Mandated reporter

In the United States, a mandated reporter is a person who is legally required to report child abuse and neglect to Child Protective Services upon reasonable suspicion. Mandatory reporting laws generally apply to professionals who interact regularly with children (for example, teachers and pediatricians) while in some states, all adults are mandated to report regardless of employment. If a mandated reporter fails to report, they can be subject to civil penalty, criminal prosecution, or both.

In some states, mandatory reporting laws also extend to adults who passed the age of majority but are deemed vulnerable to abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation due to a disability, mental illness, or old age. Hence, it is not uncommon for nursing homes or group homes staff to also be mandated to report to Adult Protective Services.^[1][2]