The HERO Project
Child Abuse Prevention through Mandated Reporter Expansion
In September 2021, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a new law regarding youth service organizations and their role in the prevention and intervention of child abuse. This new law expands the need for proper training and safety protocols across the state. Over the last few years, we have seen prolific cases of child abuse portrayed in the media; USA Gymnastics, the Diocese, and the Boy Scouts are just a few examples among many. In analysis of child abuse situations, it has been proven that the concept of Mandated Reporting succeeds by properly training staff & volunteers who can make a significant impact in preventing these crimes from escalating.
Under this new law, all employees of youth serving organizations are required to complete Mandated Reporter training, as well as complete a Department of Justice background check. Mandated Reporters are individuals who are required by law to report knowledge, belief, or reasonable suspicion of any suspected child abuse or risk of child abuse. This applies to all administrators, employees, and certain volunteers. The trained volunteer requirement is applicable to any adult volunteer who has direct contact with, or supervision of, children for more than 16 hours per month or 32 hours per year.
In addition, all youth serving organizations must develop policies and procedures to prevent child abuse. This includes procedures to ensure mandated reporters file reports with the appropriate people and entities outside of the organization. It also requires that policies be in place to ensure that two mandated reporters are present, to the greatest extent possible, while in the presence of children.
WHY IS THIS SO IMPORTANT?
Every day, 5 children die in the United States from child abuse and/or neglect. For these children, a well-trained Mandated Reporter could mean the difference between life and death. According to the CDC, 1 in 7 children have experienced child abuse in the last year. According to RAINN, 1 in 9 girls and 1 in 53 boys will experience sexual abuse by the time they are 18. When a report is made and substantiated, caregivers are supported through training and resources which aid them in becoming better caregivers to their children. Increasing the pool of Mandated Reporters is a huge step in protecting our children and building healthy communities. YOU can be a hero for our children by supporting the HERO Project and becoming a founding donor today.
WE NEED YOUR HELP!
The Coalition of Institutional Child Abuse Prevention (CICAP) has launched the HERO Project with the goal of reaching all youth serving organizations to ensure they are aware of the new law and given all necessary resources to aid in compliance. As part of the our HERO Project, CICAP plans to launch an outreach campaign, host town halls, and actively engage with organizations to ensure they understand the requirements.
Direct Outreach: CICAP anticipates sending 300,000 pieces of postal mail, launching an email campaign, targeting ads, and establishing a social media presence directed towards youth serving organizations. We will also be staffing a toll-free information hotline for organizations or individuals with questions or needing guidance.
Town Halls: CICAP will host virtual and in-person town halls for organizations and other publicly available meetings to explain the new legislation and its impact on youth serving organizations.
Consultations: CICAP will provide consultations to umbrella organizations to strategically develop an information dissemination strategy to their relevant members and partners (CIF, Little League Association, Presbyterian Churches of California, etc).
In an effort to roll out this new statewide program , CICAP is requesting 501(c)3 tax- deductible donations. Donations can be made by individuals, couples, business entities or Trusts/Foundations. If you have more questions of what would be included with each level and how the money will be used - we would love to send you more information or set up a zoom meeting. Sponsorships also include brand/name integration at events, social media, public relations, press conferences, etc. We are so grateful for any support and are willing to feature each sponsor through a specific package that is best for the individual or entity.
Donor Levels:
Full Program Sponsor: $250,000
Founding HERO: $50,000+
Super HERO: $25,000+
HERO: $10,000+
Project Sponsor: $5,000+
Website Named Donor: $1,000+
Please reach out as soon as possible to coordinate and custom create the Donor package that is perfect for you!
loxie@icaprevent.org
(888) 661-0244