Course Agenda

    1. Instructions

    1. Pretest Instructions

    2. Pretest

    1. Course Overview

    1. Introduction

    2. Important Clarifications

    3. Print Posttest Study Guide

    4. Corporal Punishment in the United States

    5. Video: Long-Term Impact of Corporal Punishment (5:30 minutes)

    6. Video: Determining Whether Corporal Punishment Helps or Hurts (10 minutes)

    7. Recommended Resource

    1. Introduction to CANRA (California Penal Code)

    2. California Laws Regarding Corporal Punishment in Out-of-Home Placement

    3. California Mandated Reporters of Child Abuse

    4. Required Reading: How to Assess for Physical Abuse

    5. Factors That Increase the Potential for Abuse

    6. DHHS Child Welfare Information Gateway Website

    7. California Mandated Child Abuse Assessment and Reporting Coursework

    1. Corporal Punishment and Professional Codes of Ethics

About this course

  • $27.00
  • 34 lessons

Course Details

Course Description

This course explores the legal and ethical standards related to child abuse, excessive corporal punishment, and mandated reporters of child abuse in California. The overall goal is to provide information and resources that will assist practitioners in preventing child abuse as the result of unreasonably severe corporal punishment. Topics include the definition and prevalence of corporal punishment, the controversy over its use, and its long-term effects. The course highlights pertinent legal aspects of the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA) and related sections in the California Penal Code, as well as applicable professional ethical standards. Additionally, the content highlights relevant resources focused on evidence-based, positive, nonphysical disciplinary methods for use in educating parents. The course content includes online content, content on relevant websites, short video clips, case vignettes, and interactive exercises. The online posttest must be passed with a score of 80% or better to print the certificate of completion.

Target Audience

This course is intended for California practitioners who have contact with children, parents, and families; who wish to stay abreast of legal and ethical issues related to child abuse and corporal punishment; and who wish to support parents in utilizing positive, nonphysical disciplinary methods. This course can be used toward the six hours of California law and ethics training required for each license renewal.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this course, readers will be able to do the following:

  • Identify the controversy surrounding corporal punishment of children, including personal, social, and cultural norms pertaining to disciplining children.
  • Identify California child abuse law and the legal responsibilities of mandated reporters of suspected child abuse.
  • Identify criteria that distinguish physical child abuse from unreasonably severe corporal punishment.
  • Identify legal and ethical standards, guidelines, and responsibilities related to child abuse, corporal punishment, parent education, and disciplinary methods.
  • Identify strategies to effectively communicate child abuse laws to parents and other caretakers to prevent child abuse.
  • Identify strategies for providing education and support to parents related to positive, nonphysical discipline methods.

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