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What is a Mandated Reporter?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

In the United States, mandated reporters are individuals who are obligated by law to report suspected cases of child abuse and neglect. In general, any person who has contact with children in a professional capacity is a mandated reporter, although laws vary from state to state. Mandated reporter laws are designed to catch child abuse in its early stages, so that children do not suffer long term damage.

Any individual can make a report of suspected child abuse to the state, which will dispatch Child Protective Services to investigate the claim. Mandated reporters must file more extensive paperwork when reporting suspected abuse, and cannot be anonymous. Most states dictate that teachers, medical professionals, peace officers, firemen, psychologists, counselors, clergy, film processors, and probation officers are mandated reporters. Other professions may be listed as mandated reporters on a state by state basis. Volunteers are exempt from mandated reporter laws in many states, although they may feel a moral obligation to report suspected cases of child abuse.

Some people are required to report suspected child abuse to authorities.
Some people are required to report suspected child abuse to authorities.

Child abuse includes physical, sexual, and emotional abuse along with neglect. Physical abuse is defined as a non-accidental injury. Neglect is a circumstance in which a child is not being adequately cared for, posing a potential threat to his or her health and well being. Sexual abuse is sexual activity between children and older children or adults. Emotional abuse includes emotional maltreatment of a child. All of these types of abuse are harmful physically and emotionally, especially if they take place over prolonged periods of time.

The state can be called in to investigate reports of suspected child abuse.
The state can be called in to investigate reports of suspected child abuse.

Mandated reporters who suspect that any type of abuse is occurring must report it to the state. Suspicious signs include bruises, lacerations, physical or emotional trauma, emotional unpredictability, and evidence of improper care. If a child discloses an abusive situation to mandated reporters, they should report the disclosure. Most states offer immunity for good faith reporting, meaning that individuals cannot be prosecuted if an investigation does not confirm child abuse. Most states also have laws about false reporting, although they are rarely prosecuted.

A child who doesn't receive enough attention from their parent may feel neglected.
A child who doesn't receive enough attention from their parent may feel neglected.

If an individual is a mandated reporter and has reason to believe that a child he or she has contact with is being abused, an oral report must be filed as quickly as possible. In most instances, a written report with complete information must follow within 48 hours. Using the information in these reports, Child Protective Services in the state will investigate the claim and make a decision in the case which may include taking protective custody of the child involved.

Mandated reporters are required to speak up if they believe a child is being emotionally abused by a parent.
Mandated reporters are required to speak up if they believe a child is being emotionally abused by a parent.

Mandated reporters are part of a larger system designed to protect and take care of children. Laws about mandated reporters vary around the world, with some nations having few laws to protect children from abuse. With efforts from the United Nations, more and more countries are instituting mandated reporter laws.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a PublicPeople researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a PublicPeople researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon120535

My son, six years old was kicked to the ground by his mother. It left three serious marks on his back. I took him to the pediatric doctor. He told her he was kicked by mom. She didn't believe him and told me he probably hurt himself from the pool.

I then took him to the police department and they filed a endangering the welfare of a child report. A CPS report was filed and found "indicated" against the the mother.

My question is, how come the doctor did not file a report even after my son said he was kicked to the ground by his mother? Please advise on this question.

anon28446

I am a mandated reporter that works in a Doctor's office and I knew the doctor was sending patients to a non-licensed massage student. The patient was hurt. What are the penalties for not reporting what I knew?

anon18073

which types of abuse are professionals mandated by law to report?

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    • Some people are required to report suspected child abuse to authorities.
      By: Marina Dyakonova
      Some people are required to report suspected child abuse to authorities.
    • The state can be called in to investigate reports of suspected child abuse.
      By: Pixel Memoirs
      The state can be called in to investigate reports of suspected child abuse.
    • A child who doesn't receive enough attention from their parent may feel neglected.
      By: flairimages
      A child who doesn't receive enough attention from their parent may feel neglected.
    • Mandated reporters are required to speak up if they believe a child is being emotionally abused by a parent.
      By: stefanolunardi
      Mandated reporters are required to speak up if they believe a child is being emotionally abused by a parent.
    • Mandated reporters might take care of children who have been abandoned by their guardians.
      By: Rafael Ben-Ari
      Mandated reporters might take care of children who have been abandoned by their guardians.
    • Individuals who experienced child abuse as children may endure life-long depression.
      By: laviejasirena
      Individuals who experienced child abuse as children may endure life-long depression.
    • Neglect is a form of child abuse that must be reported.
      By: Bram J. Meijer
      Neglect is a form of child abuse that must be reported.