Pursuant to the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Law, certain individuals are designated “mandated reporters” and are required to make a formal report of suspected child abuse to law enforcement authorities. The most commonly known examples of reporters are doctors, therapists and teachers. Effective January 1, 2021, certain California human resources professionals and front-line supervisors are also “mandated reporters.”
This new bill (AB 1963) states that “human resources employees” working for businesses with at least five employees, that also employ minors are now “mandated reporters.” Front-line supervisors working for business with five or more employees, who have direct contact or supervision of minors are also “mandated reporters” of sexual abuse.
All employers that are subject to this law are required to provide training to employees who have reporting duties under the law. This training needs to include both the identification and reporting of child abuse and neglect. The Office of Child Abuse Prevention in the State Department of Social Services offers an online training for mandated reporters that meets this training requirement. Information about this training can be accessed at: https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/ocap/mrt.
All businesses subject to this law need to take immediate steps to comply with these new obligations. To find out more information about what steps need to be taken to comply with this law, contact your local Borton Petrini, LLP office to arrange a consult with one of our employment law attorneys.
Sarah A. Ornelas is a Partner with the firm Borton Petrini, LLP. She is based out of the firm’s Modesto office, and represents employers throughout the Central Valley.
Legal Disclaimer: This article is designed for general information only. The information presented should not be construed to be formal legal advice, nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship.