There is a long list of professionals who are designated as mandated reporters in the United States and other countries. Anyone in charge of, or in contact with, a person or group who is at risk of being abused, neglected, or otherwise mistreated has a responsibility to report certain actions to the appropriate authorities. Schoolteachers, childcare workers, physicians, and nursing home employees are just a few examples of mandated reporters. Even those who are not direct caregivers, such as attorneys and paralegals, as well as clergy members and others who work in their local communities, are frequently required to report. Many places imply that everyone is a mandatory reporter, whereas others have specific legal obligations and can be held criminally or civilly liable if they fail to meet those obligations.
Vulnerable people are subjected to a variety of forms of abuse. Mistreatment can take the form of physical, verbal, emotional, sexual, or financial abuse. Children, the elderly, and those who are physically or mentally disabled are among the groups most commonly impacted by various forms of abuse. Although the abuse or neglect may be obvious, it is often difficult to detect or cleverly masked by the abuser.
Mandatory reporters’ responsibilities may vary by state or region. Given the nature of one’s profession, the obligation to report may be implied. The mandated reporter’s responsibilities, on the other hand, are usually clearly stated in his or her job description. Depending on one’s profession, training in methods for detecting and reporting abuse, mistreatment, and neglect is frequently provided. A formal written statement is usually submitted to the appropriate government agency or law enforcement officials in cases where abuse is suspected or confirmed.
The majority of people who work with kids are presumed to be mandated reporters. Because minor children lack the capacity or legal standing to advocate for themselves, mandated reporters are required to act on their behalf. Administrators, guidance counselors, nurses, social workers, and coaches who work in a school or childcare setting have a responsibility to report abuse. They are expected to look for both physical and non-physical signs of mistreatment and neglect. In general, anyone who suspects a child is in immediate danger should contact law enforcement right away.
Many elderly people are in the same situation as children, depending on their overall physical and mental health. They are frequently cared for by other adults, who may exploit their vulnerabilities. As a result, mandated reporters include employees of senior citizen care facilities. Seniors are particularly vulnerable to financial abuse, in addition to physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. Mandated reporters, on the other hand, may have a hard time proving this type of exploitation.
Individuals who are mentally and physically disabled — or who are otherwise marginalized — are vulnerable to the types of abuse described above, regardless of their age. Mandatory reporters who fail to report abuse, neglect, or mistreatment may face civil and criminal penalties. Some crimes are considered more serious than others, and the distinction between misdemeanors and felonies is usually decided by individual states or territories. In the most serious cases, failing to report can result in jail time and fines for criminal acts, as well as the payment of damages in civil cases.