Reporting
Reporting Child Abuse or Neglect
We all have a shared responsibility to protect minors at USC. Therefore, all members of the USC community who observe, have knowledge of, or have reasonable suspicion that a child has been or is in danger of abuse or neglect are to report the matter to the proper external agencies and university officials as described below.
If there is an imminent threat to safety, contact 911.
(available 24 hours, 7 days per week)
- Toll-free within California:
(800) 540-4000 - From outside California:
(213) 639-4500 - Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (TDD):
(800) 272-6699
and Programming.
Submit notice by completing this online form
Reporting other serious concerns, incidents and violations relating to minors
Other serious concerns, incidents and violations relating to minors that may not seem to rise to the level of known or suspected abuse must also be reported to the Office of Youth Protection and Programing as soon as possible and within no more than 24 hours of learning about the original concern. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Serious injuries, accidents, etc. involving minors
- Medical or mental health emergencies (subject to any medical confidentiality requirements)
- Near misses (e.g., a situation that could have resulted in a serious accident or injury)
- Inappropriate behavior, including grooming behavior or boundary violations
- Misconduct between minors
- Inadequate supervision
- Violations of the Protecting Minors policy or USC’s Guidelines for Interacting with Minors
If the concerning behavior or incident is a potential form of discrimination or harassment based on protected characteristic (including sexual harassment), or related retaliation, the report also will be shared with the Office for Equity, Equal Opportunity, and Title IX (EEO-TIX), as the University’s office that coordinates resources for civil rights education, reporting, and resolution procedures.
For more information about the EEO-TIX office and faculty and staff reporting responsibilities, please visit their website.
How to report other serious concerns, incidents or violations relating to minors
These types of concerns can be reported by submitting a notice of concern or calling the Office Youth Protection and Programming.
Frequently asked questions about reporting child abuse or neglect
Below are the most frequently asked questions about what conduct may be considered child abuse or neglect, when to report to external agencies, and what happens during the reporting process. If you have additional questions about your obligation to report or what you should do in a situation where child abuse, neglect, or other misconduct is suspected, please contact the Office of Youth Protection and Programming.
Who is required to report?
Under the Protecting Minors Policy, all University Employees and Covered Activity Staff, regardless of whether they qualify as Mandated Reporters, must immediately report suspected Child Abuse and Neglect, as well as all other serious incidents or violations relating to Minors, to the appropriate external agencies and University officials. Covered Activity Staff include all individuals reasonably expected to work with or otherwise come into direct contact with minors in a Covered Activity (a camp, program, activity or event involving minors), including USC employees, students, volunteers, and all individuals employed by, contracted by, or volunteering for a third party in connection with a covered activity (e.g., counselors, mentors, coaches, student athletes, etc.).
What is “reasonable suspicion?”
“Reasonable suspicion” means that most people, given the same facts and information, would suspect child abuse or neglect. Hard proof or certainty is not needed to make a report.
What type of conduct is reportable?
Child abuse or neglect, including:
- Physical injury or death;
- Sexual abuse or exploitation;
- Neglect;
- The willful harming or injuring of a child (includes unjustifiable mental suffering) or the endangering of the person or health of a child; and
- Unlawful corporal punishment.
For specific definitions of what conduct meets the definition of abuse or neglect under CANRA see California Penal Code §11165.1-11165.6.
What safeguards are in place for individuals who make a report of child abuse or neglect?
Callers can make a report to DCFS and remain anonymous, except for mandated reporters. And although mandated reporters must provide their name when making a report, their identity and the content of the report is confidential and may only be disclosed to specified persons and agencies. Additionally, anyone who reports child abuse in good faith is protected by law from civil or criminal liability.
What happens if I do not make a mandatory report?
By reporting child abuse or neglect, you may prevent a child from experiencing abuse or further harm. Failure to make the required reports is a serious neglect of duty, which may subject an individual to university disciplinary action and/or criminal penalties under the law.
What happens after I report to DCFS?
When DCFS receives a report, they will determine whether it meets the requirements of an investigation according to the law. If it does, a thorough investigation will be conducted to assess child safety and ensure the well-being of the child. For more information about what happens after a call is made, visit: dcfs.lacounty.gov/parents/investigations/
For additional information about reporting child abuse and neglect, the California Department of Social Services provides a helpful Frequently Asked Questions section.