Every professional who works with children in Massachusetts has a legal responsibility to keep them safe. Under Massachusetts law, certain professionals such as teachers, medical professionals, social workers, law enforcement officers, and many others must file a report if they have reasonable cause to suspect child abuse, neglect, trafficking, or exploitation. This is known as mandatory reporting, or 51A reporting.
The following guide for mandatory reporting in Massachusetts will help you understand who is a mandated reporter, how to make a report, and where to find resources and training.
Table of Contents
- Who Is a Mandated Reporter in Massachusetts?
- Quick Facts for Mandated Reporting in Massachusetts
- FAQs About Mandated Reporter Training in Massachusetts
- Protecting Children in Massachusetts
Who Is a Mandated Reporter in Massachusetts?
Any person in Massachusetts (MA) can report suspected child abuse or neglect to the Department of Children and Families (DCF). However, MA law designates certain professionals as mandated—required by law—to do so.
Massachusetts mandated reporters are generally people who come in contact with children as:
- Part of their employment
- Practice of their profession
These professionals include:
- Healthcare, mental health, social workers, and human services professionals
- Teachers, school personnel, daycare, and childcare workers
- Child welfare and resource/ service providers
- Law enforcement officers, emergency services, and animal control officers
- Foster parents
- Clergy
Are you a Massachusetts mandated reporter? This state-by-state mandated reporter resource will tell you.
Quick Facts for Mandated Reporting in Massachusetts
- What does a mandated reporter have to report?
- What information does a mandated reporter provide?
- Where do you make a mandatory report?
- What happens if you don’t report?
- What does a mandated reporter have to report?
MA mandated reporters are required by law to report child abuse and neglect, child trafficking, and sexual exploitation.
Mandated reporters are also required to report child deaths due to maltreatment to the district attorney and Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
The Massachusetts state law regarding mandated reporting is MGL c. 119 § 51A and reporting is often referred to as 51A reporting or filing a 51A.
Mandated reporters must file a 51A report when they are acting in their professional capacity and have reasonable cause to believe a child is being maltreated.
In Massachusetts, you must report if you have a collection of facts, observations, or knowledge that leads you to believe a child:
- has been abused or neglected
- is at substantial risk of being abused or neglected
- is, or is at substantial risk of becoming, a victim of human trafficking or commercial sexual exploitation
What Does a Mandated Reporter Have to Report?
If you are a mandated reporter, you will need to provide your name when you make a report. You may file a report anonymously if you are not a mandated reporter. Your report will also include your profession and contact information.
Your report will also include information about the child, alleged abuse or neglect, and any information about injuries.
Lastly, your report will include any additional information that DCF should know about the strengths or vulnerabilities of the child or family, or what DCF needs to consider when trying to safely contact the child or family.
Where do you make a mandatory report?
In Massachusetts, mandated reporters must make a phone report to DCF immediately, and file a DCF mandated reporter form (file a 51A) after 48 hours.
If the situation is urgent and there is an immediate safety threat, mandated reporters should also call local law enforcement.
What happens if you don’t report?
Massachusetts imposes penalties on mandated reporters that:
- Knowingly and willfully fail to report or
- Knowingly or willfully file a frivolous report of child abuse or neglect
Though rare, these penalties include fines and imprisonment. It is a crime to fail to file a report you know should be filed.
FAQs About Mandated Reporter Training in Massachusetts
In 2023, the OCA created both a mandated reporter general training relevant to all mandated reporters in the Commonwealth and an educator-specific module that delves into the issues particularly relevant to Massachusetts’ K-12 educators.
Access the Massachusetts Mandated Reporter Training
Is training required for mandated reporters in MA?
Mandated reporters who are licensed by the Commonwealth are required to complete training on recognizing and reporting suspected child abuse or neglect, per Title XV11, Chapter 119, Section 51(A) of the General Laws.
Do employers provide training in MA?
Nowhere in the Massachusetts law are employers required to provide training for mandated reporters within their organization. However, MA organizations may provide Massachusetts Mandated Reporter Training to their employees, administrators, and volunteers.
How long is training good for?
Training is renewed annually for Massachusetts professionals licensed by the Commonwealth.
Can you train online?
The Massachusetts Mandated Reporter Training is an online training that is available online and on-demand. Professionals required to report in MA can take the online training when it is convenient for their schedules. After completing their training, mandated reporters receive a verifiable certificate of completion proving they have met their training requirements.
Protecting Children in Massachusetts
Mandatory reporting in Massachusetts is more than a legal requirement for some professionals. It can help safeguard vulnerable children against intentional or serious risk of harm. You don’t have to be a legally mandated reporter to report abuse to DCF and file a 51A report.
By understanding the process and requirements for mandated reporting, you can take steps to protect the children in your care and community.
