mandatory reporting laws for elder abuse
Introduction
California Welfare & Institutions Code, Section 15630: 'Reports must be made when the reporter in his or her professional capacity, or within the scope of his or her employment: has observed or had knowledge of an incident that reasonably appears to be physical abuse, abandonment, isolation, financial abuse or neglect or is told by an elder or dependent adult that he or she has experienced behavior constituting abuse, abandonment, isolation, financial abuse or neglect.'
Mandated reporters shall not be civilly or criminally liable for any report they are required or permitted to make under the law.
Who is mandated ?
'Any person who has assumed full or intermittent responsibility of care or custody of an elder or dependent adult, whether or not that person receives compensation, including administrators, supervisors & any licensed staff of a public or private facility that provides care or services for an elder or dependent adults, or any other dependent adult care custodian, health practitioner, or employee of a county adult protective services agency or local law enforcement agency.'
How are reports made ?
Mandated reports are made as soon as possible by telephone, with a written report to follow within 2 working days to the agency receiving the telephone report.
Where are reports made ?
Centralized Intake Unit
3333 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 400
Los Angeles, CA 90010
Telephone: 888 202-4248
Fax: 213 738-6845
After hours 877 477-3646
When abuse or neglect occurs in a long-term facility.
1527 4th Street, Suite 250
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Telephone: (800) 34-9473
Fax: (310) 395-4090
After hours (800) 231-4024 (State Crisis Line)
Where to obtain copies of the report form ?
California Department of Social Services Warehouse
Post Office Box 980788
West Sacramento, CA 95798-0788
Fax: (916) 371-3518
Forms are in triplicate.
Additional terms
References
- ↑ Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Reporting, A Guide for the Mandated Reporter, County of Los Angeles, 2001