COHIOCI Informonon l5 conrlaen?al and
protected bylaw.

It is always best to err on the side of
the child. The agency you are reporting
to will help determine if there is enough
information to proceed. If there is not,
the report remains on file. If you receive
additional information you can always
call back and add to the report. If ad-
ditional reports are made for that same
child, then sometimes, multiple reports
can lead to an investigation.

You may have many fears about
making a report: you might fear being
wrong; you might fear reprisal by the
lamin or community; you might fear that
things will get worse for the child; you
may fear damage to reputations. We
have seen these fears played out in the

family or community; you might tear that
things will get worse for the child; you
may fear damage to reputations. We
have seen these fears played out in the
media by those who had knowledge of
abuse and chose not to report it. Re-
porting suspected abuse takes courage.
Regardless of whether you are man
dated to report in your state, all
responsible adults should report

abuse. Making a report can

 

make all the difference for a

a child being abused. And if

 ll there is one thing we know:

-. children who have suffered

abuse can and do heal. It
really is up to us!