What is a mandated reporter?
New York State and the New York State Child Protective System recognize certain professionals as holding the important role of mandated reporter of child abuse or maltreatment. These professionals can be held liable by both the civil and criminal legal systems for intentionally failing to make a report. Professions include: • Social Worker • Licensed Creative Arts Therapist • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist • Licensed Mental Health Counselor • Licensed Psychoanalyst • Physician • Surgeon • Dentist • Dental Hygienist • Chiropractor • Podiatrist • Medical Examiner • Coroner • Osteopath • Optometrist • Resident • Intern • Registered Nurse • Registered Physician’s Assistant • Psychologist • Mental Health Professional • Substance Abuse Counselor • Alcoholism Counselor • Peace Officer • District Attorney, or Assistant District Attorney • Police Officer • Investigator employed in the Office of the District Attorney or other law enforcement official • School Official • Social Services W
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
The Michigan Child Protection Law requires certain professionals to report their suspicions of child abuse or neglect to Children’s Protective Services (CPS) at the Department of Human Services (DHS). These people are mandated reporters and have established relationships with children based on their profession. Mandated reporters include: • Physicians. • Dentists. • Physician’s assistants. • Registered dental hygienists. • Medical examiners. • Nurses. • Licensed emergency medical care providers. • Audiologists. • Psychologists. • Marriage and family therapists. • Licensed professional counselors. • Social workers. • Licensed master’s social workers. • Licensed bachelor’s social workers. • Registered social service technicians. • Social service technicians. • Persons employed in a professional capacity in any office of the Friend of the Court. • School administrators. • School counselors. • Teachers. • Law enforcement officers. • Members of the clergy. • Regulated child care providers.
