Skip to main content
R 400.11115 - Child and Adult Protection Plan

Required Camp Policies and Documents Guidance

R 400.11115 - Child and Adult Protection Plan

Child and Adult Protection Plan Overview

Legal Reference: R 400.11115 Child and Adult Protection Plan

  1. A camp shall develop and follow a written plan to assure compliance with 1975 PA 238 MCL 722.621 as known as the Child Protection Law, and
    sections 11 to 11f and 14 of 1939 PA 280 MCL 400.11 to 400.11f and 400.14 and known as the Adult Protection Law.
  2. The plan shall cover all the following areas:
    • Reporting responsibilities
    • Confidentiality
    • Separation of alleged perpetrator from campers until the incident is resolved, until the threat is removed, or as long as necessary to protect
      the safety and welfare of the campers.

Technical Assistance:

A camper’s health and welfare are the most important responsibility of a child care organization. As a licensed childcare organization, a camp is required to develop and follow a written plan for assuring compliance with the Child Protection Law 238 of 1975and Social Welfare Act 280 of 1939. Staff are required as mandated reporters to be aware of possible signs and symptoms of child abuse, sexual abuse, or child neglect; to report to centralized intake reasonable suspicion of child abuse or neglect.

For some children experiencing abuse or neglect, attending camp is an opportunity to escape a traumatic living situation and to enjoy the benefits of camp. At times, campers may disclose abuse or neglect to a trusted adult at camp or signs of abuse or neglect may be apparent upon arrival at the camp. The camp staff has a statutory responsibility to report reasonable suspicion, follow administrative rules, and complete the necessary reporting responsibilities. All reports (including out-of-state campers) must be made to Centralized Intake by calling 855-444-3911 or using the Michigan online reporting system (MORS) at www.michigan.gov/mdhhs. Reports can be made 24/7.

The child protection and adult protection plan must be covered in the pre-camp training and provide up to date information about abuse and neglect to adequately prepare the staff for their responsibility as mandated reporters. The plan needs to include a step by-step guide for staff members to follow when there is reasonable suspicion of abuse or neglect that have occurred prior to camp or at camp. The step-by-step guide must include:

  • Reporting responsibilities
  • Confidentiality
  • Separation of alleged perpetrator from campers until the incident is resolved, until the threat is removed, or as long as necessary to protect the safety and welfare of the campers.

Consultation

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) provides excellent resources to prepare staff who are mandated reporters. It is best to review the available resources on the MDHHS website and use them for training staff in their reporting responsibility (View MDHHS - Mandated Reporters website).

Samples:

SAMPLE 1: Child and Adult Protect Plan

The Child Protection Law, Act No. 238, Public Acts of 1975, as amended, being 722.621 et seq. of the Michigan Complied Laws, and known as the Child Protection Law will serve as the guideline for ensuring the health and welfare of campers.

DEFINITIONS IN ACCORDANCE WITH SEC. 722.621 OF MICHIGAN STATE LAW.

  • "Child” means a person under 18 years of age.
  • “Child abuse” means harm or threatened harm to a child’s health or welfare by a person responsible for the child’s health or welfare which occurs through non-accidental physical or mental injury, sexual abuse, or maltreatment.
  • “Child neglect” means harm to a child’s health or welfare by a person responsible for the child’s health or welfare which occurs through negligent treatment, including the failure to provide adequate food, clothing, or medical care.
  • “Department” means the State Department of Social Services.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

  1. Upon arrival of camper, the nurse shall screen all campers as to their physical condition. Note any bruises, cuts, or markings on the child’s body.
  2. Camper’s records and applications shall be confidential. Only authorized persons shall have access to the camp or camper files. Camp recognizes our responsibility to cooperate with law enforcement and child protective services.
  3. The counselor shall also watch for any signs of child abuse or neglect. Concerning behaviors (suicidal ideation, aggression, cutting, running away) are indications of serious problems and must be reported to the Camp Director or designee immediately.
  4. If child abuse is suspected, follow the chain of command in reporting. If camper confides to you of having been abused or neglected, only relate this information to the Camp Director or designee. Do NOT tell any camper or other staff member.
  5. If camp staff suspect abuse and neglect at the camp by camp personnel or other campers immediately report that to the Camp Director or designee.
    • If suspected abuse occurred at camp, the camp must separate the alleged perpetrator from campers until the incident is resolved, until the threat is removed, or as long as necessary to protect the safety and welfare of the campers.

    ACTION TO BE TAKEN TO REPORT CHILD ABUSE OR NEGLECT

    The Child Protection Law requires mandated reporters who have reasonable cause to suspect child abuse or neglect to make an immediate oral report to MDHHS – Centralized Intake (855-444-3911), followed by a written report within 72 hours.
  1. Camp Director or designated official shall make an oral report immediately by calling Centralized Intake (855-444-3911).
  2. Within 72-hours a written report shall be made to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Centralized Intake for Abuse and Neglect. The written form is called Report of Actual or Suspected Child Abuse or Neglect (DHS-3200).
  3. If a camper appears to be injured, medical treatment will be given by the nearest medical facility.
  4. Reporting is handled through Centralized Intake at (855) 444-3911.
Previous  |  Next