Delaware Day Care Centers – What Requirements Apply as to the Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect?

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Delaware, day care centers are required to train and properly supervise child care providers to make sure that children are cared for in a safe environment. Delaware day care centers are regulated by the State of Delaware – Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families – Delacare – Requirements for Day Care Centers. What requirements apply as to the reporting of abuse and neglect? Under the Delacare regulations, a day care center must have each employee sign a statement that clearly defines child abuse and neglect. Under Delaware law, a day care worker must report all incidents of child abuse to the Division of Child Protective Services. A day care center in Delaware must have written procedures / policies in place for the handling of suspected child abuse or neglect inflicted or committed by an employee of the day care center. The procedures must also include provisions for the termination of an employee involved in a founded incident of child abuse if continued employment would put children at risk.

Delaware day care workers and providers should provide children with a safe learning environment free from neglect and abuse. While the State of Delaware does conduct investigations into suspected incidents of abuse and neglect by a day care worker, parents of injured children can also hire a private civil Delaware child injury lawyer / attorney to investigate the incident and provide representation for the injured child. A child injury attorney can provide advice as to medical records, medical bills, further medical care, insurance documents, litigation, and many other issues.