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13 Section 2: Program Standards Mandatory Reporting Nebraska Revised Statute 28-711 considers all Nebraskans to be mandatory reporters. This means any adult, regardless of their profession, who has reasonable cause to believe a child has been subjected to abuse or neglect is required by law to make a report. All reports that meet the definition of abuse and neglect must undergo an assessment. If the report is in good faith, you are not liable. Your identity will not be released. However, if the case goes to court, the reporter’s identity may be revealed, and records subpoenaed. REPORTING ABUSE AND NEGLECT • Immediately document the details of what you have seen or heard regarding the abuse or neglect as it relates to your role on the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Form: dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/ Child-Abuse.aspx » Provide as much information as you can about the alleged victim(s) — the child(ren) — and the people in their household. • Call Nebraska’s Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-800-652-1999 or local law enforcement. • Call Child Care Licensing at 1-800-600-1289 and provide the same information, along with the program’s name and location. Emotional neglect: Information indicates that the child is suffering or has suffered severe negative emotional effects due to a parent/ caregiver’s failure to provide opportunities for normal experience that produce feelings of being loved, wanted, secure and worthy. Lack of such opportunities may impair the child’s ability to form healthy relationships with others. Physical neglect: Information indicates the failure of the parent/caregiver to provide basic needs or a safe and sanitary living environment for the child. Domestic neglect: Domestic violence as neglect means the establishment of control and fear in a relationship using violence. A child exposed to domestic violence by being physically present or affected by the pattern of abuse. Note: Substance use alone does not indicate abuse or neglect. Substance use that affects an adult’s ability to meet a child’s basic needs may result in suspected neglect. What happens if I am reported? Nebraska state law requires that any person who believes a child has been or is being abused or neglected make a report. All reports that meet the definition of abuse and neglect must undergo an assessment. The identity of the person who made the report is confidential and cannot be released. The investigator cannot disclose who made the call, even if the reporter’s identity is known. DHHS Child and Family Services specialists will review the information and decide whether to accept the report for investigation. Not all reports are accepted. If it is accepted, DHHS and/ or law enforcement personnel will visit with you. Once the report is accepted for investigation, a representative from the department and/or law enforcement will investigate. It is their job to determine if abuse/neglect has occurred. Specific to Children’s Services (Child Care Licensing), their role is to investigate licensing violations and determine appropriate responses.