Can I report suspected abuse - even if I am not a mandatory reporter? And, if I can, what protections or safeguards are there for people who report known or suspected child abuse in California?

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Child Abuse

Boston Police are seeking child abuse victims of Dr. W. Ayres victimized between 1959 and 1963.
Jessica's law causes registered sex offenders to roam streets of San Francisco, California|Child Abuse Lawyer
In California, Tiffany Lopez faces child abuse charges in connection with the death of her two-year-old daughter, Kamilah Russell.
In Maine, Edgard Anziani was arrested in connection with the death of 15-month-old Damien Lynn.
In Utah, Kami Kay Tollefson faced three charges of second-degree felony child abuse.

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Case Results

Child Abuse

Child with head injury and vision loss - Confidential settlement

Sexual Assault - Confidential Settlement

Awarded: Confidential

Sexual Assault - Confidential Settlement

Awarded: Confidential

Sexual Assault - Confidential Settlement

Awarded: Confidential

Child Safety News

Boy scout child abuse suit 18 million verdict|California abuse lawyer
Posted on 9/2/2010 More

Bikers raise thousands to benefit child abuse awareness.
Posted on 8/28/2010 More

Senator Linda Newell - SB10-171 - Senate Health and Human Services
Posted on 3/13/2010 More

Texas reports a 31% increase in child abuse and neglect deaths.
Posted on 3/7/2010 More

In Ohio, child welfare organizations increase child abuse education.
Posted on 2/1/2010 More

The NFL and Roger Goodell now admit there may be a correlation between multiple concussions and permanent brain damage.
Posted on 12/22/2009 More

The book entitled No one would believe it: Experiences of a child abuse investigator written by Evelyn Kelly Norman is available.
Posted on 11/4/2009 More

In Wisconsin, The Child Welfare Disclosure Act requires some information be made public in child abuse cases.
Posted on 10/21/2009 More

Qualified pediatricians will take the first child abuse board examination on November 16, 2009.
Posted on 9/28/2009 More

Operation Twisted Traveler nets three more American men in a child sex abuse operation in Cambodia. The men are charged with sexual exploitation of Cambodian children.
Posted on 9/24/2009 More

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Q: Can I report suspected abuse - even if I am not a mandatory reporter? And, if I can, what protections or safeguards are there for people who report known or suspected child abuse in California?

A: Yes, you can. But The Keane Law Firm does not accept those reports. First, go immediately to the Resources section of this website, and hit the link for California. It will take you to the homepage for the Department of Social Services. On that page you will find a link to Child Protective Services Hotlines. Hit that link and you will see the emergency child abuse contact phone numbers for each county in California. Call the number in your county. If you need help, call 1-800-422-4453, a national child abuse hotline called ChildHelp. According to the Department of Social Services Office of Child Abuse Prevention, persons who are legally required to report suspected child abuse have immunity from criminal or civil liability for reporting as required or authorized by the child abuse and neglect reporting laws. (P.C. 11172(a)) Also, no supervisor or administrator may impede or inhibit a report or subject the reporting person to any sanction. (P.C. 11166(g)). Persons other than those legally mandated to report are not required to include their names when making a report. (P.C. 11167(e)). Reports are confidential and may be disclosed only to specified persons and agencies (P.C. 11167.5).