Reporting: Recognizing Signs of Abuse
Effective reporting structures rely on staff and volunteers’ recognition of signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect. The Youth-Serving…
Who Are Mandated Reporters?
Who Are Mandated Reporters?
Massachusetts law defines a number of professionals as mandated reporters (for the full list, see MGL Chapter 119, Section 51A).
A Sampling of Massachusetts Mandated Reporters*
*As of Jan 1, 2020
Note that the list of mandated reporters above identifies professionals and other paid staff employed by certain organizations in a variety of roles. However, there is nothing in the law that prevents anyone from making a report. So even if you don’t employ mandated reporters, your policies and procedures should acknowledge the role of statutorily mandated reporters as a model for all staff and volunteers to follow. You should also convey the expectation that all staff and volunteers who interact directly with children/youth are required to report any suspected child abuse or neglect, or any situations involving inappropriate activity with a child/youth, and will be trained in the procedures to do so. You’ll find more details on training structures and programs in Training.
It’s also recommended that your Code of Conduct includes the requirement for all staff and volunteers to follow the reporting laws of the Commonwealth and the organization, and that their signature acknowledges that they understand the penalties if they fail to do so—up to and including dismissal. Non-mandated reporters are protected by law in the same way as mandated reporters.
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