state reporting laws summary assignment

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1 State Reporting Laws: Oklahoma State Reporting Laws: Oklahoma Brittany D. Torrence School of Behavioral Sciences, Liberty University Author Note Brittany D. Torrence I have no known conflict of interest to disclose. Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Brittany D. Torrence. Email: bdtorrence1@liberty.edu

2 State Reporting Laws Child abuse is a pressing societal issue that profoundly impacts the well-being of countless children throughout America. To combat this problem, a comprehensive framework of state and federal laws has been implemented to safeguard the rights and welfare of children. This paper will explore child abuse reporting laws in the state of Oklahoma, as well as pertinent federal legislation, with a focus on the education and empowerment of professionals, including educators, healthcare practitioners, counselors, pastors, and concerned citizens. It delves into the different types of child abuse, designated reporting agencies, and delineates the intricacies of the reporting process. Summary Before delving into the reporting laws, it is crucial to understand the different types of child abuse. Child abuse encompasses four primary categories, physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect. Physical abuse involves the intentional infliction of physical harm on a child, such as hitting, slapping, shaking, or any form of violence that results in bodily injury. Sexual abuse occurs when a child is subjected to sexual exploitation, molestation, or any inappropriate sexual contact by an adult or older individual. Emotional abuse encompasses actions that cause psychological harm to a child, including humiliation, intimidation, isolation, or constant criticism. Neglect refers to the failure of a caregiver to provide adequate care, supervision, and basic needs, including food, shelter, clothing, and medical care. In the state of Oklahoma, the Child Abuse Reporting Act (Title 10A, Section 1-2-101, et seq.) delineates the legal obligations pertaining to reporting child abuse. As per this statute, any person who reasonably believes that a child has suffered abuse or neglect must immediately report it to the Department of Human Services (DHS) or to a local law enforcement agency. The

3 State Reporting Laws law requires mandatory reporters, including healthcare professionals, educators, and counselors, to report suspected abuse. Mandatory reporters in Oklahoma are obligated to submit their report within 24 hours of becoming aware of the abuse. The report should include critical details such as the name and address of the child, the child's age, the nature and extent of the abuse, and any other relevant information. At the federal level, several statutes address child abuse prevention and reporting, with a particular emphasis on educational institutions and the roles of various professionals. Key federal laws encompass the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA). CAPTA provides funding and guidelines for states to improve their child protective services and ensures that child abuse cases are properly investigated. CAPTA encourages states to have mandatory reporting laws and procedures in place. Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) mandate that states have policies and procedures in place for reporting child abuse in schools. Educators are required to receive training on recognizing and reporting child abuse. Protecting Children in the 21st Century Act is a federal law that requires schools and libraries to protect children from inappropriate online content and child exploitation. When a mandatory reporter in Oklahoma harbors a suspicion of child abuse, they should contact the local DHS or local law enforcement agency, providing the necessary information about the suspected abuse. Once contact is made, they should follow up with a written report within 72 hours. Furthermore, maintain confidentiality and cooperate fully with any subsequent investigations. It is crucial to note that failure to report child abuse can result in legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment.

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4 State Reporting Laws Reflection In the complex world of child protection, there's a fundamental truth we cannot ignore, reporting child abuse is not just important; it's a moral imperative. It's a duty we owe to defenseless children who may be suffering in silence. However, this duty is not one-size-fits-all. There are situations where parents, overwhelmed by their own challenges, might unintentionally harm their children. In these cases, reporting becomes a way to help both the child and the adult in need. Furthermore, Matthew 19:13-14 tells us Jesus desires for young children to come to Him and to not hinder them. This is an indication of how Christ felt about children. We are charged to protect them and to lead children to Him as Christians. Child abuse can take many forms, from physical and emotional to sexual abuse and neglect. Reporting is essential to ensure a child's safety, but it's not always a perfect system. Sometimes, it can seem slow, and the system may not respond as swiftly as we'd hope, leaving children vulnerable for longer than they should be. For those of us who aspire to work as school counselors, this duty takes on a special significance. We play a vital role in identifying and addressing various issues affecting students. We help create a safe and nurturing environment. Trust in the reporting process is at the heart of what we do, as it's essential for the children's well-being.

5 State Reporting Laws Our desire to work as school counselors at the graduate level is more than just a career choice; it's a commitment to safeguarding children and advocating for their rights. It's about recognizing that the reporting process needs improvement, so that we can respond more effectively to cases of child abuse and make schools safer for every child. Child abuse reporting laws in Oklahoma, alongside federal legislation, play a pivotal role in shielding children from harm and fostering awareness among professionals and conscientious citizens concerning their responsibilities in detecting and reporting potential instances of child abuse. The obligation to report suspected abuse transcends legal strictures; it is an ethical imperative, essential for the protection of the most vulnerable members of our society.

6 State Reporting Laws References 1 . Oklahoma State Department of Education | . Oklahoma State Department of Education. (n.d.). https://sde.ok.gov/ 2 . Sexual violence on campuses is rising, but you can protect students. RAINN. (n.d.). https://www.rainn.org/

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