Warhawks for Hope, a learning workshop for current and future mandated reporters, will be held April 8 from 5-7 p.m. at the ULM Hangar. The event will cover methods of identifying and preventing child abuse. Registration is required by April 4. Participating attendees will receive credits during the event. In Louisiana, mandated reporters are officials like educators and healthcare workers who are responsible for reporting abuse.
The workshop will focus on Louisiana law related to child abuse and neglect. It aims to educate participants on the responsibilities of being a mandated reporter and how to apply that knowledge in daily life. ULM’s School of Education partnered with the Center for Children and Families to present the workshop. Dr. Amy Weems helped organize the event.
“The focus of this workshop is to help students who are going to be future Louisiana mandated reporters of child abuse,” Weems said. “We have many majors here that lead into those professions including educators, healthcare workers, mental health workers and even coaches and clergy. It’s important to learn the signs and indicators of child abuse and neglect. Being able to prevent abuse isn’t just part of a profession but part of helping our community.”
The workshop encourages current mandated reporters to attend to refresh their knowledge and further understand their responsibilities. Krista Parker, professor and mental health professional, emphasized the importance of understanding mandated reporting duties.
“I think it is extremely useful to know those things just so you know what to look for,” Parker said. “If you have knowledge of what you’re supposed to report, it helps you to distinguish from what you shouldn’t report.”
The Center for Children and Families will guide participants through laws related to mandated reporting and teach how to identify and prevent abuse. The workshop will include opportunities to ask questions to professionals. Lauren Lawson, Child Abuse Prevention Educator from the Center for Children and Families, provided further insight.
“Mandated reporters are tremendously valued in our community,” Lawson said. “The intention of our training is to inform individuals on how to properly report and stand up against child abuse or neglect by providing an overview of the definitions, requirements, and protections associated with being a mandated reporter. When you take part in our mandated reporter training, you’ll gain the knowledge and confidence to be a safe, trusted ally for children in need—someone who listens, stands up for them and helps bring hope into their lives.”
The students and faculty received the registration form by email and faculty by email. For more information, contact Dr. Amy Weems at [email protected].
