NDDOHS offers online training for mandated abuse reporters

The North Dakota Department of Human Services’ Children and Family Services Division has announced the launch of new interactive web-based training for mandated reporters of child abuse and neglect in North Dakota. The training can be found on Prevent Child Abuse North Dakota’s website at www.stopchildabusend.com/.

“Our relationships with mandated reporters in the community play an important part in protecting children in our state,” said Tara Muhlhauser, director of the department’s Children and Family Services Division. “This training is a foundation of information for mandated reporters to provide them with a clear idea about what their roles and responsibilities are in helping keep children safe.”

The online training features interactive exercises customized for child care and medical professionals, law enforcement officials, educators, clergy, and others who are mandated by law to report suspected child abuse and neglect. Each training module gives participants an in-depth look at the importance of reporting, the various indictors of abuse and neglect, how to file a report of suspected child abuse or neglect, and the law pertaining to abuse and neglect. There is also a self-test that participants can take that enhances the learning points.

The training also includes a narrated life-like scenario called “Lisa’s Story,” which puts an elementary teacher’s training, courage and compassion to the test to report suspected abuse and neglect of a six-year old student.

Muhlhauser said there is no charge to access the training, and the training takes about one hour to complete.

In North Dakota, anyone may report suspected child abuse and neglect by calling their county social services office. County information is online at www.nd.gov/dhs/loca tions/countysocialserv/. The county social service offices serve as the department’s authorized agents for child protection services.

The state Department of Human Services’ Children and Family Services Division funds child abuse and neglect prevention efforts across the state and partners with Prevent Child Abuse North Dakota to provide statewide education and prevention programming.

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