state reporting laws summary assignment

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Liberty University *

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615

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Psychology

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Dec 6, 2023

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docx

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6

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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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