What is abuse?
Abuse can be physical or sexual. It includes non-accidental physical injury, shaking a baby, tying a child up, and giving or exposing a child to alcohol or other drugs. Reasonable and moderate discipline (such as spanking) is generally not considered abuse as long as it does not cause injury more serious than transient pain or minor temporary marks and is administered by a parent or guardian. Arkansas code 12-12-503
What is neglect?
Neglect is failing to provide for appropriate food, shelter, clothing, and medical care for a child. It is also failing to provide an education for a child: home schooling is NOT considered educational neglect. Neglect also includes failing to prevent abuse of a child. Leaving a child in a situation that puts the juvenile at risk of harm (such as leaving a young child alone at home or in a vehicle) is also considered neglect. Arkansas code 12-12-503
Do I have to report abuse or neglect?
If you are a mandated reporter, you are required to report suspected abuse or neglect. Mandated reporters are:
I’m a mandated reporter – why wouldn’t the hotline accept my call? The hotline can only accept a call if what the caller reports meets the legal definitions of child abuse or neglect and if the child or family can be located.
The hotline took my call – what happens now? The case will be investigated either by the Arkansas State Policy or by the Division of Children and Family Services. The investigation will begin within 24-72 hours, depending on the allegation. You should expect to hear from the investigator.
Will the parent know I called? Your identity is kept confidential and will not be released unless a judge orders the information to be released, but that is not to say that a parent will not be able to figure out who called. If the parent does guess who called, that will NOT be confirmed by the investigator.
Will anyone call me? The investigator should call you if your report was accepted by the hotline. If the investigator does not call, you can call the supervisor in your county. Division of Children and Family Services and Arkansas State Police
Will I have to go to court? Not necessarily. If the abuse or neglect places the child in immediate danger, then the child will be placed in foster care. In that situation, the case will go before a judge. You could be called as a witness, though you will not be identified as the reporter.
When does someone answer the hotline? 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Hotline operators are always working. If all operators are busy, you may have to wait.
What is the best time to call? If it is an emergency (the child is in immediate danger), call 911 or your local law enforcement agency. If it is not an emergency, the best times are frequently in the morning or at night. The busiest time for the hotline is 2-6 p.m, so if it is not an emergency, you may want to avoid calling during that time.
What information will the hotline operator need? In order to accept the call, the hotline operator needs to know
It is very helpful to also provide:
Having the following information can make the investigation go faster:
How do we get training for mandated reporters? Call the Arkansas Commission on Child Abuse, Rape, and Domestic Violence at (501) 661-7975 or email williamsonsherryj@uams.edu
Can I fax a report of child abuse? Yes, if you are a mandated reporter and it is NOT an emergency. You must identify yourself and provide a way for the hotline to contact you.