You are a mandatory reporter of child abuse

All states have statutes identifying who is required to report suspected child maltreatment. Nebraska is one of 18 states that requires ANY person, regardless of their profession, to report child abuse if they suspect it. 

That means you. 

Brianna Kuenning, outreach coordinator for the Bridge of Hope Child Advocacy Center in North Platte, spoke to Grant Rotary last Wednesday about how the organization helps victims of child abuse and neglect.

Bridge of Hope’s mission is to ensure suspected victims of child abuse are not re-victimized by the system designed to protect them.

They do this by coordinating a team who responds to cases of child abuse and neglect. They serve 15 different counties, including Perkins, and have a satellite office in Ogallala. 

Kuenning presented a scenario of what may have happened to hypothetical 8-year-old Robyn, before Bridge of Hope was established in 2007.

Robyn tells her teacher something has happened to her and shares her story. The teacher then has Robyn tell the principal or the counselor. That’s twice she’s told her story.

Then they call law enforcement, and Robyn tells them her story. A medical examination is needed, and she tells the nurse and the doctor her story. 

The Department of Health and Human Services is called, and Robyn shares her story with them. Six times Robyn has had to share her painful story. 

She’ll have to tell the lawyers, and eventually the judge. 

Kuenning explained the purpose of the child advocacy center is to eliminate the need to re-victimize and re-traumatize these children with their own stories. 

So now, Robyn tells her teacher something happened to her, and the teacher then reports it to 911 or the child abuse hotline, and the case is then brought to the Bridge of Hope. 

Robyn comes to the Bridge of Hope, where she tells her story one time to a trained staff member in a welcoming, comfortable, private environment. 

A medical evaluation is also completed here, and Robyn’s non-offending family members receive advocacy services as well. 

All interviews are recorded and completed by trained professionals who never lead children in what to say. Law enforcement, DHHS and the county attorney may observe from another room. 

Bridge of Hope can only accept cases from law enforcement, the county attorneys and DHHS. Personal calls must first be directed through 911 or the child abuse hotline. 

“But many times, they tell me enough that I have to report it, because I am a mandatory reporter.”

Kuenning said when it comes to reporting child abuse, everyone in the state of Nebraska is a mandatory reporter of child abuse and neglect. 

“So if you suspect or witness child abuse or neglect happening, you have to call it in.” 

She said that can be done by calling 911 or the child abuse hotline at 1-800-652-1999.

When calling, she said it’s important to repeat exactly what the child said. 

“Don’t censor it. I know it’s hard when you hear a 5-year-old say a word a 5-year-old should not know. But unfortunately, it happens.” 

Reasons people may suspect/know of abuse and not report it include:

• Lack of knowledge on who to call or what to do. 

• Fear of retaliation. 

• No action after previously reporting. 

• Identification from family.

• Reluctance to interfere.

However, any person who willfully fails to report child abuse/neglect may be guilty of a Class III misdemeanor, which includes a maximum penalty of three months imprisonment, $500 fine or both.

Kuenning said they’ll hear from people who called the hotline and are frustrated that nothing happened. She advises those people to keep calling if they continue to suspect abuse/neglect. 

If you suspect or know a child who is or has been abused or neglected, call 911 or the child abuse hotline at 1-800-652-1999.

 Bridge of Hope

The Bridge of Hope operates on funding from grants, DHHS and donations.

In addition to financial contributions, some things they accept include gas gift cards, fast food restaurant gift cards, Wal-Mart gift cards, stamps, children and adult clothing.

Volunteer opportunities include family and child advocacy, fundraising and event planning, clerical support, facility care and maintenance, gardening and landscaping

For more information, call 308-534-4064. They are located at 410 W Fifth St., in North Platte and 414 W Fourth St., in Ogallala.

The Bridge of Hope Child Advocacy Center has been an accredited member of the National Children’s Alliance since 2008. They are also part of the Nebraska Alliance of Child Advocacy Centers.