Caution.

[FaceTheMusic]

I just recently signed up on this forum to get some support and advice on how to handle my fathers addicion. However, in the terms of agreement section, it said that if there is reason to suspect child abuse or anything like that going on, the proper athorities would be notified. I'm not being abused, however this is cause for concern seeing as this person would need to be traced to find them to deal with the abuse in the first place. The whole reason why I'm on this forum instead of going to a support group is to remain completly anonymous. Is there really any way that if I were to disclose certian information (I'm not talking about my address or contact info, but more about my fathers profession and situation), I could be traced? I dont want him to lose his job, hence the anonymous part.

If I can be traced, please let me know before I confide in the people on this forum. Better yet, please tell me what is and isn't acceptable to post to avoid being traced.

Thank you!

[Morning Glory]

Hello FaceTheMusic,

I am a mandated reporter and other moderators are also. If I don't report suspected child abuse, elderly abuse, or dependent adult abuse I can face 6 months in jail and a very large fine. This is the reason for the warning in the rules. I by law have to report. My only obligation is to report. Law enforcement would do the tracing if possible. If I file a report I would give the email address and IP#. The rest is up to them. We've had over a million posts and have only made a few reports. If you were to post that your father was seriously harming a child, dependent adult, or elderly person I would have to report it.

Here is a link that explains the law.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mandated_reporter

[FaceTheMusic]

I can see why you would need to report things like this, however, I'd assume that many people on here have been abused (emotionally, physically ect.) and have been put in dangerous situations when dealing with addicts and alcoholics, and judging from what you stated above, many haven't needed to be reported because the incidents havent crossed the line. I need to have that line clearly defined for me. I'm sorry if this is a hassle, but wikipedia was general in some areas...for instance there are many different forms of emotional abuse, and I need examples of how big the abuse is before it is reported. I'm a minor and I need to have everything crystal clear before I post my story to get advice on. As I stated previously, one of the last things I need right now is for my father to lose his job. We need the child support.

Thank you for your time, and again, I'm sorry if it's a hassle.

[Midas]

First of all, you've already set yourself up for complicated situation, admitting the abuse so openly. Unfortunately, that's a pitfall of public forums. You've already exposed yourself by your disclosure. Which is the lesser of two evils? Allow the abuse to continue, or go without monetary support? So how do you remedy this?

I suggest disclosing ONLY the bare minimum details. Don't elaborate. Don't add any fluff to the story.

Examples of the fine line...hmmm...The Wiki isn't that vague.

Abuse occurs where a victim has suffered physical injury inflicted other than by accidental means, has injuries, or is in a condition resulting in mistreatment, such as malnutrition, sexual molestation or exploitation, deprivation of necessities, emotional abuse or cruelty. Neglect may be defined as abandonment, denial of proper care and attention physically, emotionally, or morally, or living under conditions, circumstances or associations injurious to well-being.

The Wiki is pretty clear here. It implies the rule of severity.

[Morning Glory]

Hi FaceTheMusic,

I would have to report anything that is an immediate danger. If someone says they are depressed and they feel suicidal that is not reportable. If someone says they have a gun and they are going to shoot themselves or someone else that is reportable.

If someone says my father yells at me every day that is not something I'm going to report. If they say my father yells at me every day and hasn't let me out of my room for a week or hasn't allowed the person to eat for 3 days I would report that.

If a minor has sexual abuse in their distant past and it is not happening now I would not have to report that. If a minor is currently being sexually abused I would have to report that.

If I feel your life is in danger or someone else's life is in danger I would be required to report it. I've only made a handful of reports in the years I've been here.

California law defines child abuse as any of the following:

A child is physically injured by other than accidental means.
A child is subjected to willful cruelty or unjustifiable punishment.
A child is abused or exploited sexually.
A child is neglected by a parent or caretaker who fails to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, medical care or supervision.

[IO Storm]

Thanks Morning glory and Midas for fully explaining this.

As SW for Children and Families...I understand and was held to be a mandated

reporter...

I will say it here that I am now retired from service and am no longer considered

a mandated reporter by the laws of the State of California.

Thanks for letting me share this here.

Love,

IO

[FaceTheMusic]

Ok thank you SO much. I'm sorry for being bothersome. That really clairified.