Sunday, February 09, 2003

Rabbis Mandated Reporters?

The Awareness Center
c/o Etz Chaim
3702 Fords Lane
Baltimore, MD 21215


Feb. 9, 2003

Dear Friends,

I need your help with something.  Various states across our nation (The USA) are in the process of redefining many laws that have to do with childhood sexual abuse.  One of those laws is regarding members of the clergy being mandated reporters.

If you are not aware, a mandated reporter is someone who HAS to make hotline reports to state child protection agencies when they SUSPECT a child is being abused and/or neglected.  If they don't they will be fined, loose licenses, and depending on the state face criminal charges.  Investigating the allegations is left up to highly skilled and trained law enforcement officers and child protection workers.

Recently various state legislators have contacting The Awareness Center asking for help.  I want to offer the opportunity to you to help make a difference.  We need your help to stop childhood sexual abuse. We need your help in change the legal definition of who is a mandated reporter, so that members of the clergy (Rabbis, Cantors and other trusted officials) are included.  We also need you to write that if someone is mandated to report, doesn't report they will be held accountable.  

If you believe that Rabbis along with other clergy members should be required by law, to be mandated reporters please take the time and type a letter.  If you can always include halacha to express yourself in your letters (as long as it is in simple English, and referenced).  In your letter include your legal name, address, and signature.  Snail mail the letter to me at:

Vicki Polin, MA, LCPC, ATR-BC, NCC
Director and Founder - The Awareness Center


To learn more about the different mandated reporting laws in the USA go to:


Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect
http://www.smith-lawfirm.com/mandatory_reporting.htm

CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT STATE STATUTES SERIES READY REFERENCE
http://www.calib.com/nccanch/pubs/readref/mandclergy.cfm


Clergy as Mandated Reporters
http://theawarenesscenter.blogspot.com/2003/02/clergy-as-mandated-reporters.html

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