Mandated Reporter Lesson

Learning Targets:

In this lesson students will learn:

1. What constitutes child abuse and neglect.

2. What a mandated reporter is and their role in protecting minors.

3. Who is a mandated reporter.

Introduction

Teachers, like many other adults who care for or work with minors, are mandated reporters. A mandated reporter is any adult who works with minors and is required by law to report any suspected cases of child abuse or neglect. So what constitutes child abuse and neglect? And what are your teachers' responsibilities to protect you as a mandated reporter?

Though everyone should report child abuse, a number of professionals must report abuse or be held liable by law. The specific positions are listed in California Penal Code section 11165.7. Professions include but are not limited to:

A teacher
An instructional aide
A teacher’s aide or assistant at public or private school
An employee of public school
An administrative officer or supervisor of child welfare and attendance of any school
An administrator of day camp, public or private
An administrator or employee of a public or private youth center, youth recreation program, or youth organization
An administrator or employee of any organization whose duties require direct contact and supervision of children
Any employee of the state or county education system whose duties bring them into contact with children on a regular basis
A licensee, administrator, or employee of a licensed community care or child day care facility
A Head Start program teacher
A licensing worker or licensing evaluator
A public assistance worker
An employee of a child care institution including foster parents, group home personnel, and personnel of residential care facilities
A social worker, probation officer, or parole officer
An employee of a school district police or security department
Any person who works in a child abuse prevention program in any school
A district attorney investigator, inspector, or local child support agency caseworker
A peace officer
A firefighter (except volunteers)
A physician, surgeon, psychiatrist, psychologist, dentist, resident, intern, podiatrist, chiropractor, licensed nurse, dental hygienist, optometrist, marriage, family and child counselor, clinical social worker
Any EMT, paramedic, or other certified person
A psychological assistant
A marriage, family, and child therapist trainee
An unlicensed marriage, family, and child therapist intern
A state or county public health employee
A coroner
A medical examiner or anyone who performs autopsies
A commercial film and photo processor
A child visitation monitor
An animal control officer or humane society officer
A clergy member or religious practitioner
A custodian of records of a clergy member
Any employee of any police department, county sheriff’s department, county probation department, or county welfare department
An employee or volunteer of a Court Appointed Special Advocate program
An alcohol or drug counselor

Activities

In this first short video, we will look at the definition and examples of child abuse and neglect:

What are Child Abuse and Neglect?

In this second short video, we will look at what it means to be a mandated reporter:

What is a Mandated Reporter?

Discussion

With a partner or in small groups, discuss the following:

1. What sort of behaviors can be defined as child abuse or neglect?

2. Who is responsible for reporting suspected child abuse or neglect? Why?

3. What type of penalties can mandated reporters face for failing to report suspected child abuse or neglect?

4. What can or should students do if they are experiencing abuse or neglect, or if they suspect a classmate or friend is experiencing abuse or neglect?

Closure

Child abuse and neglect is a serious matter and as educators it is our responsibility to ensure your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Knowing that your school counselors, teachers and principals are mandated reporters doesn't mean that you should hide or withhold information you may have about abuse or neglect. In fact, we encourage you to report any information you may have so that your school community can help support you. We are always here for you!