Lesson 1: What is CANRA

Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act

CANRA stands for Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act.
It can be found in sections 11164-11174.3 of the California Penal Code.

CANRA is a set of laws passed in 1980 that provides definitions and procedures for mandated reporting of child abuse. Over the years, numerous amendments have expanded the definition of child abuse and the persons required to report.

Reasonable Suspicion

According to CANRA, you Do NOT need evidence or proof that abuse and neglect actually happened. You only need reasonable suspicion.

Reasonable Suspicion: It is reasonable for a person to be suspicious, based upon facts that could cause a reasonable person in a like position, drawing from his/her training and experience, to suspect child abuse and neglect.

Ages of Child Abuse and Neglect Victims and Perpetrators

Victim: A child is anyone under the age of 18 years old
Victims of child abuse and neglect are under the age of 18 years old. Victims who are 18 years old and older are considered adults.

Perpetrator: any age, including children
Perpetrators of child abuse and neglect can be any age, including children (18 years old and younger).

EXAMPLE: A child abusing a child beyond accidents, arguments, and fights is considered a perpetrator of child abuse, such as in the case of bullying or cyber/online bullying.