Reporting Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation of Vulnerable Adults and Children
Requires every staff member who knows or suspects that a vulnerable adult or a child is being abused, neglected or exploited to report it personally and immediately to the Florida Abuse Hotline of the Department of Children and Families (s. 415.1034; s. 39.201, F.S.); sets what to report and how, the signs to watch for, what the Agency does when the person suspected is a staff member, the protections for reporters and the penalties for failing to report, and how report records are kept confidential.
About this policy
- Policy number
- FL-HC-ANE-01
- Version
- 1.0
- Main rule
- s. 415.1034, F.S.
- Library
- Florida home care · 50 policies
- Category
- Safeguarding
- Sections
- 19
In short
- If you suspect abuse, neglect or exploitation of a client, any vulnerable adult or a child, you must report it right away.
- Call the Florida Abuse Hotline yourself: 1-800-96-ABUSE (1-800-962-2873), 24 hours a day. Telling your supervisor is not enough.
- If someone is in immediate danger, call 911 first, then the hotline.
- You do not need proof. A reasonable suspicion is enough. Do not question the client or confront anyone.
- After you report, tell the Administrator and complete the report record the same day.
- You are protected by law when you report in good faith. Not reporting is a crime.
What's inside
19 sections. The full text comes with the One-time Policy Pack.
- Terms of Reference
- 1. Purpose
- 2. Scope
- 3. Definitions
- 4. Policy Statement (s. 415.1034, F.S.)
- 5. When to Report
- 6. How to Report
- 7. Signs to Watch For
- 8. When the Person Suspected Is a Staff Member
- 9. Protection for Reporters and Penalties for Not Reporting
- 10. Telling Clients How to Report
- 11. Confidentiality and Sharing Information
- 12. Responsibilities
- 13. Records and Compliance Monitoring
- 14. Staff Training
- 15. References
- 16. Related Policies and Forms
- 17. Approval
- 18. Revision History
An inspector may ask
- What would you do if you thought a client's son was taking her money?
- What is the number for the Florida Abuse Hotline? Do you call it yourself or tell your supervisor?
See Cura Core with your agency's name on it.
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