Tami Snyder - County of San Diego, Child and Family Well-Being
Bill James - Evident Change
The decision to report suspected abuse or neglect has profound effects on a family. BIPOC families are disproportionately reported for neglect. This leads to increased inequities and disruption for communities of color. During the past 2 years, the Child Abuse Hotline has seen a high volume of calls. These calls are mostly non-urgent reports and more than 50% of the calls are not assigned for investigation. Child and Family Well-Being Department has developed innovative approaches to reduce calls to the Hotline while prioritizing child safety. The Community Response Guide helps communities collaboratively develop accurate, equitable reporting practices tailored. The online public guide includes decision trees for neglect or abuse concerns that are linked to a regularly updated roster of local prevention agencies. The goal of the Mandated Reporter Application is to reduce call wait time and allows a quicker response to urgent matters.