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REPORT CHILD abuse

The Safe Environment Policy for the Protection of Children of the Diocese of San Bernardino requires all clergy, employees, and volunteers to immediately report suspected child abuse to County Child Protective Services or law-enforcement.

 

The California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Law requires various categories of employees, known as mandated reporters, such as teachers, catechetical leaders, youth ministers, and clergy to immediately report suspected child abuse to County Child Protective Services or law-enforcement.

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Click Here to access the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Law (pages 3 and 4) for a complete list of those considered mandated reporters.

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To report the suspected abuse of a minor in the home, immediately report to Police Agency where the abuse occurred AND County Children Protective Services in the county where the child lives.

San Bernardino County Children and Family Services

Website: https://cfs.sbcounty.gov/how-to-report-child-abuse-2/

Hotline: (800) 827-8724  

Riverside County Children's Services

Website: https://rivcodpss.org/child-abuse

Hotline: (800) 442-4918

Law Enforcement Agencies

ALSO, if an abuse allegation is against a clergy  member, religious, Church employee or volunteer, contact the Victim Assistance Coordinator at (909) 474-4954 or by email at VACoord@sbdiocese.org.

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WHAT MUST BE REPORTED?

 

​​​1. Physical Abuse:   Unlawful corporal punishment or injury, willfully inflicted,                                      resulting in a traumatic condition.​​

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2. Sexual Abuse:      Includes sexual assault and sexual exploitation:                                                                     a. Sexual assault includes sex acts with children, intentional                                     masturbation in the of children and child molestation.         

                              b. Child Sexual Exploitation which includes preparing,                                            selling or distributing pornographic materials involving                                        children, performances involving obscene sexual                                                conduct, and child prostitution.​

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3. Child Neglect:      Failure of a caregiver to provide basic needs  where no                                      physical injury to child has occurred.​ Sever child neglect                                      may occur in situations where the caregiver willfully causes                                  or permits the child to be placed in a situation such that his                                  or her person, or health is endangered.

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4. Emotional Abuse:  Acts or omissions that have or could cause serious                                               behavioral, cognitive, emotional, or mental distress                                             or disorders.

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STEPS TO REPORT SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE

Note: Suspected child abuse must be reported immediately.

  1. ​Complete the Suspected Child Abuse Report. Click Here to access the reporting form.

  2. Fill the form with as much information as possible.

  3. Contact a law enforcement agency and County Children Protective Services to make the report. 

  4. Ask for the intake person's name, I.D. or badge number, agency, address, and where and how to send the report.

  5. Send the report to the agency you made the report to, within 36 hours after making the report..

Contact the Office of Child and Youth Protection for assistance at         909) 475-5127 or (909) 475-5129.

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