How to Be a Court Mandated Reporter
In the state of Massachusetts, people of certain professions are required by law to report child abuse or neglect with the Massachusetts Department of Social Services (DSS). Those people in the designated professions are referred to as court mandated reporters. According to Mass. Gen. L. c. 119, § 51A, court mandated reporters are required to file a report with DSS if they have reasonable cause to believe that a child under the age of 18 is suffering physical or emotional injury resulting from abuse inflicted upon him which causes harm or substantial risk of harm to the child's health or welfare including sexual abuse, or from neglect, including malnutrition. The failure to report abuse or the filing of a frivolous report can be punishable by fine. Court mandated reporters are protected from liability or discrimination under the law.
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Instructions
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Secure a job within a school. Teachers and others who work within school systems are court mandated reporters and required to report abuse based on reasonable cause.
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Join a branch of law enforcement. Law enforcement officers and fire fighters are considered court mandated reporters.
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Work as a childcare provider. Childcare providers including nannies, daycare workers and preschool teachers are classified as court mandated reporters.
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Work as a healthcare provider. Doctors, technicians, nurses, medical examiners, coroners, mental health workers and other health care professionals are considered court mandated reporters under Massachusetts law.
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Choose becoming a member of the clergy or pastorate as a profession to become a court mandated reporter. Priests, pastors and other acting in the pastoral role are considered court mandated reporters under Massachusetts law.
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Tips & Warnings
If you suspect abuse call the Massachusetts Department of Social Service's Child-at-Risk Hotline at 800-792-5200
The failure to report suspected abuse is punishable by law.
