Mandated Reporting of Suspected Child Abuse or Neglect
About This Policy
- Last Updated
- 07/09/2018
- Responsible Office
- Student Development Campus Life
All members of the Montclair State University community are required by state law to report suspected child abuse or neglect. Under New Jersey Annotated Statutes § 9:6-8.10, any individual is designated as a mandated reporter of suspected child abuse; the law does not differentiate between professionals working with children and any other individual aware of abuse of a child.
The New Jersey Department of Children and Families defines abuse and neglect as:
- Abuse is the physical, sexual or emotional harm or risk of harm to a child under the age of 18 caused by a parent or other person who acts as a caregiver for the child.
- Neglect occurs when a parent or caregiver fails to provide proper supervision for a child or adequate food, clothing, shelter, education or medical care although financially able or assisted to do so.
Anyone who suspects that a person under the age of 18 (“minor”) has been subjected to physical, emotional or sexual abuse, abandonment, cruelty or neglect must immediately notify the Montclair State University Police Department (“MSUPD”) at 973-655-5222.
New Jersey law (NJSA 9:6-8.10) also requires all persons who have reasonable cause to believe that a minor has been subject to abuse or neglect to report it to the New Jersey Department of Children and Families’ hotline by calling 1-877-NJABUSE (1-877-652-2873). Any reports made to the MSUPD will be forwarded to the hotline and coordinated with other legal authorities.
Montclair State University will not retaliate against anyone who reports a reasonable belief that a minor has been subject to abuse or neglect.