GOVERNOR SIGNS BILL REINFORCING TEACHERS’ MANDATORY CHILD ABUSE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

By Theresa Harrington Contra Costa Times | http://bit.ly/1mTaoHq

7/10/2014 11:51:18 AM PDT  ::  SACRAMENTO -- Gov. Jerry Brown has signed a bill to help teachers better understand their mandated obligation to report suspected child abuse or neglect to law enforcement or child protective services.

When teachers apply for credentials or renewals, they are now required to sign statements acknowledging they must report suspicions of child abuse directly to law enforcement or child protective services, instead of to school district officials, according to AB 2560 by Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla, D-Concord, which Brown signed into law Wednesday.

The bill also requires that a written report of suspected child abuse or neglect be submitted within 36 hours of a teacher becoming aware of such an incident.

The law addresses the growing number child abuse cases in schools where reports were delayed.

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 All LAUSD mandatory reporters must take+pass an annual exam about child abuse reporting requirements