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FAU PD Mandatory Reporting Requirements

To Report Abuse or Request Victim Advocate Services call (561) 297-0500

Mandatory Reporting  of child abuse, elderly abuse or the abuse of a vulnerable adult is required of FAU PD by Florida State Statute. All reports must be made by calling: 1-800-96ABUSE (1-800-962-2873).

The Florida Abuse Hotline is used to report any reasonably suspected abuse of a child (an unmarried person under the age of 18), an elderly person or a vulnerable adult.  A vulnerable adult is defined as someone who is unable to perform daily activities on their own or provide his or her own care and protection due to a disability or illness. It is encouraged that anyone who suspects abuse of these populations report such abuse. Below are some general guidelines that can assist in determining when to make a report and what will be needed.

 

What is Abuse?

For Children: "Abuse" means any willful act or threatened act that results in any physical, mental, or sexual injury or harm that causes or is likely to cause the child's physical, mental, or emotional health to be significantly impaired. Abuse of a child includes acts or omissions. Corporal discipline of a child by a parent or legal custodian for disciplinary purposes does not in itself constitute abuse when it does not result in harm to the child.

For Adults: "Abuse" means any willful act or threatened act by a relative, caregiver, or household member which causes or is likely to cause significant impairment to a vulnerable adult's physical, mental, or emotional health. Abuse includes acts and omissions.

 

What is Neglect?

For Children: “Neglect" occurs when a child is deprived of, or is allowed to be deprived of, necessary food, clothing, shelter, or medical treatment or a child is permitted to live in an environment when such deprivation or environment causes the child's physical, mental, or emotional health to be significantly impaired or to be in danger of being significantly impaired.

For Adults: "Neglect" means the failure or omission on the part of the caregiver or vulnerable adult to provide the care, supervision, and services necessary to maintain the physical and mental health of the vulnerable adult, including, but not limited to, food, clothing, medicine, shelter, supervision, and medical services, which a prudent person would consider essential for the well-being of a vulnerable adult. The term "neglect" also means the failure of a caregiver or vulnerable adult to make a reasonable effort to protect a vulnerable adult from abuse, neglect, or exploitation by others.

 

What is Exploitation?

"Exploitation" means a person who:

1. Stands in a position of trust and confidence with a vulnerable adult and knowingly, by deception or intimidation, obtains or uses, or endeavors to obtain or use, a vulnerable adult's funds, assets, or property with the intent to temporarily or permanently deprive a vulnerable adult of the use, benefit, or possession of the funds, assets, or property for the benefit of someone other than the vulnerable adult; or

2. Knows or should know that the vulnerable adult lacks the capacity to consent, and obtains or uses, or endeavors to obtain or use, the vulnerable adult's funds, assets, or property with the intent to temporarily or permanently deprive the vulnerable adult of the use, benefit, or possession of the funds, assets, or property for the benefit of someone other than the vulnerable adult.

 

When reporting

All reporting by the general public is confidential and you do not have to provide your name or information.

Try to gather as much information as possible regarding the situation and be prepared to provide the following information:

  1. Victim name, possible responsible person, or alleged perpetrator name(s).
  2. Complete addresses for subjects, including a numbered street address; apartment or lot number; city, state, and zip code and/or directions to their location.
  3. Telephone numbers, including area code.
  4. Estimated or actual dates of birth.
  5. Social Security numbers, if available.
  6. A brief, yet concise, description of the abuse, neglect, abandonment, or exploitation, including physical, mental or sexual injuries, if any.
  7. Names of other residents and their relationship to the victim(s), if available.
  8. A brief description of the victim's disability or infirmity (required for vulnerable adults).
  9. The relationship of the alleged perpetrator to the victim.

For more information about providers that are mandated reporters and the processes or reporting please visit: http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/service-programs/abuse-hotline/frequently-asked-questions.shtml