Mandated Reporter to
Community Supporter
As part of our commitment to supporting the community, the Children’s Network of Solano County provides free mandated reporter trainings to professionals across the county. These trainings are designed to ensure participants are well-informed and fully equipped to navigate the implications of AB 2085 in their work. Through our county-wide initiative, we are fostering a transformative shift from the role of mandated reporter to that of a community supporter, empowering professionals to better serve and protect vulnerable populations.
Child neglect is the most common form of maltreatment.
Effective January 1, 2023, Assembly Bill 2085 (AB 2085) redefined the concept of general neglect, emphasizing that a parent's economic disadvantage should not be classified as neglect. This legislative change aims to transform the role of mandated reporters into community supporters, fostering stronger, more united families.With AB 2085, there is a statewide shift toward community support as an alternative to reporting, whenever appropriate. In alignment with this vision, Solano County released its comprehensive Child Abuse Prevention Plan in 2023. This plan addresses systemic disparities, promotes child abuse prevention, and emphasizes community education. A key component of this initiative is the implementation of in-person Mandated Reporter to Community Supporter Trainings, equipping professionals with the tools to adopt this progressive approach effectively
326
mandated reporters trained in 2024
Who is Required to Report?
Mandated reporters include professionals who interact with children or supervise minors in their roles, including:
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Educators and school employees (teachers, aides, administrators).
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Childcare and youth program staff (day camps, youth centers, licensed daycare facilities).
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Medical professionals (doctors, nurses, dentists, psychologists, social workers).
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Law enforcement and public safety personnel (peace officers, firefighters, probation officers).
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Public health workers and coroners treating minors.
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Foster care and group home staff.
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Clergy and their record custodians.
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Film processors and computer technicians.
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Coaches, athletic staff, and youth recreation supervisors.
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Autism service professionals.
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HR employees and supervisors at businesses employing minors.
Mandated Reporting and the
Child Welfare System
Under California law, mandated reporters are required to report suspected cases of child abuse or neglect. However, data from 2020 reveals a striking gap: fewer than 1 in 6 of the children reported for abuse or neglect were substantiated by the state’s child welfare system.
This underscores a significant issue, especially given that Black, Native American, and Latinx children and families are disproportionately reported and involved in the child welfare system.
The chart shows the distribution of reported cases versus those that were substantiated, highlighting the disparities in how different communities are affected by the child welfare system.
Excellent training and outstanding presenter. Very proud to have been a part of the Children's Network of Solano family!
Mandated Reporter Training Participant
Meet the Trainer
Megan B. Escoto is a former first responder working in child abuse prevention. She holds degrees in Social Justice, Criminal Justice, and Behavioral Science. Megan decided to work in public service after experiencing abuse as a child, being part of the foster care system, and enduring labor trafficking in the black market cannabis industry for five and a half years as a young adult. She saw how she fell through the cracks in the system after multiple visits to hospitals and various interactions with healthcare workers and law enforcement that did not result in the identification of human trafficking. This experience motivated her to become a part of improving the system to help other victims and educate those who serve the public. She works to educate the community on human trafficking and child abuse prevention with a trauma-informed approach.
In 2022, Megan received a recognition award from the Archdiocese of San Francisco for her work in restorative justice and has been part of multiple documentaries about surviving sexual assault and human trafficking. She currently sits on a legislative panel reviewing California legislation related to sex crimes and other gender-based violence, and is a published author in an anthology about surviving human trafficking.
Mandated Reporter Trainings in Action
How You Can Help Prevent Child Abuse
Every role in the community plays a vital part in preventing child abuse. Whether you care for children directly or support them through your work or actions, we provide resources and actionable steps designed specifically for your responsibilities.
