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 the duties of their position.
If your position is designated as a Mandated Reporter role, Human Resources will notify you, and you must complete the required acknowledgement and training.
While acting within the scope of your employment or professional responsibilities, Mandated Reporters are legally required to report known or reasonably suspected child abuse or neglect. This legal obligation belongs to the individual and cannot be delegated to another person.
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