Library employees and volunteers may encounter situations when they suspect that a child is being abused or neglected or when a minor may directly identify abuse.
All adult citizens in Oklahoma are considered mandated reporters as defined in Oklahoma State Statute §10A-1-2-101. B.4 and §10A-1-2-101. B.5. 5. As such, library employees and volunteers fall under reporting provisions.
Library employees and volunteers are to report suspected child abuse or neglect to the proper department or authority when there is reasonable cause for such suspicions. Reports should be made immediately and by telephone or in person.
1. If any person is in imminent danger, please call 911.
2. Institutional Responsibility: Reporting obligations are individual, and no supervisor or administrator shall interfere with the reporting obligations of any person, or in any manner discriminate or retaliate against the person who in good faith reports suspected child abuse or neglect.
3. Library employees who are witnesses to or suspect child abuse or neglect are to complete a report with the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) Abuse and Neglect Hotline within 24 hours.
a. Staff will include names and addresses of both children and parents/caregivers, and details of the issue.
b. Staff may use library customer data systems to obtain this information for the report.
4. For situations involving youth between the ages of 12-17, the Safe Place program may also be of assistance. Employees who implement the Safe Place program will call Pivot, Inc. Pivot staff will assess the situation and involve other authorities, such as OKDHS, or law enforcement, as needed. (see also: AL 400.2 Safe Place Procedures)
5. Library employees who are witnesses to, or suspect, child abuse or neglect should inform their immediate supervisors and submit a report in the MLS incident reporting system as soon as possible.
6. Library volunteers who witness or suspect child abuse or neglect should report to their volunteer supervisor who will assist in completing the appropriate procedures as defined above.
Oklahoma Statutes referenced:
§10A-1-2-101. B.4. No privilege or contract shall relieve any person from the requirement of reporting. The requirement to report suspected child abuse or neglect supersedes the library’s duty to maintain customer privacy.
§10A-1-2-101. B.5. 5. The reporting obligations under this section are individual, and no employer, supervisor, administrator, governing body or entity shall interfere with the reporting obligations of any employee or other person or in any manner discriminate or retaliate against the employee or other person who in good faith reports suspected child abuse or neglect, or who provides testimony in any proceeding involving child abuse or neglect. Any employer, supervisor, administrator, governing body or entity who discharges, discriminates or retaliates against the employee or other person shall be liable Oklahoma Statutes - Title 10A. Children and Juvenile Code Page 38 for damages, costs and attorney fees. If a child who is the subject of the report or other child is harmed by the discharge, discrimination or retaliation described in this paragraph, the party harmed may file an action to recover damages, costs and attorney fees.
