AB 2085
AB 2085 brings significant changes to how child neglect is defined and reported, particularly for educators. Understanding these changes is crucial for educators in their role as mandated reporters.
The Los Angeles County Office of Education is working with key partners to transform the mandated reporting process for educators in Los Angeles County to better support historically underserved children, youth, and families.
New training is taking shape to help mandated reporters make better decisions when it comes to determining whether a situation constitutes a ‘reasonable suspicion’ of reportable child abuse or neglect.
Summary of California AB 2085 for Educators
AB 2085, effective January 1, 2023, revised the definition of general neglect under the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA) in California. This summary aims to provide educators with an overview of the key aspects of AB 2085 and its implications for their role as mandated reporters.
Key Provisions:
- Narrowed Definition of General Neglect: The law narrows the definition of general neglect to circumstances where a child is at substantial risk of suffering serious physical harm or illness. This revision focuses on situations posing significant threats to a child's well- being
- Disadvantage Exclusion: AB 2085 specifies that a parent's economic disadvantage does not constitute general neglect. This change is crucial for educators to understand, as it distinguishes between neglect and challenges stemming from economic hardship
Implications for Education:
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Reporting Responsibilities: As mandated reporters, educators are required to report known or reasonably suspected cases of child abuse or neglect. Under AB 2085, educators must be mindful of the revised definition of general neglect when identifying and responding to potential concerns.
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Training and Awareness: Educators need additional training or guidance to fully understand and implement the changes brought about by AB 2085. This includes recognizing signs of serious physical harm or illness as opposed to hardships caused by economic disadvantage.
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Supporting Families: The exclusion of economic disadvantage from the definition of neglect encourages educators to differentiate between neglect and poverty. Educators should be equipped to provide support or refer families to appropriate resources without misinterpreting economic challenges as neglect.
Conclusion:
AB 2085 brings significant changes to how child neglect is defined and reported in California, particularly for educators. Understanding these changes is crucial for educators in their role as mandated reporters. The focus on substantial risk and the exclusion of economic disadvantage aim to protect vulnerable families while ensuring that children at genuine risk receive the attention and care they need. Educators play a pivotal role in this process and must be well-informed and prepared to adapt to these legislative changes.
Assessing Organizational Readiness:
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Is your training updated to include AB 2085 guidance?
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Are your organizational mandated reporter training, policies, and practice aligned with the shift towards supporting families?
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Does your training provide the concrete guidance needed to help reporters make sound decisions that are in the best interest of children and their families?
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What key messages do mandated reporters walk away with from your training?
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Do your internal protocols include decision support processes, such as colleague consultation or use of a tool?
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Are you providing or linking families to supportive services that mitigate risk, prevent maltreatment, and unnecessary DCFS involvement?
Resources:
Training PowerPoint PDF Links to an external site.
California Child Welfare Indicators Project Links to an external site.
General Neglect Decision Support Tip Sheet Links to an external site.
General Neglect Decision Tree Links to an external site.
MSI Website Resources for Families Links to an external site.
MSI Website Resources for Reporters Links to an external site.
For questions or assistance, please contact our Child Welfare & Attendance Unit at (526) 922-6233 or cwa@lacoe.edu.