NCJ Number
205018
Date Published
September 2003
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This packet is designed to provide mandated reporters of child abuse or neglect under South Carolina law with information pertinent to making such reports.
Abstract
The information encompasses possible indicators of child abuse and neglect, legal requirements for reporting, suggested guidelines for reporters, the processing of the report by the child protection system and law enforcement agencies, and legal definitions related to child abuse and neglect and reporting. The section on possible indicators of child abuse or neglect outlines the physical signs, behavioral clues, family interaction indicators, and other warning signs. The section on legal requirements for reporting child abuse and neglect under South Carolina law lists mandatory reporters and presents information on when to report, where to report, sanctions for failure to report, the confidentiality of the report, immunity/liability, false/malicious reports, photographs and medical examinations, detainment of a child by a medical professional, and the abrogation of privileged communication. Suggested guidelines for mandatory reporters are outlined under the following topics: responding to the child, making the report, documentation, contact with parents, and follow-up. Another section of this packet provides information on how a case of child abuse or neglect is handled after a report is made. Regarding case processing by the child protection system, the packet considers the investigation of reports, cases that do not involve the removal of the child from the family home, cases that involve removal, and family court hearings for removal cases. The packet also provides information on how a reported case is processed by law enforcement agencies. The packet concludes with definitions of terms typically used in the processing of cases of child abuse and/or neglect.