Experience
Our strategy is grounded in multi-year, firsthand experience within the child welfare system. During this period, we processed 1,703 child abuse reports, screening out 947 and assigning 756 for investigation.
Working as an abuse and neglect intake specialist revealed a consistent gap between what the public believes constitutes abuse or neglect and how states legally define it. Over time, it became clear that limited state resources had resulted in minimal training for mandated reporters on how to accurately identify and report concerns. This gap was reinforced by frequent requests from mandated reporters seeking additional guidance and training.
The following real-world examples illustrate the challenges we observed and became pivotal in shaping the rationale for establishing the Child Safety Fund:
Reporting Too Late
A report was made alleging that a parent physically harmed their child, resulting in bruising, with video evidence provided. However, because the incident occurred a year earlier and there was no new information suggesting ongoing harm, the report was screened out due to lack of recent evidence.
Biased Reporting
In another case, a mandated reporter believed a parent had injured their child despite medical evidence proving otherwise. Both law enforcement and medical professionals determined the parent had acted appropriately after the child’s injury. Nevertheless, due to the reporter’s personal bias, a second report was filed, escalating the concern and triggering an unnecessary priority response. A child abuse specialist later ruled out abuse or neglect, but the family still endured an unwarranted investigation.
Incomplete Reporting
States accept reports through various methods. In Oklahoma, one option is voicemail. In one instance, a mandated reporter left a voicemail alleging a child was being beaten and confined to a corner but failed to include their contact information or any identifying details about the family. As a result, the report was screened out because investigators were unable to locate or identify the child.
These examples underscore the urgent need for standardized, evidence-informed training to ensure all reports are accurate, unbiased, and actionable, protecting children while preventing unnecessary investigations.
Together, these experiences became the foundation for the Child Safety Fund’s mission: to close the gap between public perception, state definitions, and effective reporting.
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