Per current federal regulations (as of February 14, 2018), reports of child abuse should be made to the local law enforcement agency or local child protective services agency that has jurisdiction to investigate reports of child abuse or to protect child abuse victims or to the FBI. These regulations have not yet been updated to reflect the recent change in the law. Until such time as the regulations are updated, U.S. Soccer will make reports to (1) local law enforcement where any alleged incident took place to the extent it can be determined and the incident occurred in the United States, (2) local law enforcement where the victim resides if different than (1), and (3) the FBI.
Child abuse is defined as physical or mental injury, sexual abuse or exploitation, or negligent treatment of a child.
An individual who is required, but fails, to report suspected child sexual abuse is subject to criminal penalties including fines and up to one (1) year in jail.
These obligations are in addition to any Connecticut state law requirements that an individual may have in a particular jurisdiction.
The Law has a three-pronged approach:
1) Any adult interacting with amateur athletes in the program has a duty to report abuse and or suspected abuse within a 12 hour period (Connecticut). EVERY adult is a mandatory reporter.
2) The statute of limitations in CT is extended 30 years after the minor reaches the age of 18.
3) Limits an athlete under the age of 18 from being alone with an adult who is not their parent.
*What is an amateur athlete? Any child or minor under the age of 18. Legislation is available for download (click here).
STEPS TO REPORTING ABUSE: EVERYONE is a MANDATORY REPORTER
Mechanism for Reporting Physical or Sexual Abuse: You MUST contact everyone listed below when physical or sexual abuse is suspected.
1) Farmington law enforcement: FARMINGTON POLICE: 860-675-2400; Emergency: 9-1-1
2) State Department of Children and Families (DCF) 1-800-842-2288 (TDD: 1-800-624-5518)
3) Club President, Rich Mok: moker23 @ yahoo.com
4) National Governing Body (NGB): USA Lacrosse Abuse Prevention Report: https://www.usalacrosse.com/abuse-prevention-report
Mechanism for Reporting Other Forms of Misconduct: Other forms of misconduct such as emotional abuse, bullying, hazing, or harassment.
1) Club President, Rich Mok: moker23 @ yahoo.com
2) Club Vice President, Amber Ruzbasan: amber.ruzbasan @ comcast.net
TRAINING - MANDATORY REPORTING and TRAINING
2 resources
1) USA LACROSSE Athlete Protection. USA Lacrosse provides resources for athlete protection and safety from abuse situations. https://www.usalacrosse.com/athlete-protection. In addition, USA Lacrosse's national background screening and Abuse Prevention training are REQUIRED for all Farmington Youth Lacrosse coaches.
2) STATE OF CONNECTICUT. Members can access Mandated Reporters Training provided by Connecticut's Department of Children and Families (DCF) through an on-line training video produced and provided by the DCF and available via the internet. Any interested individual can gain access to the approved DCF video training (it takes about 60-90 minutes to complete) simply by completing a required DCF Inquiry Form available at https://portal.ct.gov/DCF/Mandated-Reporter-Training/Home. A link embedded in the form will take you directly to the training video after completion of required information. For more information about the work of DCF, please go to the DCF's website home at: https://portal.ct.gov/DCF/Mandated-Reporter-Training/Home
Again, ALL coaches, administrators and adult volunteers whether they are paid employees of the club or volunteers must take the time to learn as much as possible about this important issue and to take the Mandated Reporter Training at their earliest convenience.
