Mandated Reporters

There needs to be more training for mandated reporters.  It seems a far too frequent occurrence to hear a client say their child disclosed abuse to so and so and no report is every made.  If a doctor, nurse, school professional, therapist, etc. hears a disclosure of child abuse, witnesses child abuse, or witnesses signs of abuse (such as bruises in places kids don't normally get bruises), he or she is required by law to make a report to social services.

When I was a teacher, there was very limited training regarding this.  It was very briefly mentioned in one of my classes in college.  And I think it wasn't until half way through my second year of teaching that the school district mentioned it during an in service day.  Why aren't these individuals getting the training and support so that child abuse can be responded to as early as possible?