Mandated Reporter

A mandated reporter is an individual with a professional responsibility to safeguard at-risk children and adults by reporting suspected cases of abuse, neglect, or maltreatment. This professional responsibility is both legal and ethical. Mandated reporters are professionals who are more likely to be aware of abuse, neglect, or maltreatment because of the nature of their work. For example, mandated reporters often work in health care facilities, schools, social service agencies, mental health clinics, residential treatment facilities, law enforcement, or nursing homes. Thus, the work of a mandated reporter usually involves support and services to at-risk populations, such as infants and children, as well as individuals who are elderly, dependent, developmentally delayed, cognitively delayed, or mentally ill. Therefore, mandated reporters must report abuse, neglect, or maltreatment ...