Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA)
I. Summary
In accordance with the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act, effective, July 1, 2013, the University of California Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect Policy requires Mandated Reporters who observe, have actual knowledge of, or reasonably suspect child or elder/dependent abuse or neglect at a University facility or perpetrated by University personnel to immediately report the concern to appropriate external and University officials.
II. Related Policy, Contract Articles and References
III. Process Overview
Identification of Mandated Reporters
- Unit/Department submits job description to Compensation/Classification team to assess Mandated Reporter designation
- Compensation/Classification uses UC Santa Cruz CANRA Decision Tree to identify positions which have duties which may require regular and direct contact with minors, or which have been predefined
- In addition to those already designated by policy or by Compensation/Classification, Units/Departments may identify other positions as Mandated Reporters
Acknowledgement of Rights and Responsibilities
- Staff employees who are newly hired into positions which are designated as Mandated Reporters shall complete the electronic attestation form contained in the required training (see below). Units with employees without regular electronic access should consult with their ER Analyst.
- Employees whose responsibilities have changed through either an update to job description or reclassification must sign the acknowledgement at time of signing the updated job description
- Employee acknowledgment forms shall be retained in the personnel file. Academic Appointee acknowledgement forms shall be sent to and retained in the Academic Personnel Office. Student acknowledgement forms shall be sent to and retained in the Central Payroll Office in Financial Affairs
Training
- In accordance with the University of California Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect Policy, any UC Santa Cruz employee who has been identified as a Mandated Reporter is required to complete training in the identification and reporting of suspected child abuse and/or neglect.
- Employees will be notified of the training requirement via email from LearningCenter@ucsc.edu.
- After receiving notification, employees access the CANRA e-course through the UCSC Learning Center and searching for “CANRA” in the “Find a Course” tab. It can also be found in the Library in "UC Policies & Operations" or “UC Systemwide Compliance.” **IMPORTANT: Only training accessed through the link provided in the UCSC Learning Center email fulfills the training requirement
- View supplemental training offerings at http://risk.ucsc.edu/manage-risk/minors-manage-risk.html
Note: Mandated Reporters must comply with the duties imposed by the Act whether or not they have received training from the University or any third party.
Reporting Suspected Abuse or Neglect
Per Policy, Mandated Reporters who observe, have direct knowledge, or reasonable suspicion of child abuse or neglect must fulfill both External and Internal reporting obligations as set below. Notes: Mandated Reporters are NOT responsible for proving abuse or neglect; only for timely reporting of reasonable suspicion or direct knowledge or observation to the appropriate authorities. Any person, whether or not identified as a Mandated Reporter, who reasonably believes he or she has observed a murder, rape, or certain lewd or lascivious acts where the victim is a child under the age of 14 years is required to notify a peace officer of the potential crime, and for completing an internal report.
External Reporting Requirement
- Required External report may be made to any police, sheriffs’ departments, and county welfare departments. Such report must be made immediately, by telephone, and followed by a written report as soon as reasonably practicable, but in any event within 36 hours
Internal Reporting Requirement
- Promptly report observed or suspected child abuse or neglect to the UCSC Police Department by calling UCSC Police dispatch and asking to speak to a detective to make a CANRA report.
- Mandated Reporters at UC Santa Cruz Early Education Services, or Student Health Center who observe or suspect child abuse or neglect must also comply with any internal reporting regulations set forth in the facilities’ local by‐laws and policies
IV. Forms/Resources
University of California Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect Policy
PENAL CODE SECTION 11164-11174.3 - Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act
S.534 - Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017
Predefined Mandated Reporters
UC Santa Cruz CANRA Decision Tree
CANRA Packet
UC Learning Center
Management of Youth Activities- Guidelines, Training & Insurance
Written Report