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Recognizing and Reporting Suspected Child Abuse or Neglect

Explains how Agency staff, contractors and volunteers recognize and report suspected abuse or neglect of a child (anyone under 18), whether the child is a patient, a family member in a patient's home, or a child in the bereavement program. Missouri law requires nurses, physicians, social workers, ministers, other health practitioners and others to immediately report to the Children's Division, says that no internal investigation may be started until the report has been made, makes the duty personal, and requires the employer to give staff immediate access to a telephone and time to report.

Preview: full text with a package
About this policy
Policy number
MO-HSP-ANE-02
Version
1.0
Main rule
RSMo §210.115
Library
Missouri hospice · 59 policies
Category
Safeguarding
Sections
17

In short

  • If a child is in danger, call 911 first.
  • If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, report it yourself, right away, to the Children's Division: 1-800-392-3738.
  • Report before anyone at the Agency looks into it. No one may stop or delay your report.
  • The Agency gives you a phone and time off your other duties to make the report.
  • After reporting, tell the Administrator and write a short confidential note.

What's inside

17 sections. The full text comes with the One-time Policy Pack.

Full text with a package
  • Terms of Reference
  • 1. Purpose
  • 2. Scope
  • 3. Definitions
  • 4. Policy Statement (RSMo §210.115.1)
  • 5. Recognizing Abuse and Neglect in Hospice Families
  • 6. How to Report
  • 7. What the Agency Must Do for Reporters (RSMo §210.115.3)
  • 8. Death of a Child
  • 9. Penalty and Other Duties
  • 10. Responsibilities
  • 11. Records and Compliance Monitoring
  • 12. Staff Training
  • 13. References
  • 14. Related Policies and Forms
  • 15. Approval
  • 16. Revision History

An inspector may ask

  • If you see signs that a child in a patient's home is being abused, what do you do first?
  • Can your supervisor make the report for you, or look into it before you call?

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