The UC Office of Ethics, Compliance & Audit Services distributed for review a new University policy to facilitate compliance with the California Child Abuse and Neglect Act (CANRA). As you may know, CANRA requires employers to identify “Mandated Reporters” and secure, as a condition of employment, acknowledgment of their status and reporting obligations.
A chart listing categories of personnel that are included in the reporting requirement is in Related Information. The positions subject to this requirement have been expanded as of January 1, 2013, to include athletic coaches (including graduate assistants) and postsecondary employees and administrators whose duties bring them into regular contact with children (or who supervise such employees). The term “children” is defined to include individuals under the age of 18.
UCOP has asked the campuses to affirm their compliance with the existing statutory requirements. Thus, I am requesting your assistance to ensure that your organization has implemented the following actions as appropriate:
- Advise all new employees in positions identified as “Mandated Reporters” of the requirements to report any observed or suspected child abuse or neglect, and ask them to sign a statement acknowledging these responsibilities as a condition of employment.
- Reaffirm that a signed statement is on file from existing employees designated as “Mandated Reporters”, or secure such a statement if not on file. In particular, all licensed health professionals and all employees assigned to campus police departments, childcare centers, day camps, and K-12 programs need to have signed certifications. These should be maintained with the employees regular personnel files.
For your convenience, the following materials are in Related Information: a summary of the Mandated Reporter categories; sample employment certification forms acknowledging the responsibilities of the Mandated Reporter to be signed by the identified employees; and selected provisions of CANRA. (Also included is a similar form related to the Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act.)
If you have any questions about these requirements, please contact me.
Sincerely,
Lubbe Levin
Associate Vice Chancellor
Campus Human Resources
Campus Human Resources, Employment Services
Phone: (310) 794-0890 | Fax: (310) 794-0895
