Mandated reporters, such as teachers, healthcare workers, and social workers, are required by law to report any suspicions of child abuse. If a child discloses abuse to a mandated reporter, the reporter should listen without making promises, tell the child they believe them and it is not their fault, and promptly file a report. Signs that could indicate a child was abused include increased nightmares, withdrawn behavior, anger issues, anxiety, depression, reluctance to be alone with certain individuals, and age-inappropriate sexual knowledge or behaviors. Mandated reporters must act to protect children and stop any ongoing abuse.
3. Do I have your attention?
Would you report?
Are you mandated to report?
4. Who are Mandated Reporters?
• Social workers
• Teachers, principals, and other school personnel
• Physicians, nurses, and other health-care workers
• Counselors, therapists, and other mental health professionals
• Child care providers
• Medical examiners or coroners
• Law enforcement officers
5.
6. What if a child disclosed to you……
• Listen carefully to what the child is saying
• Tell the child you believe him/her
• Tell the child the abuse was not his/her fault
• Let the child know you will make a report to stop the
abuse
• Do not make promises you cannot keep, such as
promising that you will not tell anyone
• Only ask direct questions to the child
7. Can you tell if a child has been abused?
• An increase in nightmares and/or sleeping
difficulties
• Withdrawn behavior
• Angry outbursts
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Not wanting to be left alone with a particular
individual(s)
• Sexual knowledge, language, and/or behaviors that
are inappropriate for the child’s age
