Lesson One - When To Report
How do I know when it’s time to report?
The Michigan Child Protection Law states that a report of child abuse and neglect must be made as soon as abuse or neglect is suspected. Reportable suspicion must be based on objective evidence. Objective evidence means that you have encountered direct evidence (observation of harmful behavior towards child), the child's statement or disclosure, or a parent or another caregiver has made statements indicating abuse (either direct accusation or describes a home environment that would be considered abusive.)
If a child verbally discloses to you that he or she has been abused or if you have witnessed the abuse, the decision to report is very clear. These situations are examples of “absolute proof,” and you should CALL IMMEDIATELY.
