Though AB506 was a response by the California legislature to a child sexual abuse crisis, training required under the new law is not limited to sexual abuse. AB506 modifies the California Business & Professions Code by adding Section 18975, Chapter 2.9(a): “An administrator, employee, or regular volunteer of a youth service organization shall complete training in child abuse and neglect identification and training in child abuse and neglect reporting. The training requirement may be met by completing the online mandated reporter training provided by the Office of Child Abuse Prevention in the State Department of Social Services.” [emphasis added] Department of Social Services Training (Mandated Reporter Training) As clearly expressed in the new law, a Youth Service Organization may satisfy the new training requirement by simply directing administrators, employees and regular volunteers to the Department of Social Services Mandated Reporter Training. Alternative Compliant Trainings Though AB506 leaves the door open to alternative training, neither AB506 nor the California Business & Professions Code has an oversight entity or training approval process. Youth Service Organizations seeking alternative training must ensure that any training alternative addresses the topics covered by the Department of Social Services’ training for mandated reporters. For example, an alternative training must address topics beyond child sexual abuse (i.e., physical abuse, emotional abuse, bullying, neglect, etc.) AND describe California reporting requirements and processes. MinistrySafe and Abuse Prevention Systems provide an extensive library of abuse prevention training, including Sexual Abuse Awareness Training, supplemented to include the content addressing other forms of abuse AND California reporting requirements and processes. Access sample Awareness Training complying with AB506.