Every DHS investigation starts with a report of a child being abused or neglected in some way. Where do these reports come from? Some calls to DHS are made by concerned family members, friends, or neighbors of the child who believe there is something wrong happening in the child’s life. Many of the calls, however, originate from what are called mandatory reporters.
Who are Mandatory Reporters?
Mandatory reporters are people who are required by law to report suspected child abuse or neglect. Generally it is the person’s profession that makes them a mandatory reporter. Examples of mandatory reporters are lawyers, doctors and other health care professionals, teachers, licensed child care providers, DHS employees, some public employees, foster care providers, and law enforcement. Mandatory reports are those who either frequently come into contact with children or who are held to a high standard due to their unique profession.
When must Mandatory Reporters make a Report?
Most of the laws that require mandatory reporting are unique based on who the reporter is. Generally the rules are based on the specific profession. Overall, the common link is that a mandatory reporter must report suspected child abuse or neglect any time they believe that it is or has occurred, whether or not they form this belief while engaged in their profession. This can occasionally lead to some difficult situations for mandatory reporters who form a suspicion regarding child abuse in their personal lives, such as with a family member, but are still required to report it in order to fulfill the requirements to keep their professional license.
What happens if the Mandatory Reporter doesn’t make a Report?
A recent article in the Oregonian highlights the negative consequences of failing to make a mandatory report. Not only can the person potentially lose his or her professional license, but they can be held liable if the failure to report leads to further abuse or neglect for a child. The mandatory reporter laws were developed in order to protect children, so the laws are generally written to encourage mandatory reporters to make a call to DHS anytime they have a suspicion that a child may be in danger. If you become the subject of a DHS investigation based on a mandatory reporter’s call, it may lead nowhere or it may lead to your children being removed from your home. If DHS contacts you, call an experienced juvenile law attorney to discuss your case.