Preventative Awareness- Mandated Reporters

Under the current CT state laws there are over thirty professionals considered Mandated Reporters ( statute 17a-101). Unlike the general public, Mandated Reporters have an obligation to act if they have reasonable cause to suspect or believe a child under the age of 18 is placed at risk or harm of Child Abuse or Neglect. 

Child Abuse is any non-accidental physical injury or maltreatment, such as but not limited to, malnutrition,sexual molestation or exploitation, deprivation of necessities, emotional maltreatment or cruel punishment. Child Neglect is abandoning a child, denying proper care and attention, physically, emotionally or morally and or living under conditions, circumstances or associations injurious to well being. Mandated Reporters are obligated by law to comply with the above.

However, there are Mandated Reporters that fail to do so for many different reasons. Some may not want to deal with the extra work, others may fear repercussions from family or community, while others may just not be well informed. In any event,  a persons perception and judgement still weigh in to the decision. There is Immunity offered to people who report in good faith as well as ones who do not report. However, failure to report can result in fines up to 2,500.00.  

Mandated Reporters that do not report can also be sued for damages if failure to report caused injury to a child. Most Mandated Reporters are in professions that advocate for the well being of children. Some professions see first hand the consequences of child abuse and neglect. No child is immune to abuse or neglect. Mandated Reporting was put in to place to help keep our children safe. A Mandated Reporter reports. They provide information regarding their concerns only. The information is then passed to the proper authorities for review and action if needed.