Reporting Suspected Abuse in Military Families and Homes/Command Actions

1.  This MARADMIN updates Marines responsibility for reporting suspected child abuse or neglect.  Reference (a) requires Marines to report suspected child abuse and neglect by a care provider in a Department of Defense (DoD)-sanctioned activity to the appropriate civilian agency and Headquarters Marine Corps Family Advocacy Program.<br>
2.  Additionally, reference (b) requires Marines to report credible information regarding suspected child abuse or neglect that occurred in the family or home of a Service member.  A Marine does not need to have proof that an incident occurred, just a reasonable belief that a child experienced abuse or neglect.  Marines report suspected child abuse or neglect within 24 hours to the appropriate installation Family Advocacy Program or 24-hour victim advocacy hotline.  Contact information is found on installation MCCS websites.<br>
3.  Reference (b) also requires DoD personnel who are considered, "covered professionals," (such as mental health professionals, social workers, teachers, school counselors and guidance personnel, school administrators, child care workers and administrators, law enforcement, etc.) to report any information that gives reason to suspect that a child in the family or home of a Service member has experienced abuse or neglect.  Reports are made within 24 hours of suspecting the abuse or neglect occurred to the appropriate installation Family Advocacy Program or 24-hour victim advocacy hotline.  42 U.S.C. 13031(b) contains a complete list of covered professionals.<br>
4.  Reference (a) will be updated to reflect this guidance.<br>
5.  This MARADMIN is cancelled upon publication of reference (a) revision.<br>
6.  This MARADMIN is applicable to the Marine Corps and Marine Corps Reserve.<br>
7.  Release authorized by BGen K. W. Stein, Director, Marine and Family Programs Division.