Domestic Abuse (DA) - Mandated Reporting

CalWORKs staff must reassure clients that the disclosure of DA is not an automatic condition for reporting child abuse or neglect, or removal of the child(ren) by the DFCS. The criteria for removal of the child is viewed in terms of the risk of abuse or neglect to the child. Whenever possible, the general policy is not to remove the child from the home, BUT TO REMOVE THE ABUSER.

If a client discloses a DA situation and a child is at risk, the Social Services Agency employee, who is first notified, is mandated to report this incident immediately. Reports should be made to the Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline in the following areas:

Refer to Common Place Handbook, Notices of Action, or log on to the SSA Intranet for more information on Child Abuse Reporting.]