TIDAL RIVER CHRISTIAN CAMP POLICY REGARDING
CHILD ABUSE/NEGLECT REPORTING

The Board of Directors for Tidal River Christian Camp recognizes their ethical obligations in the reporting of suspected child abuse and neglect. The Board of Directors also realizes that at times they may have volunteers serving the camp who are identified as mandated reporters according to Connecticut General Statutes 17a-101. The Board of Directors further realize that Connecticut General Statutes 17a-101 requires that "Mandated reporters are required to report or cause a report to be made when, in their professional capacity, they have reasonable cause to suspect or believe that a child under the age of 18 has been abused, neglected or is placed in imminent risk of serious harm by a person responsible for the child's health, welfare or care, or by a person given access to the child by the responsible person."

The Board of Directors for Tidal River Christian Camp realize that Connecticut General Statues 46b-120 indicates that "Child abuse occurs where a child has had non-accidental physical injury inflicted upon him other than by accidental means, has injuries at variance with history given of them, or is in a condition resulting in maltreatment, such as, but not limited to, malnutrition, sexual molestation or exploitation, deprivation of necessities, emotional maltreatment or cruel punishment." The Board of Directors further realize that Connecticut General Statutes 46b-120 indicates that "Child neglect occurs where a child has been abandoned, is being denied proper care and attention physically, emotionally, or morally, or is being permitted to live under conditions, circumstances or associations injurious to his well-being."

In recognizing this legal and ethical obligation the Board of Directors instructs that in all instances where a mandated reporter believes that an incident of Child Abuse or Neglect occurs they must notify the Camp Director or his designee. Upon notification, the camp director, the camp nurse, and the mandated reporter are instructed to investigate this allegation. Should this investigation conclude that a camper has been abused or neglected then the Camp Director must report his suspicions to the Department of Children and Families.

The Board believes that staff members who are not legally mandated to report suspected child abuse or neglect are nonetheless ethically obligated to protect children. Thus, these staff members must report suspicions to the Camp Director or his designee who must then proceed in accordance with the law and Board Policy.

Should camp staff have reasonable cause to suspect or believe that a child has been abused or neglected by another member of the Camp staff the same process of reporting to The Department of Children and Families must be followed. Additionally the Camp Director must inform the child's parent/guardian that a report has been made.

The Board believes not only in prompt, effective reaction to suspected abuse or neglect, but also in a proactive, preventative approach. Toward that end an overview of abuse and neglect shall be provided for all counselors during their orientation weekend. This overview should include effective recognition of and response to suspected child abuse and neglect.


Those who must report as mandated by Connecticut State Law: 

* Chiropractors 
* Clergy 
* Dental Hygienists 
* Dentists
* Domestic Violence Counselors 
* Licensed Marital and Family Therapists 
* Licensed or F Unlicensed Resident Interns 
* Licensed or Unlicensed Resident Physicians 
* Licensed Physicians 
* Licensed Practical Nurses 
* Licensed Substance Abuse Counselors 
* Licensed Surgeons 
* Medical Examiners 
* Mental Health Professionals 
* Optometrists 
* Osteopaths 
* Pharmacists 
* Physical Therapists 
* Physician Assistants 
* Podiatrists 
* Police Officers 
* Psychologists 
* Registered Nurses 
* School Guidance Counselors 
* School Paraprofessionals 
* School Principals 
* School Teachers 
* Sexual Assault Counselors 
* Social Workers 
* Any person paid to care for a child in any public or private facility, day care center or family day care home licensed by the State 

(Connecticut General Statutes 17a-101) 

Adopted:02-02-2002