CLEE Mandated Reporting 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under California's Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), who is classified as a mandated reporter?
- Only physicians and nurses
- Licensed mental health professionals, teachers, and other specified individuals (Correct answer)
- Any adult who witnesses abuse
- Only law enforcement officers
Correct answer: Licensed mental health professionals, teachers, and other specified individuals
CANRA designates specific professionals including therapists, counselors, teachers, and physicians as mandated reporters required by law to report suspected child abuse.
Question 2: When must a mandated reporter make an initial report of suspected child abuse in California?
- Within 72 hours of suspicion
- Immediately or as soon as practically possible by phone (Correct answer)
- Within 5 business days in writing
- Only after consulting with a supervisor
Correct answer: Immediately or as soon as practically possible by phone
CANRA requires mandated reporters to make an immediate telephone report to a law enforcement agency or child protective services upon having reasonable suspicion.
Question 3: A mandated reporter's duty to report child abuse is triggered when they:
- Have absolute proof that abuse occurred
- Know or reasonably suspect that abuse or neglect has occurred (Correct answer)
- Receive a confession from the alleged perpetrator
- Observe physical injuries firsthand
Correct answer: Know or reasonably suspect that abuse or neglect has occurred
The 'reasonable suspicion' standard means the reporter does not need proof — they only need information that would cause a reasonable person to suspect abuse.
Question 4: In California, the written follow-up report for child abuse must be submitted within how many hours of the initial phone report?
- 12 hours
- 24 hours
- 36 hours (Correct answer)
- 48 hours
Correct answer: 36 hours
California Penal Code §11166 requires the written report (Form SS 8572) to be submitted within 36 hours of the initial telephone report.
Question 5: Which of the following does NOT constitute child abuse under CANRA?
- Physical injury inflicted by a parent
- Willful cruelty or unjustifiable punishment
- General parenting disagreements without harm (Correct answer)
- Unlawful corporal punishment causing injury
Correct answer: General parenting disagreements without harm
General disagreements about parenting practices without resulting harm, injury, or neglect do not meet CANRA's definition of reportable abuse.
Question 6: A mandated reporter who fails to report known or suspected child abuse in California may face:
- No legal consequence — reporting is voluntary
- Criminal misdemeanor charges and/or civil liability (Correct answer)
- License suspension only
- A fine of up to $10,000
Correct answer: Criminal misdemeanor charges and/or civil liability
Under California Penal Code §11166, failure to report by a mandated reporter is a misdemeanor and may also result in civil liability.
CLEE Mandated Reporting 1
Under California's Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), who is classified as a mandated reporter?