A mandated reporter is someone who, because of their profession, is required by law to report suspected abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities. Almost every state defines mandated reporters based on their profession, which often includes:
- Social workers
- Teachers and other school personnel
- Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers
- Counselors and all other mental health professionals
- Childcare and daycare providers,
- Medical examiners or coroners
- Law enforcement officers
Each of these is a professional with frequent contact or involvement with children, elderly or dependent adults, or victims of domestic violence.
Other states have broader requirements, adding professions such as commercial film developers, computer techs, substance abuse counselors, probation and parole officers, ombudsman, elder care professionals, and volunteers at youth-serving organizations.
Animal control and humane officers are also required to report in some states. More than half the states designate clergy as mandatory reporters, along with faculty and staff at institutions of higher learning institutions.
Mandated Reporter Training
Every state offers some form of mandatory reporter training, although not every state requires it of their reporters.
In some states, certain employers are required to provide mandatory reporting training.
- All companies that employ a mandatory reporter in Michigan must provide training.
- California requires training for some mandated reporters, but not all.
- All mandatory reporters in Illinois are required to get their own training.
Does Mandated Reporter Training Expire Every Year?
Mandated reporter training is generally good for a specified period. That period can vary depending on your state.
For example:
- California requires that mandated reporters renew their training every two years.
- Teachers and school professionals in CA must renew annually.
- Pennsylvania requires updated training every five years.
- Illinois requires updated training every six years.
- New York does not require training renewal.
Where Can I Get Mandated Reporter Training?
Mandated reporters and their employers can find profession-specific training courses at the Mandated Reporter Training platform.
Mandated Reporter Training offers online, on-demand courses that are convenient for learners. After completing a course and passing an exam, learners can download a verifiable certificate of completion that proves they’ve met their training requirements. Start training.
Employers and organizations that have requirements to train employees, administrators, or volunteers can use the Mandated Reporter Training platform to manage their entire training program.
With an organization account, employers can invite learners to train, assign profession-specific courses, track completion, access reports, and issue certificates. In addition to training for mandated reporters, organizations can assign other required employer training, such as harassment prevention training. Launch your training program.
