1. Home
  2. Students
  3. Title IX
  4. Reporting Child Abuse

Reporting Child Abuse for Mandatory Reporters

On this page:

Any employee whose duties bring them into contact with children on a regular basis or any supervisor of such and employee is a mandated reporter effective January 1, 2013. This includes many San Diego Community College District employees, including all Coaches and Assistant Coaches. The District recognizes the responsibility of its employees to report to the appropriate agency when there is a reasonable suspicion that an abuse or neglect of a child may have occurred.

Submit A Child Abuse Report

Child Abuse and Neglect Law (Penal Code § 11166.5) Definitions:

The following situations involving individuals under the age of 18 years of age are reportable child abuse and neglect conditions:

  1. Physical Abuse
  2. Sexual Abuse
  3. Child exploitation, child pornography and child prostitution
  4. Severe or general neglect
  5. Extreme corporal punishment resulting in injury
  • Excessively withdrawn, fearful, or anxious about doing something wrong.
  • Shows extremes in behavior (extremely compliant or extremely demanding; extremely passive or extremely aggressive).
  • Doesn’t seem to be attached to the parent or caregiver.
  • Acts either inappropriately adult-like (taking care of other children) or inappropriately infantile (rocking, thumb-sucking, throwing tantrums).
  • Frequent injuries or unexplained bruises, welts, or cuts.
  • Is always watchful and “on alert” as if waiting for something bad to happen.
  • Injuries appear to have a pattern such as marks from a hand or belt.
  • Shies away from touch, flinches at sudden movements, or seems afraid to go home.
  • Wears inappropriate clothing to cover up injuries, such as long-sleeved shirts on hot days.
  • Clothes are ill-fitting, filthy, or inappropriate for the weather.
  • Hygiene is consistently bad (unbathed, matted and unwashed hair, noticeable body odor).
  • Untreated illnesses and physical injuries.
  • Is frequently unsupervised or left alone or allowed to play in unsafe situations and environments.
  • Is frequently late or missing from school.
  • Trouble walking or sitting.
  • Displays knowledge or interest in sexual acts inappropriate to his or her age, or even seductive behavior.
  • Makes strong efforts to avoid a specific person, without an obvious reason.
  • Doesn’t want to change clothes in front of others or participate in physical activities.
  • A sexually transmitted disease (STD) or pregnancy, especially under the age of fourteen.
  • Runs away from home.

Myth/Fact infographic says Myth quote I only need to report if I'm certain abuse happened. Fact Mandated reporting is generally triggered by reasonable suspicion not proof. Employees are not expected to investigate, verify or determine whether abuse has occurred. That is the role of cps or law enforcement

When to Report

Employees must make a telephone report immediately when the employee observes a child in his/her professional capacity or within the scope of his/her employment and has knowledge of, or has reasonable suspicion that the child has been abused. The employee must submit a written report on a standard form, within 36 hours after the telephone report has been made.

How to Make a Report

Employees should report to the San Diego Police Department at 619-531-2000 (PLEASE USE 858-484-3154 IF YOU LIVE IN THE 858 Area Code). Alternatively, employees may report to the local Police, Sheriff, the Probation Department, or any Child Welfare Agency.

  • Contact Child Welfare Services if you have a concern regarding potential abuse or neglect of a child. To make a report of suspected child abuse, call 858-560-2191 or 800-344-6000. Hotline staff are available 24 hours per day.
  • Written reports can be completed via Form SS8572.

Immunity

Any legally mandated reporter has immunity when making a report. In the event a civil suit is filed against the reporter, the state will reimburse attorney’s fees incurred up to $50,000 (Penal Code § 11172). In addition, the San Diego Community College District will pay for any mandated reporters’ attorney’s fees or judgment arising out of any report made in good faith in the course and scope of employment. No individual can be dismissed, disciplined or harassed for making a report of suspected child abuse.

Liability

Legally mandated reporters may be criminally liable for failing to report suspected abuse. The penalty for this misdemeanor is up to six months in county jail, a fine not more than $1,000 or both. Mandated reporters can also be civilly liable for failure to report.

Notification Regarding Abuse

You are not legally required to notify the parents that you are making a report. 
Information: Additional information and training is available through the San Diego Community College District Human Resources Office and Keenan Safe Colleges Child Abuse Prevention Microlearning Series.

92108