What is Reasonable Cause to Suspect?

Picture24“Reasonable cause to suspect” means that based on what you have observed or been told, combined with your training and experience, you feel that harm or imminent danger of harm to the child could be the result of an act or omission by the person legally responsible for the child.

  • Explanations that are inconsistent with your observations and/or knowledge may be a basis for your reasonable suspicion.
  • As a mandated reporter, you are required to report suspected incidents; it is your duty.
  • If there is a reasonable cause to suspect a child is being abused or maltreated you must call the SCR immediately.
  • You do NOT have to be positive that abuse or maltreatment is occurring.
  • You do NOT have to have proof that abuse or maltreatment has occurred.
  • When you have “reasonable cause to suspect” you must attempt to register a report for the incident, even if these events continue to occur.
  • DO NOT assume that another agency or individual is making the report and your responsibility is relieved. Even if you know they have made a report, you are obligated to report the incident also.
  • The sooner the incident is reported, the better the chances for protecting the child and providing appropriate services for the family.
  • The information you gather from your observations may be different than those of another reporter. This information is all relevant to the SCR in making their decision when registering a report.

 

REMEMBER: Crimes committed against children should be directly reported to law enforcement. If you are uncertain if an incident is criminal you can contact the SCR anyway. SCR staff are trained to make those distinctions or can make a Law Enforcement Referral (LER). In certain circumstances, it may be necessary to contact law enforcement if anyone is in immediate danger.