Child Abuse & Neglect

Table of Contents

Children and dependent adults in Iowa deserve the greatest possible protection from abuse. Mandatory reporters are essential partners in protecting children and dependent adults from abuse. As professionals who have frequent contact with children, mandatory reporters are trained to identify the signs that a child or a dependent adult may have suffered abuse or neglect. Parents understand that schools employ mandatory reporters. 

Iowa Health and Human Services defines the following categories of child abuse to include: physical abuse, mental injury, sexual abuse, child prostitution, presence of illegal drugs in a child’s body, denial of critical care, dangerous substances, bestiality in the presence of a child, child access to a registered sex offender, access to obscene materials, or child trafficking.

Child abuse mandatory reporter training is required for most school employees. A current child abuse mandatory reporter training certificate of completion is required for the following situations:

  • Employment in a licensed position
  • Employment in any school position for those 18 years of age or older
  • License renewal

Iowa has a 24-hour hotline number:1-800-362-2178

If the child is in immediate danger, call 911

Actions

  1. Follow the steps provided in the training from Iowa Health and Human Services.
  2. Be ready to provide identifying information about the child or dependent adult, their parents or other caregivers, and the whereabouts of the child or dependent adult and family.
  3. While mandatory reporters are required to provide their name and address, all other reporters may remain anonymous.
  4. Mandatory reporters are required by law to make a report of suspected abuse within 24 hours of becoming aware of the concern(s).