Be prepared.

When developing policies, consult with at least one child abuse expert. Develop policies for sex offenders seeking to attend and join your community as well as for responding to an allegation within the community. Policies must be accompanied with training.

Remember:

• It’s important to know the dangers of keeping quiet and limiting an investigation

• Limit opportunities for sex offenders to access children – always have at least 2 unrelated adult volunteers present to limit one-on-one interactions whenever possible

• Conduct background checks on all employees and volunteers

• Teach personal safety to children

• Don’t investigate. Report.

In accordance with MS. Code 43-21-353, any attorney, physician, dentist, intern, resident, nurse, psychologist, social worker, family protection worker, family protection specialist, child caregiver, minister, law enforcement officer, public or private school employee or any other person having reasonable cause to suspect that a child is a neglected child or an abused child, shall make a verbal report immediately by telephone or otherwise and followed as soon thereafter as possible by a report in writing to the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services.

The identity of the person who made the report will remain confidential, except when the court determines the testimony of the person reporting is material to the judicial proceeding, or when the identity of the reporter is released to law enforcement and the prosecutor. Professionals cannot rely on another person to make the report.

If a child reveals abuse or neglect, remain calm. It’s important to believe the child, but refrain from making promises. Assure the child that he/she did the right thing and is not to blame for the abuse. Do not question the child about the experience, leave all questioning up to the authorities.

• You have the right and responsibility to report suspected abuse or neglect – free of fear, intimidation or regret.

• Making a required report shall be presumed to be acting in good faith and immune from any liability, civil or criminal, that might otherwise be incurred or imposed.

• Professionals may not delegate the duty to report suspected abuse or neglect to any other person.

• You are required to report suspicion of abuse or neglect immediately to authorities. Reporting to your superior does NOT meet your professional obligations under the law.

• When responding to an outcry, let the child use his/her own words to tell you what happened, but leave the detailed questioning to the professionals.

Available 24 hours a day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year, the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services statewide intake phone line and website provides a central point of contact for all allegations of abuse, neglect and exploitation for the State of Mississippi. Reports are promptly sent to the county of responsibility.

1.800.222.8000