If you are a Mandated Reporter in Massachusetts what do I need to do under the Law?

A Massachusetts law does require if you need to make an oral report to DCF if in your professional capacity you have a reasonable cause to believe that a child under the age of 18 is suffering from abuse or neglect and an original report is supposed to be submitted within 48 hours.

In addition, to filing with DCF a Mandated Reporter is also having to report a death as the result of abuse or neglect to the local DA’s office and to the office of the medical examiner.  Mandated reporters who are staff members of public or private institutions or medical institutions, schools or facilities must notify DCF directly or notify the person in charge of the institution at the school or facility who then would become responsible for filing the report.

Should the person in charge advise against the filing, the staff member still retains the right to contact DCF directly and notify the police or the office of child advocate.