ABUSE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

REPORTING CONTACT NUMBERS

  • Emergency - Call 911
  • Vanderbilt University Medical Center Protection of Minors 615-875-7593
  • Tennessee Department of Children's Services Hotline 877-237-0004
  • Vanderbilt University Medical Center Integrity Line 866-783-2287

Every member of Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) (not limited to individuals who interact with minors) is required by law to report known or suspected instances of the abuse of, neglect of or inappropriate interactions with minors. Members making a report in good faith will be protected from criminal and civil liability for making the report. It is important to understand that every member is required to report any type of suspected abuse, neglect or inadequate care rather than just child sexual abuse. A "child" in Tennessee is an individual under the age of 18 years. 

Excerpt from the Tennessee Department of Children's Service Website:

"Everyone in Tennessee is a mandated reporter. Tennessee Code Annotated 37-1-403(i) (1) requires all persons to report suspected cases of child abuse or neglect. “Any person who has knowledge of or is called upon to render aid to any child who is suffering from or has sustained any wound, injury, disability, or physical or mental condition shall report such harm immediately if the harm is of such a nature as to reasonably indicate that it has been caused by brutality, abuse, or neglect or that, on basis of available information, reasonably appears to have been caused by brutality, abuse, or neglect.” 

IF CHILD ABUSE IS SUSPECTED, TWO REPORTS MUST BE MADE:

 

 

 

Recommended Guidelines for Reporting:

  • If you suspect, witness, or have knowledge of abuse occurring to a minor child (under 18), make a report.
  • If I tell my supervisor, do I still have to do an external report of child abuse? Yes, make a report if you have concerns a child is being abused.
  • If you think it might be abuse, but or you are worried about getting someone in trouble, report the behavior or concerns you have. The Office of Risk and Insurance Management is a resource in answering any "What happens next?" questions.
  • Allow the investigation to acquire the details; report what you know.
  • If the child is in immediate harm, report using 911.
  • For more on Tennessee Child Abuse Reporting and the response of the Dept. of Children’s Service, visit visit https://www.tn.gov/dcs/article/report-child-abuse.

Code of Conduct

Vanderbilt University Medical Center requires all persons working in VUMC programs serving minors to agree to abide by a Code of Conduct when interacting with minors. If you witness a code of conduct violation that does not violate state law, but does violate conduct codes, report the behavior: 

 

We strengthen our community by working together to be the voice that protects children from abuse. Please contact 615-875-7593 or email if you have any questions.