Reporting Child Abuse
Protecting minors is everyone's responsibility. If you know of or reasonably suspect child abuse or neglect involving a minor participating in a Santa Clara University program or activity, California law may require you to report it immediately.
Santa Clara University complies with the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA). The information below explains who is required to report, when reports must be made, and where to report.
Who Is a Mandated Reporter?
Under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), certain University employees are designated as Mandated Reporters based on their job duties or their work with minors.
If your position requires this designation, you will be notified, and you must complete the mandatory training and acknowledgment forms.
When acting within the scope of your employment or professional duties, Mandated Reporters are legally required to report any known or reasonably suspected child abuse or neglect. This legal obligation rests solely on the individual and cannot be delegated to anyone else.
If You Are a Mandated Reporter
If, in your professional capacity or within the scope of your employment, you know of or reasonably suspect that a child has been abused or neglected, you must:
Immediately (or as soon as practicably possible):
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Report by telephone to the Santa Clara County Child Abuse Hotline.
- Notify SCU Campus Safety by telephone and email.
Within 36 hours:
- Submit California Form SS8572 to the Santa Clara County Department of Family and Children's Services.
Important: Reporting the incident to your supervisor or another University official does not satisfy your legal reporting obligation under CANRA.
Not sure whether a situation is reportable? When in doubt, make the report.
All SCU Employees, Students, and Volunteers
Even if you are not a Mandated Reporter, all SCU employees, volunteers, and students must immediately notify Campus Safety if they become aware of suspected child abuse occurring:
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on campus
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during an SCU activity
- at an SCU property
Campus Safety
📞(408) 554-4441
✉️ campussafety@scu.edu