April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month and we urge communities to recognize this month by working together to support child abuse prevention programs and activities, increase awareness about child abuse and contribute to promoting the social and emotional well-being of children and families in a safe, stable and nurturing environment.
Child abuse prevention remains the best defense for our children and families and effective prevention activities succeed because of the partnerships created between child welfare professionals, education, health, communityand faith- based organizations, business, law enforcement agencies and families.
AB 2085 Mandated Reporter Training Supplement
This training was created through the Los Angeles County Mandated Supporting Initiative (MSI) in partnership with the UCLA Prevention Center of Excellence, the Los Angeles County Office of Education, Casey Family Programs, SHIELDS for Families, Safe and Sound, CASA of Los Angeles, Evident Change, Children’s Law Center, and the Department of Children and Family Services.
This training is an important milestone in our work to transform Los Angeles County’s system of mandated reporting into a model that ensures that children are safe and prevents the harm caused by unnecessary involvement with the child welfare system, promotes holistic family well-being, and eliminates mandated reporting as a driver of racial disproportionality in the child welfare system.
This self-paced eLearning course provides:
· Guidance on how to implement and comply with AB 2085.
· Insights, strategies, and tools to make more accurate, consistent, and equitable decisions about reporting suspected general neglect. This includes a five-step decision support process and the AB 2085 General Neglect Decision Tree.
· Strategies and resources to support families in need when a report to the Child Protection Hotline is not required.
· Strategies for supporting families even when a report to the Child Protection Hotline is required.
Training materials and facilitator’s notes are also available to support groups and organizations that would like to provide live/synchronous training.
We are also excited to share information regarding the launch of the new MSI website, SupportingFamilies.LACounty.gov. The training, printable tools, and more can be accessed via the site. Mandated Reporters in healthcare can also access information regarding Los Angeles County’s implementation of Plans of Safe Care here.
Most importantly, we want you to know that the website is a place where Mandated Reporters and families can find information about supportive resources that are available in communities.
What You Need to Know About Child Abuse Prevention
April 2, 2025
April marks National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness and fostering proactive efforts to protect children and support families. Preventing child abuse isn’t just the responsibility of social workers or educators—it’s a shared commitment that requires awareness, collaboration and action from all of us.
In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Tamara Hunter, Executive Director of the L.A. County Mandated Supporting Initiative, and Alicia Garoupa, LACOE’s Chief of Wellbeing and Support Services. Together, they will share insights on the current landscape of child abuse prevention, the importance of early intervention and the resources available to strengthen families and communities. This is an important conversation that reinforces our collective role in ensuring the safety and well-being of children.
Additional Resources
Professional Development Opportunity
Narrative Change in Action: Implementing the Mandated Supporting Initiative and AB 2085
April 23, 2025, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Register Here
Access code: AB 2085
The traditional model of mandatory reporting often leads to over-reporting, eroding family trust and disproportionately affecting Black and Indigenous families. Los Angeles County’s Mandated Supporting Initiative aims to transform this system by equipping mandated reporters with better training, decision-making tools, and a more supportive approach to child safety.
This workshop will also cover Assembly Bill (AB) 2085, a recent California law that modified the definition of general neglect. Participants will learn key legal changes, their impact on reporting practices, and practical strategies for compliance while prioritizing family well-being.
LACOE Board Resolution
Board Resoluton 50 recognizing National Child Abuse Prevention Month
LACOE Mandated Supporting Initiative
Learn how the Los Angeles County Office of Education is working with key partners to transform the mandated reporting process in education across Los Angeles County to better support historically underserved children, youth and families.
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Provides information about National Child Abuse Prevention Month, data, AVEs, Protective Factors, and an Outreach Toolkit. They are a great resource that I use for National FY Month.
Outreach Toolkit
- 30-Day Child Abuse Prevention Month Action Calendar
View daily ideas to raise awareness and promote safe environments for children. - Overview: Mandated Reporting Reform in Los Angeles County Schools
View data for Mandated Reports in L.A. County - Zoom Background Graphic
Download Zoom background - Social Media Templates
Customize templates to post on social media - How You Can Support Child Abuse Prevention Month
1. Implement Assembly Bill (AB) 2085 Learn about guidance for mandated reporters in Los Angeles County. Take the training.
2. Utilize the Family Resource Finder Connect families to critical resources and support services. Explore tools: Find Resources.
3. Share, Support and Spread Awareness
-Use social media posts to amplify awareness.
-Access additional tools to help make a difference.
-Join the movement and encourage others to #ProtectChildren
Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services
This link will provide viewers with how to Report Child Abuse within, and outside of California. Additional services for hearing impaired are available here.
Department of Social Services
This site provides the viewer with a host of resources and links that speak on Shaken Baby Syndrome, How You Can Help, and much more.
Childhelp
This website provides Live Chats, toll free numbers to call to report or contact a Counselor. They have ways how to identify abuse.
Some Secrets Should Never Be Kept
This book is written for parents and teachers to teach children about body safety and the importance of speaking up if they experience unsafe touch or abuse.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
View facts from the CDC on child abuse anad neglect.
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