and neglect also address:
1. talking with children.
2. confidentiality issues.
3. sharing information with the Department of Children and Families (DCF).
3. notifying parents when a report is filed.
4. procedures for record keeping.