Mandated Reporters

You should always talk to the child’s parent or guardian before making a report of suspected child abuse or neglect.
1. True
2. False
This decision requires judgment. There are times when telling the parents might endanger the child, and other times when telling them will help you build trust with them. Talk to your local county social service agency if you are unsure.
If the child is in immediate danger, you should file your report quickly and then call 911.
1. True
2. False
If the child is in immediate danger, call 911 right away. You can report the abuse after the child is safe.
Mandated reporters file their reports with the State’s Attorney.
1. True
2. False
File your report with the county social services agency where the child is.
It’s helpful to attach documentation to your report.
1. True
2. False
The more documentation you provide, the better the social service agency will be able to help the child and family.
There is a law allowing you to report a pregnant woman who is harming her unborn child by using drugs or abusing alcohol.
1. True
2. False
If you suspect that a pregnant woman has abused alcohol, used illegal drugs, or misused legal drugs that may harm her unborn child, you should talk to her. If she voluntarily agrees to enter treatment in a licensed treatment program, no report is necessary. If she doesn’t agree to enter treatment, or drops out of treatment, you should report it.
You can report past abuse or neglect if the child is still under age 18.
1. True
2. False
You can report abuse or neglect that happened many years in the past, as long as the abused child is still under age 18.
A child can be interviewed at school without the consent of his or her parent or guardian.
1. True
2. False
The law says a child may be interviewed without the consent of a parent and that the interview can take place at a school, childcare facility, or any other place where the alleged abused or neglected child or other child is found.
Mandated reporters are legally liable for any damages resulting from their report.
1. True
2. False
If you make a report in good faith, you cannot be held liable for damages or face any criminal penalty for making a report.
It’s against the law for a mandated reporter to not report suspected abuse or neglect.
1. True
2. False
It is a Class B misdemeanor when a mandated reporter chooses not to report suspected abuse.
Mandated reporters have met the legal reporting requirement if they tell their supervisor about the suspected abuse or neglect.
1. True
2. False
In order to fulfill the legal mandate, reports must go directly to the county social services agency.

Other Tests

Interactive Training

Reporting