University News
CAIT Partners with Arkansas Agency to Create Online Mandated Reporter Training
February 19, 2013
MACOMB, IL -- The Center for the Application of Information Technologies (CAIT) at Western Illinois University recently developed an online mandated reporter training for the Arkansas Commission on Child Abuse, Rape, and Domestic Violence (ACCARDV). The training launched in January 2013. Mandated reporters are defined as any professionals who work with children (teachers, clergy, doctors, university employees, counselors, etc.) who are required by law (in most states) to report suspected child abuse.
According to Kim Wisslead, CAIT associate director, this is the fourth statewide online Mandated Reporter training developed by CAIT. The center has developed similar trainings, which are available in both English and Spanish versions, in Illinois, Washington DC and Louisiana.
"Most state agencies are required to train mandated reporters on their roles, the laws, signs of abuse and the process for reporting. This can be quite expensive and time prohibitive in a face-to-face setting on such a large scale," Wisslead explained. "Through the online training systems, approximately 200,000 mandated reporters have been certified at a reasonable cost and in a way that meets the busy schedules of both mandated reporter professionals and the state agencies that are required to train them."
According to Sherry Williamson, ACCARDV child abuse project coordinator, through this training mandated reporters are more knowledgeable with regard to their roles and responsibilities, recognizing indicators of mistreatment and how to manage disclosures from children.
"Many individuals who may have otherwise been unable to receive this information will benefit from the online training," she added. "While this training was created with the mandated reporter in mind, the training is also useful for anyone who wants to learn how to recognize signs of child maltreatment and what to do about it."
Wisslead explained that as more states develop mandated reporting systems, CAIT has positioned itself to help others with similar training needs.
"CAIT has repurposed its existing training systems and content from agencies we have worked with. We can meet each state's individual needs in a cost effective way," she added. "This interactive training allows agencies to not only track learners, but show assessment results, run reports and provide certificates. This is an important initiative to keep more children safe and aligns with Western's social responsibility core value."
Wisslead anticipates that CAIT will work with more agencies throughout the country in upcoming years in developing online mandated reporter training customized for each state's needs. The center also plans to create an iBook for the general public.
For more information on ACCARDV visit www.accardv.uams.edu. For more information or assistance with Mandated Reporter training, visit https://www.mandatedreporter.org.
For more information on CAIT and its services, contact Wisslead at (309) 298-1804, KK-Wisslead@wiu.edu or visit www.cait.org.
Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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