1. Purpose:

This clause establishes the responsibilities of all employees and representatives of And Rise Women Inc. regarding the reporting of suspected abuse or neglect of children, vulnerable adults, or any other individual protected by law.

2. Who are Mandated Reporters?

All employees and representatives of And Rise Women Inc. who, in the course of their regular duties, may have contact with children/vulnerable adults/protected individuals are considered mandated reporters. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Support Group Facilitators

• Counselors

3. What Must Be Reported?

Mandated reporters are required to report any reasonable suspicion of:

• [For child abuse/neglect] Physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, abandonment, or exploitation of a child under the age of 18.

• [For vulnerable adult abuse/neglect] Physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, or self-neglect of a vulnerable adult (e.g., elderly, disabled) as defined by state law.

• [For other protected individuals] Abuse or neglect of any other individual protected by law (e.g., domestic violence, human trafficking).

4. How to Report?

All suspected abuse or neglect must be reported immediately to the appropriate authorities as follows:

• [For child abuse/neglect] In Illinois, suspected child abuse or neglect must be reported directly to the local child protective services agency by calling 800-252-2873.

• [For vulnerable adult abuse/neglect] In Illinois, suspected vulnerable adult abuse or neglect must be reported to Adult Protective Services Hotline by calling 866-800-1409.

• [For other protected individuals] in Illinois, please call The Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888 ot text 233733

5. Confidentiality:

All reports of suspected abuse or neglect will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. Mandated reporters are not required to disclose the identity of the reporter or the subject of the report to anyone other than the designated authorities.

6. Immunity from Retaliation:

No employee or representative of And Rise Women Inc. will be retaliated against for making a good faith report of suspected abuse or neglect.

7. Training and Resources:

And Rise Women Inc. will provide regular training to all mandated reporters on their responsibilities under this clause, including recognizing signs of abuse or neglect, the reporting process, and available resources.