PANDA Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who do I contact to report a case or discuss a concern?

A: Contact your county Department of                  Health and Human Services (DHHS) or          county Department of Social Services            (DSS) You can receive help with how to          make a report by calling Childhelp USA         National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-         4-A-Child (1-800-422-4453), 24 hours a       day. Or contact your local Law                              Enforcement Agency.

Q: Who is a mandated reporter?

A: You are! According to the State of NC               G.S. 7B- 301, any person or institution

        who has cause to suspect that any

        juvenile is abused, neglected or

        dependent, as defined by G.S. 

        7B-101, or has died as the result of                   maltreatment, shall report the case

         to the department of social services

         in the county where the juvenile

         resides or is found. 

Q: What about immunity when making a report?

A: Anyone who makes a report in good                 faith has automatic immunity. 

      "Making a report in good faith" is

       really saying, "I am concerned for a                    vulnerable individual's safety and

      well-being. According to NC

      G.S. 7B-309, anyone who makes

      a report pursuant to this Article,                         cooperates with the county

      department of social services in a                       protective services assessment,  

      testifies in any judicial proceeding

      resulting from a protective services

      report or assessment, or otherwise                   participated in the program

     authorized by this Article, is immune

     from any civil or criminal liability that               might otherwise be incurred or imposed       for that action provided that the person         was acting in good faith. In any                             proceeding involving liability, good faith       is presumed.

Q:Why do I need to understand Abuse                and Neglect in my practice?

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A: It is critical for mandated reporters to             learn the warning signs for abuse and             neglect, in order to understand the                   reporting and referral process for                     individuals and families impacted by

      child abuse and neglect, domestic

      violence, elder abuse, and human                       trafficking. Signs of abuse and neglect

      can range from subtle to obvious,

      and you cannot recognize it if you

      don't know what you are seeing. When           abuse and neglect go unrecognized and         untreated, victims suffer untold damage,       including death. Your intervention can           result in lifesaving help.