Child abuse is an ongoing concern in the state of California, and the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA) is designed to help protect children who may be at risk. Under this law, reports of suspected child abuse or neglect will result in an investigation, and if a social worker finds that the report is substantiated--meaning that they believe the alleged abuse was likely to have occurred--the suspected abuser will have their name added to the Child Abuse Central Index (CACI), in addition to any criminal charges and personal repercussions they may face.

Mandated Reporters

CANRA states that certain people are required to report suspected child abuse or neglect to a police department, sheriff’s department, county probation department, or county welfare department. These people are known as “mandated reporters,” and they include:

Under California’s Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), certain people are required to make a report to law enforcement when they reasonably suspect that a child may be the victim of abuse or neglect. These reports will trigger an investigation, and if a social worker believes that there is evidence that the alleged abuse was likely to have occurred, they will forward the substantiated report to the California Department of Justice (DOJ), and the alleged abuser will be placed on the Child Abuse Central Index (CACI).

Being listed in the CACI can have a major impact on a person’s life, affecting their ability to find employment, serve as a volunteer, adopt a child, or act as a foster parent. Fortunately, California law provides people with the ability to dispute their inclusion in the CACI.

CACI Grievance Hearings

Children are some of the most vulnerable members of our society, especially when they are in danger of abuse by the people who are responsible for raising and caring for them. In order to help keep children safe, the state of California has put several laws in place designed to protect them from abuse and neglect, including the establishment of the Child Abuse Central Index (CACI). However, these laws can negatively affect people who are falsely accused of child abuse. During child abuse investigations, it is important to know your rights and understand how the laws affect you.

Understanding the CACI

In California, when a report of suspected child abuse or severe neglect is made to a law enforcement agency, a social worker will investigate the situation. If they find that the report is substantiated (meaning that they believe that it is more likely than not that the alleged abuse actually occurred), their report will be forwarded to the Child Abuse Central Index, which is administered by the California Attorney General.

Most people hear the word “prenup” and automatically assume the worst - that the marriage is destined to fail because one or both of the spouses do not trust each other. However, one of the best reasons to get a prenuptial agreement is not to protect your assets from the other spouse in the case of a divorce, but to protect the other spouse from your mounting debt. To find out more, do not hesitate to reach out to a San Jose prenuptial agreement attorney for answers today.

Debt Is a Growing Problem in America

There are many good reasons to consider a prenuptial contract. For one, it offers peace of mind (for the spouses and their family members) when one spouse is much wealthier than the other. Similarly, if you expect a future inheritance, a prenuptial agreement may be wise. Additionally, it may be a good idea to consider a prenuptial agreement if you are entering a second marriage but want to make sure that your children from your first marriage are left with your property if you pass away. But what about protecting the other spouse from your own financial woes?

Restraining orders, also called protective orders, are designed to stop harassment, sexual abuse, and physical abuse. Commonly, restraining orders are used to protect one family members, or intimate partner, from another. There are four types of restraining orders in California, and three aspects to each, which are described below. If you or a loved one is being harassed, stalked, or otherwise abused, a restraining order may be necessary. A Los Gatos family law attorney will be able to help you file for a restraining order so that protection begins as soon as possible.

What Will a Restraining Order Accomplish?

Under California law, there are four types of restraining orders: