Mandated Reporting
When you facilitate Honest, Open Proud - High School, you are a mandated reporter. Let the
school or agency in which you are conducting the sessions know that you are a mandated
reporter and ask about their mandated reporting status and policies. Also ask what roles in
the organization are not mandated reporters. Reports of alleged child abuse or neglect
should be made to the county where the child or the child’s family resides. Contact the
county department of social/human services. Reports can also be made to local law
enforcement offices.
It is important to immediately let the youth know that you are a mandated reporter in
order to build and maintain their trust. If youth seek someone to talk to who is not a
mandated reporter, be prepared to share examples of roles or actual names that the agency
gives you. Suggest that youth ask the person before disclosing anything that they do not
want reported.
Below is a sample statement to youth to be made in the first session during the setting of
ground rules and again at the beginning of Session 4:
Before we get started, I want to let you all know that I am a mandated reporter. Some of you
may know what this means, and it might be new for others, so I’ll just spend a minute or two
to review it for everyone. As a mandated reporter, I am responsible for helping to keep young
people safe. Because I care about all of you, if I hear anything that would lead me to believe
that you or any children who are not here today might be at risk of being hurt by themselves
or by someone else, I would report that to people in the community who could help to keep us
all safe and healthy. Does anyone have any questions about this? If so, feel free to stop me at
any time during this group, or find me during one of the breaks, and I’d be happy to clear up
any questions you have.
Websites that facilitators may find helpful to better understand mandated reporting
include:
http://www.dcf.wisconsin.gov/children/CPS/progserv/manrpts.HTM
http://sspw.dpi.wi.gov/sspw_can